BillC3

There's a long-running thread about getting Bridgestone RE-71R tires for track use. Tire Rack lists the RE-71R as an "extreme performance tire", whereas the Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires are listed as "streetable track & competition" (as are the Dunlop Sport Maxx Race tires, which are the other option for stock GT4 tires).

What are the differences between the RE-71Rs and the Cup2s on the track? Are the 71Rs really comparable to the Cup2 or Sport Maxx Race tires? Or, are they just a good choice for someone who wants to run a high-performance street tire on the track without stepping up to R-comps?

bhk1004

Seems so far people saying re71r is faster. I think it was worth 2 seconds on a 2 minute track for the tester.

jphughan

^ Really?? Extreme Summer is supposedly a class below Streetable Track/Competition. Granted the RE-71Rs are newer than the Cup 2s, but if that time differential is true that's very impressive, especially if the treadwear ratings that I know aren't always comparable across manufacturers turn out to be fairly comparable in this particular case, since the 71Rs are 200 vs the Cup 2's 180.

bhk1004

They are also coming out in our stock sizes by next year in 20s. Definitely will be testing them out.

ExMB

See usctrojan's thread. He tested those. Frankly, since DE isn't racing , I'd be willing to give up a sec on a 1:25 (home) track if it saves me ~$750. I think the verdict is still out regarding HCs on those.

Fronts are already listed on tirerack site, but on backorder.

85Gold

RE71R are fast but they tend to get hot and greasy fairly quickly.

Peter

myBailey07

I have not tried the RE71R's; however, I cannot help but question whether they would truly be 2secs faster, on average, for most of us, compared to cup 2's. I am not questioning any specific person that actually have tested them as we know different tires can have different results based on the individual driver and his/her style. It might be true for that individual, but not for all. For example, when we look at Trofeo R's we have very different opinions on both sides of the coin from various GT3 drivers as to which is the fastest. I also know that, for me, 2 secs is easily within my own "margin of error" for driving consistency, track conditions, temps etc.

I would venture that for most of us, iow the exceptionally advanced folks that can drive on the limit 10/10ths consistently excluded, something like a Hoosier R7's will give you around 2 or 3 secs per lap. The super advanced guys that can extract everything from a tire can maybe get another sec or so.

If the RE71's were really 2 secs faster than cup2's it would put them pretty damn close to R7's, which is hard for me to fathom.

Anyway, I think more importantly is that it is nice to have another tire choice that is more affordable assuming similar speed than cup2's. I would be very interested in their durability, especially resistance to roll over and edge wear, as that is where the cup2's are weak in my opinion.

Durability would be the game changer for me here given similar performance, which I think the jury is still out on, as if speed is your ultimate consideration R7's is the clear choice.

myBailey07

I agree with you - if you're faster than me. On the other hand, if you're slower - oh boy, it's on!

Anybody slower than me is a worse driver. Anyone faster than me has a better car. See? Easy.

krell

^
This.

ExMB

electron mike

Well, I'm going to try the 19" RE71Rs out and will report back. I have been killing front cup2s in 2-3 track days so I'm trying these with some negative camber added in as well.

Its these, then a somewhat odd sized 19" NT01 setup next, with the final step being hoosiers if I can't get some decent life out of the others.

Eric5280

Looking forward to the comparison, thanks.

owenpruden

How did the RE71Rs do? I've got a 981 Boxster S (PASM, TVS, Sports Chrono) that I track 15+ days a year at HPDE's. Picked up a like new set of BBS wheels for the track and planning on getting RE71Rs to try this season. My thoughts were to go with 2.0 neg camber front and rear, assuming I can get that much with the PASM. Also, interested to know what tire pressure you've found best and how much you needed to warm up the tires on the track before pushing it.
Thanks in advance for the help...

Inrev

I personally love the RE-71R. It's hard to beat the price/performance ratio of such a tire. Time-wise I'm as fast or faster than the stock Dunlops which I usually killed the front driver tire in 1 track day. The RE-71Rs will last me 3-4 track days and will stay confidence inspiring even when worn out. The CUP 2s run me an extra $1000 CAD over the Bridgestones. Not worth it IMHO.

MarcD147

the RE71Rs should be able to last you longer than 3-4 days. however they are sensitive to overheating. if you let the temps/pressures go up to far you kill them pretty quickly.

I always run with the TPMS screen in my dash to keep an eye on it...

marc