RE-71RS vs Cup2 Connect

[SilverBully]

Short answer, Yes the RE71RS is still one of the best 200TW tires for track use. If you read the threads on here about what they do/don't do well, you will be well prepared.

They are adequate in the rain at near full tread. They are horrific in the rain as they wear.

As Razorlab jokingly mentions, they are really best suited as a time trial tire on track. The first couple of laps are their best, and they get greasy quickly. Those first couple of laps, though...yeah, they are pretty good.

I run a square setup - 18x10.5 and 275/35/18 at all corners. I'm using an ET 40 (might be 35) wheel with a 15mm spacer all around. I also got rid of the stock lug bolts and run a long-ish lug stud and traditional lug nuts.

Did you ever run them on the stock staggered wheel configuration? If so, did you run stock sizes (F: 255/35-19, R: 275/35-19)??

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[tomfree]

No, never ran them in the stock config/sizes. I bought a 2nd set of wheels before my first track day with the car. I'm not a big fan of staggered wheels/tires on a car like this that is pretty well weight-balanced from the factory. That's a personal preference thing, but I like more front grip and the ability to move the back end of the car around with the throttle as needed.

 

[SilverBully]

No, never ran them in the stock config/sizes. I bought a 2nd set of wheels before my first track day with the car. I'm not a big fan of staggered wheels/tires on a car like this that is pretty well weight-balanced from the factory. That's a personal preference thing, but I like more front grip and the ability to move the back end of the car around with the throttle as needed.

yeah I hear you, I was debating buying a square set too but decided to prioritize other suspension components first… plan on doing another season on stock wheels with a more aggressive tire setup, just don’t want the car to push a lot more than it already does!

im also dialing up the camber up front with the SPL LCA to help mitigate the balance

 

[tomfree]

yeah I hear you, I was debating buying a square set too but decided to prioritize other suspension components first… plan on doing another season on stock wheels with a more aggressive tire setup, just don’t want the car to push a lot more than it already does!

im also dialing up the camber up front with the SPL LCA to help mitigate the balance

Understood. I've been around track days for a long time and I know what I like, which will vary vs the next guy.

For a bunch of reasons that are in other threads, I've kept my car quite stockish to date. I did sway bars F & R, Verus camber plates, an alignment to my specs, and the aforementioned wheel/tire combo.

If you haven't already spent the $ on the SPL LCAs, I'd recommend the Verkline LCAs, as the SPL stuff has a track record of breaking on the Supra.
The other option for camber, since it sounds like you're staying with stock springs for now, is the Verus camber plates like I have. You can consistently get -3deg in the front (some get more) with an easier install than the LCAs.

And one more unsolicited recommendation - if you don't want to buy a full set of track wheels/tires, think about a set of stock rear 19x10s and a small spacer to mount them on the front.

 

[razorlab]

And one more unsolicited recommendation - if you don't want to buy a full set of track wheels/tires, think about a set of stock rear 19x10s and a small spacer to mount them on the front.

Yup, this works well.

 

[jchadwell]

Yup, this works well.

And I happen to have a set of stock wheels with RE71s (but well used) mounted for sale. Also have a set of the 10 mm spacers needed to run the rears on the front for sale.

https://www.supramkv.com/posts/521374/

 

[SilverBully]

Yup, this works well.

this is with 275/35-19 square RE71s?!? Nice!!

Edit: how big a spacer is needed in front to clear the stock suspension?

 

[razorlab]

this is with 275/35-19 square RE71s?!? Nice!!

Edit: how big a spacer is needed in front to clear the stock suspension?

No, this is with AR1's but they are 275/35/19

Not sure on spacer needed for stock suspension as I am on MCS.

 

[SilverBully]

If you haven't already spent the $ on the SPL LCAs, I'd recommend the Verkline LCAs, as the SPL stuff has a track record of breaking on the Supra.
The other option for camber, since it sounds like you're staying with stock springs for now, is the Verus camber plates like I have. You can consistently get -3deg in the front (some get more) with an easier install than the LCAs.

I haven't yet, I'll take a look at the verkline arms too, thank you. I ideally would like to stay mostly stock too, at least for another two years - the Verus camber plates are quite attractive too, I just know I will eventually need the LCAs and once I go full coilers the camber plates won't be needed/might not even fit.

 

[SilverBully]

And I happen to have a set of stock wheels with RE71s (but well used) mounted for sale. Also have a set of the 10 mm spacers needed to run the rears on the front for sale.

https://www.supramkv.com/posts/521374/

I am in TX and there are a bunch of these for sale around me, thank you for offering though

 

[tomfree]

I haven't yet, I'll take a look at the verkline arms too, thank you. I ideally would like to stay mostly stock too, at least for another two years - the Verus camber plates are quite attractive too, I just know I will eventually need the LCAs and once I go full coilers the camber plates won't be needed/might not even fit.

I don't know if they are still available, but someone on here designed a different bearing (I think) for the Verus plates that would allow them to work with coilovers. I believe they were specifically used for the Ohlins R&T, but that's going from memory. That would require some forum searching, but it's out there. The Verus plates are pretty commonly available used, so that's an option as well.

I'll back up a step and say that one of the earlier posts in the thread made me feel like you were choosing a harder path to get what you wanted out of the car, and being the helpful guy I am, I had to pipe up and give some advice you didn't ask for.

 

[razorlab]

I don't know if they are still available, but someone on here designed a different bearing (I think) for the Verus plates that would allow them to work with coilovers. I believe they were specifically used for the Ohlins R&T, but that's going from memory. That would require some forum searching, but it's out there. The Verus plates are pretty commonly available used, so that's an option as well.

@Evolution

 

[Evolution]

Yes that was me. The info is floating around in the Ohlins thread but I can dig it back up if needed.

 

[604.Supra]

Short answer, Yes the RE71RS is still one of the best 200TW tires for track use. If you read the threads on here about what they do/don't do well, you will be well prepared.

They are adequate in the rain at near full tread. They are horrific in the rain as they wear.

As Razorlab jokingly mentions, they are really best suited as a time trial tire on track. The first couple of laps are their best, and they get greasy quickly. Those first couple of laps, though...yeah, they are pretty good.

I run a square setup - 18x10.5 and 275/35/18 at all corners. I'm using an ET 40 (might be 35) wheel with a 15mm spacer all around. I also got rid of the stock lug bolts and run a long-ish lug stud and traditional lug nuts.

are you on stock suspension running those 18x10.5 up front?

 

[tomfree]

are you on stock suspension running those 18x10.5 up front?

I have Verus Camber plates in front, but still on stock springs and dampers. I run a 15mm spacer at all corners Alignment in front is -3deg camber, 0 toe, 8deg caster. I've NEVER had rubbing with this setup, and there is room in all directions with a 275/35/18.

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