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| This device measures the wheel runout. The wheel is spun in the fixture and runout is measured by dial indicators. The wheel runout is measured both fore and aft. |
The NT01 can be shaved to 3/32’s of an inch for the best dry performance in which case it turns into nearly a slick with two grooves but in Sera’s case we will run this tire at full tread depth. Unlike other heat sensitive DOT race tires, the NT01 works fine with no chunking at full tread depth. The NT01 also lasts a really long time. We can usually get 3-4 full weekend events out of a set of NT01’s!
The NT01 also has a few features that differentiate it from other DOT race tires. The body plies of the tire are made of rayon instead of the usual polyester. Rayon is a lot more heat resistant than polyester but is perhaps a little less durable in long term use as it is sensitive to weakening caused by water infiltration. Long term use is usually not as important in a race tire as it is for passenger car tires though!
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| The wheel is welded in this automatic welding machine. Our wheel is almost done! |
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| At 19.9 and 21.45 lbs the Motegi TrakLite wheels qualify as super light! |
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| Our wheels were finished with a satin black Teflon coating which should prove to be very resistant to brake dust. |
The NT01 has two steel belts for tread stability; their stiffness helps keep the tread flat on the road. An aramid cap ply is also used over the steel to control growth at high speeds helping to reduce heat buildup. The NT01 also has stiff sidewalls reinforced with steel to help response.
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The Nitto NT01 has a tread wear rating of 100 and a unidirectional tread. Note the wide outer tread blocks which reduce squirm and heat build up. The closer pitched inner tread blocks help channel water to a degree. When you shave the tire it turns into a near slick and only the two circumferential grooves will remain. |
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| A light wheel and sticky tire will nicely compliment our upcoming suspension and brake mods. |
Stay tuned, in the next editions of Project Nissan 350Z we will be adding more suspension goodness from SPL parts and Whiteline to give Sera a definite edge in her 4 wheel adventures.
Read more about Project 350Z here!
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