I am currently running Dunlop Direzza Z1 Star Specs 215 45 17s. I am interested in changing to the Nitto NT-01 in the same size. Anyone have experience with the Nittos? How do they compare with the Dunlops?

 

Not really in same class, kinda like comparing Extreme Summer to All-Season. NT01s will have more grip than Star Spec, but NT01s are R-compound tire meant for track use, not street use, although it is legal. R-compound will usually only last several thousand miles, are horrible in rain, horrible in 50 degree climate and below, horrible until heated to proper track temps. Suggest a second set of light wheels to mount R-comps (ie: NT01, R888, A048, RA-1 all DOT approved R--comps) for track days and keep the Star Specs for the street. I got the Toyo R888 gonna try them on Aug 22-23. But if you got cash growing on trees in your backyard you can run them, bunch of guys on Lotus Talk run them all year, I'm sure they are in California, I hope

 

I am looking for track tires so that is why I am considering the Nittos. I have run thru two sets of Dunlops already and they do not last long (about 5-6K). I currently use the Dunlops on the track and for daily driving which is a plus. However, the Dunlops seem to lose traction when they are too hot and they tend to chunk badly after a few heat cycles.

I just want to see what people think about the NT-01s or any other r-comps before deciding what to do.

Thanks for any help.

 

I love the Nitto's, but I run a 225/45/15. Couldn't be happier with them as a dedicated track tire though--once warmed up, they're very sticky. Takes a few laps, but once warm, for the price, they're tough to beat.

Nitto's are the exact same compound as the R888's, the rubber is the same.

 

Slinger
My bad yo, thought you wanted street tires.

cct1
I just read this in a old ssca forum, I did not know that Toyo is the parent company of Nitto. And also Miata and E30 Specs petitioned sanctioning bodies to allow them to run their older and discontinued RA-1 cause they last longer, thus Toyo continued production.

 

Howsoon, any and all help is greatly appreciated.