I am in the market for a rear set to replace the S-03's I currently run, and was doing some research on the S-02's. In this size, the S-03 has a tread width of 9.4", while the S-02 (Porsche spec) has a tread width of 8.0". This is a huge difference, especially for a tire of the same "size".

Just for reference, I looked at the Goodyear F1 in this size, and it has a tread width of 8.2".

Are the S-03's that much wider for real or is this a typo (straight from Bridgestone's web site)?

Anyone run the S-02's in this size?

Thanks

 

Anyone?...

 

The S02A (porsche spec S02's) in the size 255/40/17 has a tread width closer to 8.5" mounted on an 8.5" wide rim. Keep in mind that this represents the contact patch. The S02A has "shoulders" that are slighty rounded (vs. the very square shoulders of the Honda factory S02's) which provide another .75" -1.0" of tread to work with under cornering.
They definately provide better performance handling than the S03's.

 

Thanks for the info. The 255/40/17 S-03's I have lasted about as long as stock S-02's, so I figured I might as well get the grippier S-02's in 255/40/17. But I'm worried about the apparent difference (loss) in contact patch width, and whether or not it will mess up the balance of the car.

The wheels are Volk CE28's, 9" rear. I'm running 225's on the front.

I wonder if the S2200 will come with 17" wheels, and whether Bridgestone will make an S2200 spec tire close to 255/40/17...

 

Chiung, The S02 in the 255/40R17 is not the same tire as the OE S02 on your car. The Porsche tire has a contact patch of 7.9" and the S03 in the same size is 9.4" contact patch.
If I can help with the tires let me know.
Thank you

Jim 877-522-8473

 

Thanks Jim. It looks like I'll stick with the S-03 PP's, unless there are any other tires you can recommend with a contact patch similar to it.

I'm still surprised at the huge variation in contact patch sizes between two tires of the same nominal "size" from the same manufacturer.

 

The size of the tire is measured in the section width. In other words from shoulder to shoulder. The tread width can be very different from tire to tire.

Jim

 

Jim, thanks again - I'm beginning to see that there's a LOT more to buying tires than just the size and UTGI (whatever) ratings. Can you PM me a price for (2) S-03 PP's? I'm at 32118, and may have you just ship them to Discount Tire here.

 

Is the 245/45/16 still the SO2 tire to get? My local tire store said there is no such tire in a Bridgestone Potenza, however he does show a 225/50/16 in a SO2 as well as a SO2 with a "M-3" designation. Is this m3 version the oem version? Or is this m3 version at least the wider contact tire?

 

The OEM S-02 is designated as 225/50/16 92W. The only other S-02 in that size is for the Porsche Boxster, and has a much narrower tread width.

Specify the "W" tire for your S. It is "W" speed rated. The Boxster tire is "Z" rated.