Nitto NT-01 Break-in?

[Protocav]

About to start my first set of NT-01's, and was wondering if anyone has experience with them as far as break in? Will a 20 mile drive to the track be good enough, or do they really need to be scrubbed-in well?

Any info regarding these tires is helpful.

[CanAutM3]

The NT01 do not require any break-in or heat cycling.

If you go out for the first time on a brand new set, they will be little bit greasy for the first couple of laps. After that, the more you wear them down, the more they grip .

[Car54]

Broke a new set in at Daytona last weekend. Took about 1-2 laps and they were stick. They rose 11psi which surprised me...they were real squirmy in the braking zone when too high of pressure.

[paradocs98]

The first few laps on a new set can be pretty wiggly and uncomfortable, but then they do well. I'm well into my second set and really like them. Good grip, and good wear/longevity.

When they're new and have tread blocks, they are okay in the wet if necessary. When they've been worn down and are faster in dry conditions, they are NOT to be used in rain.

I typically start the day with them around 31psi, and the pressures will climb to the high 30s/low 40s after each session. I try to keep them around 39psi hot.

[arter]

the easiest way to set up Nt-01's is to drive them to the track or around town a little when fresh


Otherwise just take the first part of the first session easy

[Protocav]

Thanks guys. All very helpful information.

[GTM_Challenge]

You'll love the NT01s. First set of R Comps?

[admranger]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

The NT01 do not require any break-in or heat cycling.

If you go out for the first time on a brand new set, they will be little bit greasy for the first couple of laps. After that, the more you wear them down, the more they grip .

This.

Fastest lap should be the lap before they cord.

[Sleeper519]

Originally Posted by admranger

This.

Fastest lap should be the lap before they cord.

Do they ever heat cycle out before they cord?

I love mine, have 9 track days on them so far, still have the tread depth dimples visible but definitely wearing down here.

[sleepless]

Originally Posted by Sleeper519

Do they ever heat cycle out before they cord?

I love mine, have 9 track days on them so far, still have the tread depth dimples visible but definitely wearing down here.

They get grippier as they wear; no heat cycle issues.

[Protocav]

Originally Posted by GTM_Challenge

You'll love the NT01s. First set of R Comps?

Yes, I drove around with them tonight and could tell how sticky they are. I tried to upset the car on long sweeping freeway on ramps with a heavy right foot and it just stuck. I suspect that my wheel bearings are going to hate these tires.

Can't wait to get them to a DE.

[Car54]

Originally Posted by Sleeper519

Do they ever heat cycle out before they cord?

I love mine, have 9 track days on them so far, still have the tread depth dimples visible but definitely wearing down here.

I understand them to be identical to the Toyo RA-1 widely recognized as the most budget friendly R-comp tire. The RA-1 are also good to the cords and since they maintain good grip to the cords...when you get to the cord it's pretty obvious. I've seen guys cord a left, then throw it on the right for another session...moving the corded tire around!

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Car54

I understand them to be identical to the Toyo RA-1

They are far from identical.

I was told both use the same (or very similar) rubber compound, but the thread patterns and tire structures are very different. The NT01s are designed for heavier cars, with much bigger thread blocks and a stiffer carcass compared to the RA1s.

Originally Posted by Car54

The RA-1 are also good to the cords and since they maintain good grip to the cords...when you get to the cord it's pretty obvious. I've seen guys cord a left, then throw it on the right for another session...moving the corded tire around!

This is also true for the NT01s, I have run corded tires for several sessions and still had plenty of grip

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by sleepless

They get grippier as they wear; no heat cycle issues.

+1 Same experience for me on 5 sets so far

[arter]

Have 16 days on my current set.

Took them for 2 days at Mid Ohio and thought that would finish them, but they are unchanged in appearance. Have another new set waiting in my garage, but they grip so well when the tread is gone to switch them before their time.

Maybe another track event this fall after the Frankenstorm is gone

[Car54]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

They are far from identical.

I was told both use the same (or very similar) rubber compound, but the thread patterns and tire structures are very different. The NT01s are designed for heavier cars, with much bigger thread blocks and a stiffer carcass compared to the RA1s.



This is also true for the NT01s, I have run corded tires for several sessions and still had plenty of grip

I should have clarified...I meant compound not construction. The RA1's came with 8/32 and should be shaved for dry use on a heavy car. The NT01's are good from sticker.

[dapopa9]

NT01's are sticky until they cord as the others said. However not sure how others got 9 & 16 days out of them. Mine last about 4-5 days! haha guess the others are driving like grandma's with them : )

[kaiv]

Originally Posted by dapopa9

NT01's are sticky until they cord as the others said. However not sure how others got 9 & 16 days out of them. Mine last about 4-5 days! haha guess the others are driving like grandma's with them : )

My thoughts exactly ahah