Is this true? Toyo/ Nitto

[agrabau]

I read this on 6speedonline.

I'm trying to choose tires for next year.


"Both have the same compound and construction since Nitto is manufactured by Toyo. The only difference is the thread pattern/design.

Toyo T1R = Nitto NT555
Toyo RA1 = Nitto NT555R
Toyo R888 = Nitto NT01"

[agrabau]

I should add that as a result of some investigation that comparing OD from one to another on the size/spec form they vary slightly. This could be simply because they are measuring differently.

[WillM]

Hey Alex,

I believe that the Toyo RA-1 and NT-01 are the same compound. That, at least, has been the internet rumor for a while. Tread pattern is the same. The RA-1 tread-depth is 8/32's, NT01 6/32. I always ran my RA-1's shaved to 4-5/32's. If you can run the NT01 unshaved, that is a win. I did not like running the RA-1s full-tread in dry conditions.

I have no idea about any of those other tires, but believe the "rumors" about the RA-1 and NT01. Toyo does own Nitto.

[agrabau]

Thanks Will. It's one of those or A6 but the hoosier is a little mis-sized for my car.. and a set is a lot more money.. like 400 bucks more for some reason.

[Mick]

Yup NT-01 = RA1. (I think the RA1 is now called the RA-01)

I've had a couple of sets of NT-01, they last and grip exactly like an RA1. Not the fastest tire but they're great for practice. They last forever and stay very consistent from full tread to the cords. I prefer the Nitto because they don't need to be shaved and feel much better than full tread RA-01s due to the large tread blocks and (from what I've been told) better sidewall construction.

The R888 is a much-much softer tire than the NT-01, so if you're comparing the A6 you want to look at the R888. Joe Lu ran the R888 and didn't have much luck with them. He said they overheated and got greasy quickly when he pushed the car and didn't last very long.

Why are you looking at the A6? You looking for 1-2 fast laps, or did you mean R6?

Have you considered the V710? That's all I run now. I'll take a V710 over a Hoosier R6 any day.

[Dave_G]

I believe that the Toyo RA-1 and NT-01 are the same compound. That, at least, has been the internet rumor for a while. Tread pattern is the same.

I've also always heard that the RA-1 and NT-01 are the same compound. The reports that I've heard from people who have tried both are that they are very similar in feel. Some people have reported a very slight edge in speed going to the Nitto. Part of that might be down to the tread pattern, which are in fact very different. The Nitto has larger tread blocks that supposedly don't need to be shaved. I was all set to buy my first set for this summer when I got a good deal on some RA-1s, so I guess I won't know the difference first-hand until next year.

I will also add that I thought the R888 was supposed to have the same compound as the RA-1. I had a set last year, and I liked them, but not as much as the RA-1. They were fine when new but wore out faster than the RA-1s, and fell off rapidly toward the end of their life. The RA-1s just go forever. When unshaved, the RA-1 is also a better rain tire than the R888.

[agrabau]

Such difficult decisions! Mick, yes that was why I was looking at the A6. I don't do a lot of laps with the Evo anyway.. it would be just for the time trial. I'd be using the same race tires for hillclimbing where I think a quick-to-temp tire is imperative. The A6 in a 255/45/17 is a little tall and the 275/40/17 might be a little wide. That's the problem.

[paultg]

Go with taller and add boost.

[TroyV]

Nitto 555R=555RII=NT-01=RA1=R888

My understanding of it is that the parent company of Nitto is Toyo. The molds may vary in size, but that it is the same compound on all of them. Using a shore "A" durometer on brandy new tires yielded results all within 2 or 3 percentage points of each other. Additionally, in the Devens context, none of the tires are faster than the other. Some may have slightly better wet characteristics, some may be slightly better in the dry, but I'm sure that is probably due to tread pattern, and even then is probably well within an acceptable standard deviation to warrant they be equal.

IMO, V710's and/or A6's are WAY faster than any of the above....driver and car being equal of course.