Ive driven mainly on the NT01s this year but was able to try out a set of the R888 on a friends RWD car. It wasn't an apples to apples comparison but they do not grease up like your internet rumors claim.

The R888 and NT01 are supposed to have the same compound and have the same or similarly stiffer sidewalls compared to the RA1. I say go for it if you can save a point.

The question remains though, what can you spend that point to make your car go faster besides a wider tire? A 275 NT01 is definitely wider than its 265 R888 cousin.
comparison of overall width
275
10.94 inch

265
10.78 inch

http://www.nittotire.com/#index%2Etire%2Ent01%2Esizes
http://www.toyo.co.uk/productdetail....&product_id=18

Ok so less than .2 inches doesn't sound a lot but it should translate to higher overall grip on a properly setup suspension.

 

However, i wouldn't buy a thing yet. They haven't set the 08 rules, and greg is talking of adding +2 to the nt01's.

we have an event in less than a month, and no rules to setup the car by. And most people are going to spend christmas, setting a car up for an event a week later.

 

Ok thats good to hear, Ive heard that the greasy thing was more of a rumor anyways. I know the size loss is major, but with the expected +7 for NT-01, the total 3 point subtraction with the 265 R888s might be worth while, Im already pretty close to 39 as is. I guess we'll just have to wait for the 2008 rules to confirm everything.

That sucks so much that you are having to set the car up with NO rules to go by. I know most of the changes wont be too huge, but not knowing sucks. I WOULD plan on the NT-01s being a +7 tire though, Ive had three emails with Greg this week and in two he said to plan on it, also seen it on the NASA forums a little bit...

 

I know you guys are talking about 18's, but I was looking at the 17" information since this is the first I've seen on the R888.

R888 235-17 - 9.57

R888 255-17 - 10.44
NTO1 255-17 - 10.35
RA1 255-17 - 10.20

 

IMO: RA1 and NT01 offer about the same performance. The RA1 has a little more 'tread squirm', moves around a little more, and has a smoother breakaway than the NT01, but i'd put them in the same class. I'd then put the R888 a hair above (not a lot) but definately a slight bit above the RA1 and NT01. The R888 has more peak grip than the RA1, but acts more like a true slick. It's break away is more abrupt (similarly to the NT01) but to a slightly greater extent.

I was happy with the R888s...

$0.02

 

Visit Toyo.com for sizing info on the R888's and finding a dealer in your area. Also visit Vilven Tire. He's the SWC, NASA, and SCCA supplier for Toyo.

 

Thanks!

I sent off emails to Vilven and edgeracing for pricing on the R888's in 255/40-17 fitment as that's what I'm looking to run. I'll let everyone know what I find out.

Anyone know the tread depth on the R888's? Are they 6/32" then? I'm shopping these against the RA1 and NT01 like a lotta people probably are.

 

Where I got mine:

http://www.aimtire.com/typ_category....&ObjectID=6650

Tried them on a hpde and they were very consistant. Grassroots did a comparo nt01's were faster