[Tim Anderson]

I've been running the RE-71Rs for several years (a new set every Spring!) for street, autocross and track day use and have really liked them. My local tire shop tells me this year they are discontinued by Bridgestone with a replacement not due out until next year. The limited sizes available now are leftovers from last year... Has anyone else run into this? And what are other like minded street & competition drivers using? I see lots of folks on Michelins but I know many have been using the RE-71s as well.
Thanks!
Tim

 

[red_stapler]

Has anyone else run into this?

Yes, they stopped producing them last spring.

And what are other like minded street & competition drivers using?

Falken RT660 seems to be what RE71R users are switching to, at least in autocross circles. For trackdays you might want to look at the Goodyear Supercar 3.

 

[driveslikejehu]

I've been looking for some comments on Supercar 3's. Anybody used these for track days?

 

[arthurc604]

Does Higher Wear = More Grip? Treadwear Track Test Between Michelin, Goodyear and Toyo! - YouTube

 

[ledbette]

I've been a Nitto NT-01 guy for years. I really love them on the track, but they are not a "200TW" tire that is the golden designation for AutoX.

I recently tried Hankook RS4s. They wear like iron on the track, but the grip isn't what the Nittos are. Lots of tread grooves, so would probably be good in the rain, but I don't have any experience yet to tell you.

 

[CaymanR99]

I found a 2 year old set of RE-71s thru Amazon. I prefer Tire Rack, but that’s what I could find. Will probably move to Hoosier or Pirelli slicks.

 

[ajahearn]

TR was able to find me two rear 275/25/19 but I bailed. I opted for Toyo A052 245-275/35/19 and they look great. Compared against my thrashed RE71Rs with a durometer and they are definitely softer. Was leaning towards the R888R but I drive my car to the track and some are 300+ miles away - one review also talked about the ridiculous road noise of the R888Rs. Hope this helps.

 

[red_stapler]

Lots of tread grooves, so would probably be good in the rain, but I don't have any experience yet to tell you.

They evacuate water OK, but the compound doesn't really work in wet conditions because it needs some heat buildup.

 

[donR]

I assume you guys in the US will be getting the new RE71RS?

404

www.bridgestone.com.au

Looks like a faster tire and already released in our part of the world. Not sure about availability though as I'm going to try Trofeo Rs next as better fitment in 20".

The RE71RS looks to have a good selection in the 19".

 

[ajahearn]

I assume you guys in the US will be getting the new RE71RS?

404

www.bridgestone.com.au

Looks like a faster tire and already released in our part of the world. Not sure about availability though as I'm going to try Trofeo Rs next as better fitment in 20".

The RE71RS looks to have a good selection in the 19".

We've been hearing that message for awhile. Some people are speculating June may be when they finally hit these shores.

 

[tmat]

track days

Have been looking for DE tires also, has anyone used 245 40 18 on the 8 wheel and 275 40 18 on the 9 inch wheel? There are a few more options in tires at these sizes instead of the normal 235 and 265 sizes.

 

[olegd]

Have been looking for DE tires also, has anyone used 245 40 18 on the 8 wheel and 275 40 18 on the 9 inch wheel? There are a few more options in tires at these sizes instead of the normal 235 and 265 sizes.

They'll work, but not ideal for track, you want wider rim supporting tire sidewalls. You'll be better off 225/40/18 255/40/18 on those rims. Wider tires do not translate to faster times. Cayman is not a very powerful car and 225/255 front/rear is fine for track driving. Especially if running sticky R compound.

 

[tmat]

They'll work, but not ideal for track, you want wider rim supporting tire sidewalls. You'll be better off 225/40/18 255/40/18 on those rims. Wider tires do not translate to faster times. Cayman is not a very powerful car and 225/255 front/rear is fine for track driving. Especially if running sticky R compound.

Thanks. That helps me narrow down the options.

 

[donR]

If you haven't seen it yet Apex has a list of recommended tire sizes for 18 and 19". I'd also consider the A052 but note it measures a size wider than similar labeled tires.

981 Cayman/Boxster Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide

For 2012-2016 Porsche 981 Cayman and Boxster chassis View all 981 Cayman/Boxster Images Vehicle Covered in this Guide2012-2016 Porsche Cayman/Boxster chassis including Base, S & GTS models. ...

support.apexraceparts.com

 

[tmat]

If you haven't seen it yet Apex has a list of recommended tire sizes for 18 and 19". I'd also consider the A052 but note it measures a size wider than similar labeled tires.

981 Cayman/Boxster Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide

For 2012-2016 Porsche 981 Cayman and Boxster chassis View all 981 Cayman/Boxster Images Vehicle Covered in this Guide2012-2016 Porsche Cayman/Boxster chassis including Base, S & GTS models. ...

support.apexraceparts.com

Thanks, Yokohama's

 

[donR]

Thanks, Yokohama's

Yep, looks like they have exactly what you want in the 245/40 and the 275/40, but note these will actually be closer to a 255 and 285 from what I've read so a bit of free rubber! They also come up as fast as a Trofeo R on tests but I think they cheat a little bit with the extra width.

ADVAN A052®

The ADVAN A052 is your race-ready, extreme performance summer tire that delivers physics-defying levels of grip, making a statement on the street and a standout on the track.

www.yokohamatire.com

 

[red_stapler]

They also come up as fast as a Trofeo R on tests

They also wear out extremely quickly, especially on strut cars, pinched on narrow wheels, and at competitive air pressures.

 

[tmat]

Tire rack mentioned that they wear quickly. Guess I will have to try several options to see what works best and balances the budget.

 

[Tim Anderson]

Well, I finally decided to give the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3 (what a title!) a try, in place of my reliable annual set of RE-71Rs. Just picked up up my summer wheels with the new F1s mounted, so I'll have to give a report after a few autocrosses and track days. They look quite similar to the RE-71Rs in tread pattern, but its all about the rubber compound, so the jury is still out on that. Thanks for all the input above!

 

[wrongway]

I just put a set of Yoko A052 245/35/19-275/35/19 on my 987.2 Cayman S. A tight fit, but I have clearance. The sidewalls are not recessed like the RE71 so the rims look exposed. Anyway, off to VIR this weekend to see ihow they hold up. Hope they are as good (feedback/control) as the RE71's. I'll post my thoughts when I get back.

BTW my tire guy said there are synthetic and natrual rubber shortages currently and they are having problems getting a lot of brands and sizes. My A052's took 3 weeks.