I'm torn between getting in 255/40/17 either the Toyo RA1 or the Nitto NT-1. I've read reviews on both and seems like the basic difference b/w the two tires is:
1) Nitto is 6/32 vs 8/32 for RA1
2) Nitto has a stiffer side wall but the compound is the same

they both seem to last the same amount of time and ppl think that Nittos may have a better grip than the RA1s.

I was wondering if Nittos need to be heat cycled because RA1 apparantly don't. you can put 'em on new and go to the track. opinions/comments please. thanks

 

My nitto's are not heat cycled but are velcro. I haven't used an RA1 yet so I really cant compare but I love the nitto's

 

I would love a set of RA1s but it seems as if you are going to track them in dry you should shave them. They can be swapped to any position on the car, deal with huge heat and endless cycles and don't cost a ton.

I have been told that the Nittos are good to go out of the box but have not heard that they will stand up quite as well. You may get better grip however.

 

I used Kuhmo 710s and Toyo RA-1s. I'm assuming you're using them for track racing since the RA-1s aren't great for Autocross (unless you're lucky to have a large autox course). Couldn't tell you about the Nittos since I've switched to slicks but I'll tell you my opinion on the other two.

The Kuhmos got hot faster, and much stickier than the RA-1s, however, because they got so hot and sticky they also corded randomly and had other heat wear problems from hard track driving (hey, I drive an AWD grocery getter, gotta use the tires a little). The RA-1s certainly lasted longer and wore much better. So its a toss up between those two.

Or you could go crazy and get some slicks

 

One issue may be availability. I tried to order the 255/40-17 Nitto tires from Discount Tire Direct last week. The sales guy said that they weren't available yet. He said to phone back in a few weeks.

Do you know of a seller that has these tires in stock?

I've used the RA-1s in this size and really like them for HPDE use. They are also OK for autocross. I want to try the NT1s to see if the stiffer sidewalls make them a bit better for autocross.

 

I'd go with RA1s if I could find a way to shave them.

As it stands I think I may get some heat cycled Avon slicks from Tire Rack and call it a day. I would rather have something I could drive to and from on but its just too far to do that on anything that is stupid sticky.

 

call the Tire Rack in South Bend... tell the sales rep what you're gonna do with em, and they'll hook you up well. Or if you're lucky enough to live around here, stop by there... awesome service (except when you go in at noon on a saturday to pick up 1 tire, haha)

 

I'm struggling with the same question, RA1s or NT-01 ... I've heard the RA1 give back audio feed back via squeeling. Anyone know if the Nitto NT-01s do the same? That will be the deciding factor for me ...

 

I recently purchased Toyo RA-1 255/40/17 from Vilven Tire 800-251-0017 shaved to 4/32nds and shipped for $180 each, and they shipped fast.

 

wow...that's the best price i've seen so far. i might just go with that and have them shaved. Frisby has them too but they charge 15/tire to shave... i think so the cost will be close to 200/tire.

Also as someone else said, RA1s can be flipped and rotated. i don't think Nitto can...but could be wrong.

 

i driven/track with both. I like NT01 better than RA-1, but RA-1 last longer.

 

nittos can be flipped and rotated when they are shaved.

 

Bingo! thanks for the tip!

 

I just recieved a set of nitto nt-o1s in 255. Call discount tire direct and if they tell you they can't get them ask for someone else there. i did have to call them a few times and nitto to get it working but they are here!

 

nt01's are a hair faster imo... & im not sponsored by them anymore.. atleast not this month he he