Bridgestone RE-11 VS RE050A
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 0
From: Norwalk,CT
I had replaced my P-Zeros's with the RE050A's in N Spec and went with 305's in the rear.
I had to get them from the dealer as Tire Rack and PCNA had some agreement in the past to make sure Porsche owners get the N-Spec tires first. I did get them at TR price.
I really liked the way they felt after first 500 miles to get rid of some of the tread squirming. After that, felt much better, more responce than the P-Zeros.
Also, I didn't want to spent $550 a tire for PS/2's at the time.
If you do DE/track work, may as well get spec wheels and tires for that.
For street and some light DE, RE050A's work for me. A whole lot cheaper as well, less noisy than P-Zeros.
Deanski
I had to get them from the dealer as Tire Rack and PCNA had some agreement in the past to make sure Porsche owners get the N-Spec tires first. I did get them at TR price.
I really liked the way they felt after first 500 miles to get rid of some of the tread squirming. After that, felt much better, more responce than the P-Zeros.
Also, I didn't want to spent $550 a tire for PS/2's at the time.
If you do DE/track work, may as well get spec wheels and tires for that.
For street and some light DE, RE050A's work for me. A whole lot cheaper as well, less noisy than P-Zeros.
Deanski
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,391
Likes: 449
From: Southwest
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, California
That may be so - but compared to my PS2 and P Zero OEM tires, they grip better, turn-in quicker, ride more comfortably, give me more tactile feedback, help me stop in shorter distances and are quieter. I'll take that trade in a heartbeat. I've never, ever noticed the couple of extra pounds - the other things on my list I get to notice every time I drive my car.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,970
Likes: 114
From: Vancouver, BC
These tires have very low profile and MUST be able to carry the weight of the engine, so it's super important you go with XL-rating on these non N-rated. It's a matter of safety! Even if they shipped it, return and get the right tires.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 400
Likes: 0
From: San Jose, California
Yes, you should get the higher rated tires if possible. But the other spec will work just fine. The 911 is not a heavy car and the actual loads at each corner are less than even the lower of the two RE-11 ratings. There are plenty of people using the older spec and I have yet to see a single report of an issue with the RE-11, never mind one connected to the load rating.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa, Canada
I use both RE-11 and RE050A on the track, sizes 235/40/18 and 265/40/18. I found them to be similar in terms of performance, maybe a slightly better feel/grip with the RE-11. So far, I have only used the RE-11 in dry conditions. RE-11 wear is good, but RE050A is good too. RE-11 like lower pressures than RE050A (i.e 34-35 psi versus 36-38 psi).
Rob
Rob
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,970
Likes: 114
From: Vancouver, BC
Yes, you should get the higher rated tires if possible. But the other spec will work just fine. The 911 is not a heavy car and the actual loads at each corner are less than even the lower of the two RE-11 ratings. There are plenty of people using the older spec and I have yet to see a single report of an issue with the RE-11, never mind one connected to the load rating.
There's a specific load rating requirement for REAR tires on a Porsche that MUST BE MET to ensure the tires can handle the weight of the rears and perform as Porsche meant the car to perform and are safe under all conditions.