Planet 9

astoddard · #1 07-05-2009, 08:54 AM

I know everyone has different standards for how far they run tires down, but I am wondering if these will at least last me throught my next weekend out. Any thoughts from people who have used up NT-01s before? I have gotten 12 days out of these and am pleased with the wear so far.

TonyB · #2 07-05-2009, 09:41 AM

I run them until I can see cord. They are 'best' when only the the center grooves are visible (re slick!). I would think that you have at least 4 more days unless you have heat cycled them to death.

Update: the NT01s on the left are well worn but still not corded.

Mr_Brown · #3 07-05-2009, 12:21 PM

Swap sides and I'd say you should get one more weekend. I also run them until I see cord.

**KS-CS** · #4 07-05-2009, 10:26 PM

Agree with those above - I flipped mine inside-out on the rims when they looked like yours, and ditched them when the wear-indicator pits were no longer visible. I can see that your wear-indicator pits are still pretty deep (probably still at least 1/16"+ of usable tread) so they should be good for at least 1 week-end, if not more.

My Data Point - YMMV . . .

FT · #5 07-05-2009, 10:35 PM

Have you all been satisfied with the Nittos, can you compare them to R888s?

I have R888s right now, nearing their end of life, Nitto's are cheaper and I am thinking of trying them; any insight would be helpful.

Thanks,

**KS-CS** · #6 07-05-2009, 10:49 PM

Originally Posted by FT

Have you all been satisfied with the Nittos, can you compare them to R888s?

I have R888s right now, nearing their end of life, Nitto's are cheaper and I am thinking of trying them; any insight would be helpful. . .

I can't provide any personal experience in comparing them, but from what I've read, the NT01s and R888s are pretty similar in tire compound and construction, so I don't think there is much of a difference in them.

I thought my NT01s were great (but it was my first experience with R-comps) - FWIW, I have never seen any unfavorable comments or reviews of the NT01s. The only problem with them, as with the R888s, is that they don't come in the stock Cayman rear size.

My 2 cents . . .

Mr_Brown · #7 07-06-2009, 07:38 AM

Originally Posted by FT

Have you all been satisfied with the Nittos, can you compare them to R888s?

I have R888s right now, nearing their end of life, Nitto's are cheaper and I am thinking of trying them; any insight would be helpful.

Thanks,

I've run both and I prefer the Nitto's for two reasons - 1) cheaper and 2) quieter on the drive to the track. Performance on track is pretty similar and I believe the compounds are the same. But the R888s wear differently, leaving a larger strip of rubber at the back of each groove. This wear pattern makes them really noisy. YMMV

**jurnes** · #8 07-06-2009, 11:18 PM

Very timely posting! I am switching from PS2's (stock sizes) to R compounds. Considering both R888 and Nt-01s.

I have heard from a friend that races a spec boxster, that the r888s heat cycle out on their car after about 20 sessions. I have read that the NT-01s can be driven to the cords.

A couple of questions:

1. Where is the best place to buy the NT01s?

2. Where is the best place to by R888s?

3. Where do the Toyo Ra1's fit in this mix?

Thanks

Mr_Brown · #9 07-07-2009, 07:45 AM

Originally Posted by jurnes

1. Where is the best place to buy the NT01s?

2. Where is the best place to by R888s?

3. Where do the Toyo Ra1's fit in this mix?

1. tires.com (Discount Tire Direct)
2. I used tiresdirect.net
3. I believe that R888 is replacement for RA1. I'm sure someone will jump in if I'm wrong.

**consolidated** · #10 07-07-2009, 10:35 AM

Those Nittos are just now in their sweet spot, I'd run them for another weekend without hesitation.

**jurnes** · #11 07-07-2009, 11:02 AM

how many 5 session track days can I expect to get out of the NT-01s?

Thanks

**L8Apx** · #12 07-07-2009, 08:49 PM

I talked to a Toyo rep at Porsche Parade last week about the R888 vs NT01 question. (For those not familiar, Nitto is a Toyo owned brand.) He confirmed reports that the R888 is more sensitive to pressures and alignment and requires more testing & tuning to find the sweet spot. When I mentioned how much I had liked the prior RA1's he told me that Toyo reversed their earlier decision to discontinue the RA1 and that they are still being made. However, he said that production capacity was not at the prior levels and supplies are quite limited.

Doug

FT · #13 07-07-2009, 11:23 PM

Thank you for the feedback and comparison. I do find the R888s quite sensitve to pressures, which I like actually as it allows me to change the attitude of the car according to the environment.

Size has been an issue with all of the r-comps. I like using 255/35s in the front and have used 305/35s in the rear. But that setup creates too much understeer. I think I will go with a 245/40 and 275/40 setup, but haven't made up my mind just yet.

Mr_Brown · #14 07-08-2009, 08:31 AM

Originally Posted by jurnes

how many 5 session track days can I expect to get out of the NT-01s?

Thanks

This is highly dependent upon alignment and driving style. If you don't have adjustable arms or camber plates and you drive hard, then you might get only ~6 days before you see cord in outer edges of front tire. With camber plates or adj arms, front camber at around -2.5, and not pushing too hard, you could get 14 days or more as is the case with OP. Camber makes a big difference in tire wear on track, so camber plates or adj arms will pay for themselves very quickly.

**jurnes** · #15 07-13-2009, 08:05 AM

Thanks for your input. I have ordered 996 GT3 LCA's for the front and rear. Sharkwerks will install them and their rear trailing link rods before we track the Boxster at Laguna Seca the day after the Monterey Historics (Coastal Driving School).

By that date we will running with the following mods:

NT-01s 235/40/18 and 275/40/18, GT3sport driver seat, Schoth GT3 comp harness, Sharkwerks IPD intake/DME flash, Pagid RS29 yellow pads, Motul 600 RBF brake fluid

Suspension work by Roger Krause Racing, Castro Valley, CA

Mr_Brown · #16 07-13-2009, 11:07 AM

Originally Posted by jurnes

Thanks for your input. I have ordered 996 GT3 LCA's for the front and rear. Sharkwerks will install them and their rear trailing link rods before we track the Boxster at Laguna Seca the day after the Monterey Historics (Coastal Driving School).

By that date we will running with the following mods:

NT-01s 235/40/18 and 275/40/18, GT3sport driver seat, Schoth GT3 comp harness, Sharkwerks IPD intake/DME flash, Pagid RS29 yellow pads, Motul 600 RBF brake fluid

Suspension work by Roger Krause Racing, Castro Valley, CA

Just my opinion, but I'm not sure the adjustable LCAs are necessary in the rear unless you're building a dedicated track car. Definitely needed in front but you can get at least -2.0 in rear without them.

**Craig@Rennstore.com** · #17 07-15-2009, 11:37 AM

1 weekend for 2 of those 4 - the others 2 weekends