Just snagged two of the RE-01Rs from Jim @ Tire Rack since my rear tires are shot. My fronts are the factory RE050s with plenty of tread left.

Is this a safe combination? Jim said that it would just make the car understeer a bit at the limit since the RE-01Rs are stickier than the factory tires.

Or should I just drop the extra $225 or so and grab the fronts too? My plan was to just run the RE-01Rs down with the hope the fronts would be worn out by the same time too, then just buy four new ones. Maybe it's smarter to just go for all four and sell my fronts cheap since they're still ok?

 

Match em up for optimum handling for so little money.

 

I'm just DDing the car. I have two back-to-back track days this summer.

Is the RE050 going to be okay up front? Seems silly to get rid of two good tires, but perhaps I can just sell the pair for $100 locally?

 

The RE01R 215/45/17 fronts are only $104 each with the sale at Tire Rack. I'd definitely go for them and keep the tires matched on all four.

 

$94 each, actually. :-)

 

Personally, I wouldn't sweat it, I'd run the RE050 fronts until they're done. Unless I was autoXing or tracking it, that is...

 

I've got some intro track days this summer at Gingerman (Michigan). First time tracking this car, so I'm focused more on learning technique.

 

unless you're going to go out and drive on hard on them, you'll have no problem

if you do drive harder, your rear will have more grip. lol

 

Understeer on the track is not a good thing but it is safe. At the limits you will be able to brake and steer out of bad situations. The best handling is always with the same tire on all four corners though. Gingerman is as safe a track as you can go to. Unless you loose your mind you really can't get hurt.
Have some fun. If you want to go with the front tires let me know.