rpg51

Will a set of stock oem ap2 v3 wheels and tires fit properly on my 100% stock ap1 s2000? How will they affect performance? What is the best way to find a set of ap2 v3 wheels in good shape?

EricJT7

They will indeed fit, any stock ap2 wheels (v1, v2, v3) will fit a stock ap1. Same with the stock ap2 tire sizes, 215/45/17 and 245/40/17. No modifications required, direct fit!

They'll improve the handling if the tires were the exact same (being in a wider size from the 205 front and 225 rear of the ap1). Being lower profile, they might be a tad bumpier, but you'll notice the performance benefit more so very well worth it.
Best way to find them, craigslist or the forums here. Or a local member if you can find one selling them is probably even better.

AP2 V3's I believe are the heaviest stock wheels, biggest downside, but not sure if that's something you'll notice much or not except perhaps when you go to pick them up and install them. AP2V1's are the lightest stock ap2 wheels and usually the easiest to find (though I stumbled across my AP2 V3's from a craigslist ad). I wouldn't pay over $650 or so for a set of stock wheels if the tires aren't worth anything. The CR gunmetal AP2 V3's can be worth closer to as much as $1,000 in perfect shape, however due to their market and very few being produced, also tougher to find for sale. If you want to get as good of a deal as possible, look for a condition in good cosmetic shape with a quality set of like new tires for a reasonable price (seller generally will take a hit on used tires, even if lightly worn). Just make sure to inspect them really well if you're paying extra for tires.

rpg51

I have some ap2 v3 wheels coming. I need to select tires. Could you all suggest some specific tires and sizes?

My car is 02 ap1. I am looking for a stock set up. As close to oem as possible I guess. I will drive three seasons in Vermont so we do get some cold whether in the shoulder seasons but most of my driving by far is 45 to 90 degree weather. I am not looking for track driving at all. Just fun on winding country roads in Vermont on the weekends and maybe a short overnight trip now and then to Boston, or Maine or Montreal. I just enjoy the stock feel and I am not trying to improve on it and I don't want to do anything to increase the tail happy reputation of this car.

EricJT7

Recommendation:

Max performance category:
Bridgestone S-04 Pole Position Tires 215/45/17 Front, 245/40/17 Rear
http://www.tirerack....00&autoModClar=

Other tire size options:


CR sizing: 215/45/17 Front, 255/40/17 Rear
OR 225/45/17 Front, 255/40/17 Rear

Extreme performance category: Bridgestone RE-11 (If you can find them as they're being discontinued from tirerack!) 215/45/17 Front, 245/40/17 Rear

Other tire size options:
CR sizing: 215/45/17 Front, 255/40/17 Rear
OR 225/45/17 Front, 255/40/17 Rear


These are the two closest sets of tires I can think of to the Bridgestones RE-050's the AP2 (non CR's) came with. The RE-11's being at least a slight improvement, but likely similar feel. Go with the S-04 if you don't wish to have any added performance benefit over the RE-050 and you should get up to 20,000 miles out of the set or so.

rpg51

Thank you. Just what I was looking for. S-04 it is.

duffman13

S-04 is about as expensive as you want to go if you're not taking it to the track or trying to podium at autocross. Anything more than that is spending more money for the sake of saying you have Michelin Pilot Super Sports. I mean, the MPSS is a great tire, but for 99% of people it's not worth the money over the Bridgestone S-04

deception9

the S04 is a fantastic tire for the money. that being said, the next step down in Bridgetsones line is the Re760 and they are very good too.

GUTI007

215/245 on S-04's is a great summer combo for scooting around town. I'm actually running 215/255's on AP2v1's but whenever I plan on some spirited mountain driving I go back to my AP1/S-02 set up.

rpg51

I ordered a set of S-04's today. I am looking forward to getting these new wheels and tires on my new 02. Do you all think there is any reason for me to keep the original ap1 wheels?

I am really enjoying this car. I drove a 67 Austin Healey Sprite as a young guy. It was a beater but a lot of fun. I resisted the temptation to buy another sports car for 40 years. I had other things that I needed to tend to. But now I am able do this and I am really enjoying myself. I feel very fortunate. I have a Tundra for winter and the s2k for summer. We had a glorious day today in Vermont. Perfect weather. We are blessed with countless beautiful country roads. Life is good.

rpg51

I wonder if one of you could explain the impact on handling and performance that the larger wheels and tires (ap2 v3 wheels) will have on my ap1 s2000?