Fresh install of Bridgestone Potenza RE-11s

[Pie4Foo]

My Advan 048s were toast after about 4k miles (including track events), so I was in need of replacement tires. I didn't love the 048s at the end of their existence, and so I wanted some tires with a little more tread depth. This car is used on the track, but a majority of its miles are done on the street.

TireRack recommended the Bridgestone Potenza RE-11s as replacements. I had to go with a wider front wheel than OEM (205 vs. 195) and reduce the height, but the fitment wasn't an issue. TireRack specifically recommended these tires over the Dunlop Direzzas. Final tally:

F: 205/45/16 - $158 per
R: 225/45/17 - $183 per

Pricing wise, they are a little more expensive than other street tires, but less expensive than 048s or R888s.

I had them installed at Metro Wheels in Marietta (they apparently have done a number of local Elises). My first impression was that the tires were much quieter than the 048s. There was less jarring and slamming over bumps and expansion joints and there seemed to be less road noise. It's difficult to say if the grip levels are comparable; that will have to wait for an upcoming track event.

I'll update this thread as I get a chance to experience more miles.

[frostylocks]

which width front rim do you have?

I have 6.5" width rim for front and will need a set soon.

right now advan 07's are mounted.

[Pie4Foo]

Originally Posted by frostylocks

which width front rim do you have?

I have 6.5" width rim for front and will need a set soon.

right now advan 07's are mounted.

I have an '07 Exige with 16x6.5 fronts; same size as you.

[kkant]

How is the turn in steering response, compared to the A048?

[bunyeah]

yah update us once you have some feedback from the street and on the track...I am in need of replacement as well...I have around 24500 km and my second set of rear A048 tires are turned into slicks now. I'm thinking about RE11 as well...let me know what you think!

What other sizes do you think will be better? Did the 205, 225 config work well you think?

[Arnie]

RE11 or RE11S? RE11 is a street tyre and RE11S is a R compound tyre

[bunyeah]

that's true...I don't see RE 11s on tirerack...I just see RE 11...

Bridgestone Tires Available at Tire Rack

[Murix]

Only the RE-11 is available in America.

I think it is an excellent tire. So far I have 2 track days and a thousand miles on them so I think they are sufficiently worn in.

Very sticky on the track, very quiet on the street. Turn in feels good (but some of that can be attributed to my new suspension setup) and so far I am not feeling significant fade.

I am running 205/45-16 and 235/40-17 with tire pressures of 26/29 hot. Track temps were 95F.

I think these are the perfect mix of track/street and so far have 0 complaints. I will definitely be replacing these with the same when they were out.

I am suspect of the 180 rating. I think they might be more like 140. That is just a personal opinion. They feel way to sticky to be a 180.

[Scott Bowman]

Has anyone tried the RE-11 in 245/40-17 for the rear? I'm running the 205/45-16 and 245/40-17 combination with Hoosiers and they fit well (although I use spacers in the rear).

For the RE-11, the overall diameters according to the Tire Rack are:

205/45-16 23.2"

225/45-17 25"
235/40-17 24.4"
245/40-17 24.7"

Just for comparison, the A048 diameters list as:

195/50-16 23.6"

225/45-17 24.9"


It looks like the RE-11 in the 235/40-17 would result in the closest relative ride height (front to rear).

[aschen]

I have that size combination in REO1s on my lss rims. There are no rubbing issues at all. I would guess a very similar carcass size for re-11. I like the 245s in the back for a little more reward grip bias in autocross. I have mre trouble swapping ends than understeering...