Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R

[dbyrd]

Hey Folks,
Has anyone actually run these backwards? I don't mean to beat this to death, but I plan on trying this soon, and I don't want to die.
Thanks.

[///Mobbin]

Originally Posted by dbyrd

Hey Folks,
Has anyone actually run these backwards? I don't mean to beat this to death, but I plan on trying this soon, and I don't want to die.
Thanks.

I've run other tires backwards but not these, no issues. Don't do it in the wet obviously!

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by dbyrd

Hey Folks,
Has anyone actually run these backwards? I don't mean to beat this to death, but I plan on trying this soon, and I don't want to die.
Thanks.

Directional tires are directional for water evacuation away from the tread blocks.

The only tires you really shouldn't flip are asymmetrical tires where the tread compound is different across the tread. For example, I know a Michelin Pilot Super Sport should not be flipped since the inside tread is a different compound than the outer tread. BUT...NT01s are asymmetrical but the tread compound is uniform across the tread. So you can flip an NT01 and run it in either direction.

So a directional tire can be run either direction with no dry grip issues. An asymmetrical tire may cause an issue.

[Richbot]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

Directional tires are directional for water evacuation away from the tread blocks.

The only tires you really shouldn't flip are asymmetrical tires where the tread compound is different across the tread. For example, I know a Michelin Pilot Super Sport should not be flipped since the inside tread is a different compound than the outer tread. BUT...NT01s are asymmetrical but the tread compound is uniform across the tread. So you can flip an NT01 and run it in either direction.

So a directional tire can be run either direction with no dry grip issues. An asymmetrical tire may cause an issue.

Most of the fancy newer hi-po street tires PSS included are also designed to limit road noise through the use of lots more smaller blocks with narrower ribs on the inside; stick those babies ont he outside and you get tire slap on the straights and squishy squirmy small tread blocks in the corners. Not like it's that big of an issue though, I'm tempted to try flipping them on the rim just to see if I die or not the inside tread blocks rae still pretty big on the PSS

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by Richbot

Most of the fancy newer hi-po street tires PSS included are also designed to limit road noise through the use of lots more smaller blocks with narrower ribs on the inside; stick those babies ont he outside and you get tire slap on the straights and squishy squirmy small tread blocks in the corners. Not like it's that big of an issue though, I'm tempted to try flipping them on the rim just to see if I die or not the inside tread blocks rae still pretty big on the PSS

I haven't tried it yet but I've seen some internet posts of interesting experiences.

[8600RPM]

I've had about you track days with these tires and have tried all sorts of pressures and csn say with certainty 37 to 38 psi is max performance from this tire. These are hot temps.

[redpriest]

I've run these backwards for a few sessions. They're a little noiser (maybe placebo) this way but still seems to have the same grip. I did not die.

[Richbot]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

I haven't tried it yet but I've seen some internet posts of interesting experiences.

That's the best kind of experiences!

[macdude357]

FYI, Costco has $70 off 4 Bridgestone Tires until 12/25. That brings the price down to 232 per tire (plus $15 install).

[RaleighM3]

Awesome, grippy tires. Previous tires were Toyo R888 which only lasted 2 days and had slightly more grip than PSS. The Bridgestones held up great after 1 day. Running 265/35/18 front and 275/35/18 rear. Video of Road Atlanta here.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...5&postcount=42

[CSBM5]

Speaking of Toyo, has anyone tried the new R888R yet? I never cared for the R888 unless it was shaved as the NT-01 was always my go to tire instead if I planned to drive on the street to events.

[dbyrd]

Originally Posted by dbyrd

Hey Folks,
Has anyone actually run these backwards? I don't mean to beat this to death, but I plan on trying this soon, and I don't want to die.
Thanks.

Reporting back after running them backwards this weekend - no issues at all - do it if it's dry.

As far as wear goes, I'll be lucky to get a full four-session fourth day from them. I would guess my car weighs close to 3,600 lbs with full interior - no nav or power seats. I initially ran them one day at TWS (a CCW track). Second day was on Saturday - I rotated them same side, front to back since I was running CW at MSR Cresson. On Sunday, I rotated them from corner to corner and ran them backwards with no problem. They are down to the wear lines with not much tread left. I hope they last another 4 sessions at MSR next Monday. I'm considering Hoosier R7s next.

[Redd]

How do they compare with Advan AD08R?

[Nihilation]

Bumping this back up for advice. I'm looking for recommendations with my suspension setup, even though I may just haul them to the track if I can fit them all in the car (E92 M).

Suspension-wise, I'm on Swift Spec Rs and will be installing Bilstein DampTronics with Dinan's camber plates shortly (waiting for the back-ordered front Bilsteins to arrive). With just the Swift's I'm at -1.8 degrees front camber so after the Dinan plates are in that should put me at about -2.5 degrees up front. Rear is -1.8 degrees.

I have not purchased tires yet, but in my possession are six Apex EC-7 wheels: four 18x10 and two 18x9. I'll buy another set of EC-7 if needed. I just want to maximize the grip and longevity of the setup.

Sounds like 285/30/18 front... square or staggered rear with what other size? As for the tire, will RE-71's perform well with that setup or is there not enough camber?

[hayes180]

Originally Posted by Nihilation

Bumping this back up for advice. I'm looking for recommendations with my suspension setup, even though I may just haul them to the track if I can fit them all in the car (E92 M).

Suspension-wise, I'm on Swift Spec Rs and will be installing Bilstein DampTronics with Dinan's camber plates shortly (waiting for the back-ordered front Bilsteins to arrive). With just the Swift's I'm at -1.8 degrees front camber so after the Dinan plates are in that should put me at about -2.5 degrees up front. Rear is -1.8 degrees.

I have not purchased tires yet, but in my possession are six Apex EC-7 wheels: four 18x10 and two 18x9. I'll buy another set of EC-7 if needed. I just want to maximize the grip and longevity of the setup.

Sounds like 285/30/18 front... square or staggered rear with what other size? As for the tire, will RE-71's perform well with that setup or is there not enough camber?

I run 265/35/18 and 285/30/18 on TE's 9.5/10.5. 285 should fit with your suspension set up I don't see why it wouldn't. As for the tires, they are pretty good as everyone has mentioned. But my first 5 heat cycles on them this past weekend at Chuckwalla. From what i've seen as well, they do not last as long as other "200" TW tires, (RS3's for example).

Your camber is fine for grip, if you can go to -3 even with the dinan plates you'll still be fine.

[dbyrd]

Originally Posted by dbyrd

Reporting back after running them backwards this weekend - no issues at all - do it if it's dry.

As far as wear goes, I'll be lucky to get a full four-session fourth day from them. I would guess my car weighs close to 3,600 lbs with full interior - no nav or power seats. I initially ran them one day at TWS (a CCW track). Second day was on Saturday - I rotated them same side, front to back since I was running CW at MSR Cresson. On Sunday, I rotated them from corner to corner and ran them backwards with no problem. They are down to the wear lines with not much tread left. I hope they last another 4 sessions at MSR next Monday. I'm considering Hoosier R7s next.

I just ordered a second set of these from Discount Tire at $249 each - squared 275/35/18s. The last set ended up lasting me more than 4 days without cording which is a tad longer than NT-01s.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by dbyrd

I just ordered a second set of these from Discount Tire at $249 each - squared 275/35/18s. The last set ended up lasting me more than 4 days without cording which is a tad longer than NT-01s.

Which is like 16 days for normal people

Lol

[askjeeves]

Originally Posted by dbyrd

I just ordered a second set of these from Discount Tire at $249 each - squared 275/35/18s. The last set ended up lasting me more than 4 days without cording which is a tad longer than NT-01s.

Only 4 days from nt01??

[dnoble37]

Has anyone managed to successfully fit a 285/30r18 on an 18x9 wheel?

[SYT_Shadow]

I just ordered my second set of RE71s

Unfortunately they were the 275s instead of the 285s. My 10.5 square setup would fit the 285s well, but DTD didn't have them in stock.

I like these tires. They're similar to a NT01 but have some tread for rain driving to the track and do not make such an insane noise at 80mph

[redpriest]

Originally Posted by SYT_Shadow

I just ordered my second set of RE71s

Unfortunately they were the 275s instead of the 285s. My 10.5 square setup would fit the 285s well, but DTD didn't have them in stock.

I like these tires. They're similar to a NT01 but have some tread for rain driving to the track and do not make such an insane noise at 80mph

The insane noise is part of the fun!

[SYT_Shadow]

Originally Posted by redpriest

The insane noise is part of the fun!

Perhaps, but if you drive 10h to a track after a full day at the office... it kinda wears on you
Maybe I need to man up