[TrackClub]

Seems both the stockers and RE71R will last about 10 days plus some dd driving which is superb in my book.

Regarding Cup2s, i know 2 folks that run them on their GT350Rs (instructor group). They have no issues with them on a like heavy car. I've driven in one of the cars and handled very well and predictably. No TPMS issues either - which IMO have nothing to do with the tires to start with.
But, those tires last about 4 days and cost quite a bit. BTW no idea how a NOVICE could use up a set of brand new Cup2s in a single day. Except that Ford engineers have publicly warned folks to stick to PSS on GT350 (sans the R) as the suspension is set up very differently. So maybe that played a part as that's not what happens on GT350R for absolutely certain.

Edit: on a GT3 Cup2s last 8-10 days (instructor level) with cold psi 26/29 F/R with hot up to 34/39 F/R. So I'd imagine running them at 36/37 hot and getting 4 days on a heavy car is about right in comparison.

[glamcem]

Originally Posted by TrackClub

Seems both the stockers and RE71R will last about 10 days plus some dd driving which is superb in my book.

Regarding Cup2s, i know 2 folks that run them on their GT350Rs (instructor group). They have no issues with them on a like heavy car. I've driven in one of the cars and handled very well and predictably. No TPMS issues either - which IMO have nothing to do with the tires to start with.
But, those tires last about 4 days and cost quite a bit. BTW no idea how a NOVICE could use up a set of brand new Cup2s in a single day. Except that Ford engineers have publicly warned folks to stick to PSS on GT350 (sans the R) as the suspension is set up very differently. So maybe that played a part as that's not what happens on GT350R for absolutely certain.

Edit: on a GT3 Cup2s last 8-10 days (instructor level) with cold psi 26/29 F/R with hot up to 34/39 F/R. So I'd imagine running them at 36/37 hot and getting 4 days on a heavy car is about right in comparison.

RE71Rs heat cycle out before the tread is gone so visually they might look like fine but the grip is not there (as opposed to other street tires). This is from my personal experience and many others had similar experience, I am surprised they didn't notice the degradation after 4-5 events maybe it's because the session format or the climate was a factor, not sure.

Speaking of Cup2s, he was not novice, he's a club member and been there many times. The reason Ford engineers warned the users is most likely because the MRC calibration on the GT350 is specific to PSS so there should be no performance benefit also with a softer calibration (and possibly with softer springs) body roll and rubbing might be an issue. GT350 owner that I know said he didn't notice any issues except the treadlife.

Also, they're not that expensive unless you're looking at the Porsche specific compound (305/30/19s are about $360 and 315/30/19s are $420). They also weigh a whopping 5 lbs less than the comparable size tires (305s weigh 26lbs and 315s are only 28lbs vs 31-32lbs) just like the R7s. If they last 4 events that still a great value which wasn't the case on two cars here

[TrackClub]

haven't tried either...for cup2s going by what ive seen first hand based recent feedback from my buds. As to RE71R: maybe Bridgestone updated something as Provoste already has 8 days plus 3500 dd miles on his and still appears to like them a ton...on 1LE in top run group, which to me is the best feedback possible.

Anyway, let us know how those Nittos do...interested to see what the pace is vs Trofeos.
Cheers! PS Ive decided to run this season on stock wheels and try 2-3 different tires first before I blow $ on new rims (unless my Fikse guy makes me an offer I cant refuse )

[Provoste]

Originally Posted by glamcem

RE71Rs heat cycle out before the tread is gone so visually they might look like fine but the grip is not there (as opposed to other street tires).

I've had this experience on GT4 OE PSC2's, rears cycled out and were dangerous... despite good tread remaining. I also had this happen once with R888 on a 997C2S front tire set.

Not sure about your and other S2k guys experience on RE71R's... contradicts what I'm seeing and what all the GT4 guys see. Here are mine after 4 track weekends, 2 of which I exclusively used the RE71R's; 2 of which I used slicks some as well. I'm damn happy with the wear, getting more negative camber in front really helped. Fronts have a little center rain groove left, rears pretty much fully flat down the centers. These have only gotten faster as they've worn, sticky sticky. I'm gonna swap fronts to rear before heading to Watkins Glen over Memorial Day.

[Chub2000]

I watched Provoste's video of him on Putnam raceway and i thought i saw him do a 1.16 lap. From my research that is superman speed. It made me want to try re71r. Plus they have to last longer than my Hoosiers.

[TrackClub]

Looking at the pix the wear is excellent. Provoste, what camber/toe are u running F/R please?
Also, what brake pads and what has their longevity been like? Thx much!

[Provoste]

Originally Posted by Chub2000

I watched Provoste's video of him on Putnam raceway and i thought i saw him do a 1.16 lap. From my research that is superman speed. It made me want to try re71r. Plus they have to last longer than my Hoosiers.

Ha, not sure about superman- but yeah 1:16 on street tires is fast at Putnam Park.

[Provoste]

Originally Posted by TrackClub

Looking at the pix the wear is excellent. Provoste, what camber/toe are u running F/R please?
Also, what brake pads and what has their longevity been like? Thx much!

Here is my almost recent alignment. A little metal persuasion is required on the front struts for those front camber numbers (slightly extending factory oblong camber adjustment hole). I'm planning to keep toe the same front & rear but increase rear camber to -1.9 just to help tire life.

Pads- I'm just done with my first set of front Hawk DTC 60's. I'll be ordering a new front pad set for the Glen. I also used the factory pads on track for a couple days, they're at about 50%.

[TrackClub]

Thx!

[seanblurr]

Provost, super interesting you are seeing those results with the re71r's. Everyone, and I mean everyone, that I have spoken to said they are awesome for about two track days and then they are done. I should hopefully have some NT01 info in two weeks, I just got back from another event at Sonoma Raceway in completely stock trim. Once again, the car amazes me. Tire's are becoming its downfall though, I'm noticing a lot more push as the session goes on. I definitely think it could use some more up front, so I'm excited to give 305 square a try. And these stock brake pads rock, I am really really pushing it deep into braking zones lap after lap and they are good to go.

[TrackClub]

Good to hear about stock pads.
As far as tires, sometimes a benefit of "more up front" can be achieved with "less in the rear". In other words: a square set up

[Provoste]

Originally Posted by seanblurr

Provost, super interesting you are seeing those results with the re71r's. Everyone, and I mean everyone, that I have spoken to said they are awesome for about two track days and then they are done.

My PTE Miata buddies swear by them (though now they like the RS4's more because of better wear), and they are universally the GT4 go to track tire. Most GT4 guys report their personal best times on nearly corded RE71R. My experience corroborates this- In the last session last weekend, I was 1.2 seconds down on my best time at NCM MSP until I hit traffic in the last corner.
The RE71R frinction circle reminds me of NT01's, plus... they're insanely good in the wet. I REALLY wish Hankook made a 295/30 RS4.

[seanblurr]

I'll be trying 305/30 RS4's after my NT01's.

[glamcem]

Originally Posted by Provoste

I've had this experience on GT4 OE PSC2's, rears cycled out and were dangerous... despite good tread remaining. I also had this happen once with R888 on a 997C2S front tire set.

Not sure about your and other S2k guys experience on RE71R's... contradicts what I'm seeing and what all the GT4 guys see. Here are mine after 4 track weekends, 2 of which I exclusively used the RE71R's; 2 of which I used slicks some as well. I'm damn happy with the wear, getting more negative camber in front really helped. Fronts have a little center rain groove left, rears pretty much fully flat down the centers. These have only gotten faster as they've worn, sticky sticky. I'm gonna swap fronts to rear before heading to Watkins Glen over Memorial Day.

Yes I heard about the R888s and Cup 2s and how the grip falls off after only 1-2 events.

Oh and, RE71Rs should be just fine for the first 4 events for sure , especially during winter but they overheat easily when temperatures arise so their problem is the lack or the resistance to heat. It's so easy to overheat them but if you're really careful and monitor the target PSIs (as an indicator of temps) maybe they might last longer. That wasn't an option with my S2000.

Maybe the reason you didn't run into any sort of heat related issues yet is because the ambient temps are relatively low than July-August in the past few months. They're amazing tires and ability to use them to and from track is great, with good price also but they definitely don't take the heat as good as the NT01s. We already know the NT01s and RE71Rs are on par in terms of track performance when they're new so for those who want to use them on the OEM wheels it might be a great option if there's dedicated set for track/summer, I see no reason to go with RE71Rs instead of NT01s. Driving in the wet is not an option with NT01s of course.

It looks like there is more tread on my RE71Rs after 5 full event with my S2000. They're free for grabs (Miata, BRZ or S2000 should be fine with that size) for those who might be interested and think they're good for 8-10 days I can also ship at buyer's expense (no charge just shipping label is needed). I recently put them in my shed as you can see there is still above 4/32nd tread on inner tread and about the same on the outer.

Here are some feedback from Miata forums, just search "RE71R Heat cycle" on Google and you'll find tons of feedback

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-ra.../#post23829148

https://forum.miata.net/vb/showpost....6&postcount=10

and some more:
http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f91/...7/#post5315433

another one from the TrackHQ:

Bridgestone RE-71R:
-Great cold, first 2-3 laps then gets greasy
-More grip than RS3 when cold
-BAD when they get hot/hot weather
-SOFT
-HORRIBLE WEAR. Worse than ZII & RS3
-Soft sidewall (like PSS) but stiffer than RS3 & AD08R
-Turn-in like PSS
-Louder than PSS "Buzzy"

http://www.trackhq.com/forums/f296/u...parisons-9012/