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Any other places where you can get RE55s? Looking for something closer to Mentone.

ps.

A few mags (here and O/S) have done scientific test to see how much time do R-spec tyres offer. All of the tests has a pro driver, the same car and did the test on the same day by swapping the wheels/tyres on the car. They always come back witn improvement of about 1 - 1.5sec per 60sec. So about 2sec for ~1:30 lap.

Though, I'm sure that the driver has a lot more to do with the 'improvements' than the tyres when you go back with different tyres. Afterall, I know people who have gone to the track with R-spec tyres only to come back with regular tyres and get pretty close to matching their times (ie. within 1/2sec). This was the case at both Winton and Sandown.

From what I gether, Sandown is where R-spec tyres make the least difference in particular if you do not have power-down problems (ie. 4WD). On the other hand PI is where they make most difference and people that I'm aorund get ~3sec improvement there by putting on R-spec tyres.

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David,

The R compounds will help you most on tracks where lateral grip is important (eg Phillip Island liek you say) like you say.

You will find most tyre shops can actually source R compounds. You have to get past two things:

1: Most people don't know what the hell you are talking about (Eg "there is no such thing as an R compound tyre" as stated by my local Bridgestone shop proprietor.)

2: Unless you know the people running the joint they will probably pineapple you for the price.

If you know someone who owns/works/runs a shop try there first.

Precisely, it's a mostly confidence issue in the adhesion of the tyres. Not that I'm a relaible source since I haven't been on the track in 18 months.

From what I recall they don't let anyone fit them on 350Z's though David so you can forget about it :dry:

From what I recall they don't let anyone fit them on 350Z's though David so you can forget about it

lol, if I did not have a set on my spare wheels, I'd almost believe you ;-) Though, after 2+ years my current set has had it so need a new set before I head out top the track again.

You will find most tyre shops can actually source R compounds.

I'll try some nearby. Thanks.

  • 1 year later...

LOL...Australian Dollar has gone up..but the price of Petrol and Steel have too.

And due to the China's economy wanting these for their needs.....we pay what Bridgestone

thinks we can afford........... :cheers:

The prices have most likely gone up everywhere due to price increases by Bridgestone.

I recommend people enquire about pricing from my new supplier:

Pro-tek Tyres & Wheels

1b Ferntree Gully Rd

Oakleigh

Manager: John Souvas

Ph: 03 9569 0834

www.protektyres.com.au

:cheers:

That's a matter of opinion Paul. Agreed they are not the ideal tyre for street driving, but of course they can be used. They wont last too long with street driving though, for the same money better of getting some top shelf Bridgestone street rubber.

well for what its worth I share Paul's opinion. These tyres are dangerous in the wet with low (but still legal) tread. They let go and don't come back easily - so don't use them unless you are sure you can catch the skid when it happens

My mate has run Re070's on his '07 STI. He has gone through a full set in less than a year (about 7 months i think). And they arent cheap to replace. Not designed for street use.

yeah of course its a matter of opinion. you can use them by all means, have fun but its not a good idea.

they are designed for track use where they need heat in them.

put them on the street cold and when the road is wet, forget about it.

I've actually never had bad experiences in the wet with worn semis yet, I've been told about it so when it does rain and i'm on worn semis i pay extra attention. Depending how you drive your car, I think you can drive on these on the street fine, they are noisy as hell, and wear fast, but grip levels are insane when you get heat into them.

Thats not exactly true Paul. In the wet I actually think they are better than standard street tyres - as long as there is a fair bit if tread left. And thats the hard part because with normal street driving you'll probably only get 5,000km's before they are shot.

But for exmple I remember last year at Calder (track - not drag) a WRX being 3s faster in the rain on RE55's than on his "good" street tyres. Same deal as when R comps are cold - they aren't as grippy as when they are hot but they are still more grippy than normal tyres.

As said - the biggest problem with R comps and street driving is value for money given the short life span.

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