i need new tires to replace the s02's that are on my stock ap1 rims... anyone here use the Goodyear F1 GS-D3 tires?

pls share your thoughts/comments.. thanks!

 

I think most will agree and say that they are very nice tires, but not the correct size for the rear with the OEM 16 inch wheels. The OEM S-02's are a little over an inch wider. I don't believe the F1's come in 245/45/16, which is the size you would want to mimic the contact patch of the S-02's. If you really want them you could get the 225/50/16 and not have as large of a contact patch. Some say it makes a big difference, some don't. Or you could get the 245/50/16 but your speedo would be off a bit since the wheel diameter would be about an inch wider.

 

By most accounts the F1 GS-D3's are great track-worthy tires (not snow-worthy of course!).

But to determine the optimum tire for YOU, several factors have to be considered, including:

Will the car be driven in snow?
Will the car be driven in heavy rain?
Will the car be autocrossed?
Will you participate in track days?
Is longevity an issue?
Is money no object?

I'm personally of the opinion that non-OEM 225/50-16 size is no less "correct" than 245/45-16, but as mentioned, opinions differ! You'll have to (ulp) make up your own mind on that one...

 

If you check the "tread" width on the AP-1 oem tires, they do have a wider contact patch than most other 225 width tires. Thats why a 245 is recommended. Do you have more experience than the tire rack people, with those that size? I think I will take ther advice first. I think jim at the tirerack knows what he's talking about, as does the tire size sticky at the top the forum does also. IMHO

 

Here's what the resident expert had to say in another thread:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=466573
"If the tire you choose is not available in the 245/45R16 you would be better off running the 225/50R16 on the rear with the 205/55R16 on the front."

That's exactly my approach. If the tire I want isn't available in 245/45-16, I'll get it in 225/50-16.

 

THEN AGAIN...

Been reading up on tire dimensions at the tirerack's site.

Whereas the OEM rear B'stone S02's are *particularly* WIDE, the Eagle F1 GS-D3 225/50-16 is apparently *particularly* narrow. 7.3" tread width (vs. 8.5" oem rear tire tread width). Only 0.2" (5mm) wider than the GS-D3 205/55-16 front fitment.

I still wouldn't necessarily rule them out, but it is something to consider...

My personal price-no-object choice for that type of tire would be Bridgestone RE01R anyway, regardless of tire dimensions.

With price very definitely being an object, I got Hankook Z212 RS2's, 245/45-16 rear, 205/50-16 front (woulda gotten 225s up front but worried about rubbing with 45mm offset wheels).

IMO, 245/45 vs. 225/50 and actual dimensional size is something to consider, but nothing to agonize over in selecting tires.

 

I am looking at buying new wheels just so I can get those tires. I am sick of shelling out $$$ for SO2s that do not last and grip like KY Jelly in the wet. I can always tell when my SO2's are worn because interstate driving in the rain becomes a drifting circuit.

 

here are the comparison from tirerack.com.. other than the .9" increase in overall diameter in the rears, the 245/50 seems more 'identical' to the stock s02's in terms of the contact patch....

front:...................stock 205/55/16............Eagle 205/55
tread depth:.....................10/32" ..........................10/32"
measured rim width:...........6.5"............................. ..6.5"
section width: ....................8.1".......................... .....8.4"
tread width:........................7.1"................ ...............7.1"
overall diameter:.................25"..................... ......... 24.9

rear:...............stock 225/45/16.....Eagle 225/50....Eagle 245/50
tread depth:................10/32"................10/32"..............10/32"
rim width: .....................7" ......................7" .................. 7.5"
section width:..............9.2".....................9.1".................9.8"
tread width:..................8.5"....................7.3".................8.4"
overall diameter:...........24.8"..................24.9"...............25.7"

i have emailed 'negcamber' since he seems to be real knowledgable in this topic.. he's been active in this particularthread, so i figure why not ask him to join in on this...

i learned two things from looking at this chart:
1) the 'tread width' of the 225/50 is reduced to 7.3" which is only .2" wider than the front tires... wouldnt this be really bad because then the tire setup wouldnt be as 'staggered' as stock (7.1 & 8.5 stock, 7.1 & 7.3 225/50)

2)because of the .9" overall diameter increase in the rears as a result of the 245/50 tire setup, i know my speedo, etc will be off.. but will i rub on top of the rear fender well?

 

Thanks for the kind words...not sure how knowledgeable but just a few years experience with the s2k and the constant search for good tires.

A 245/50 will fit without serious rubbing from what I've seen on a stock suspension ap1. An autoxer here in FL actually runs a set. I'm not positive the brand, but it may be the GS-D3...I'll see if I can find out.

Unfortunately, there is really not a good solution for the ap1 oem rims other than the oem S02 (luckily they are an awsome tire). Every other tire that will "fit" is a compromise in some way...either inappropriate stagger or lower gripping rubber.

The Hankooks IMO are about the best compromise...they come in the "appropriate" stagger and are reasonably grippy, but not in the same league as the S02 or other ultra perf tires.

Otherwise, choose the stickiest tire you can afford in the closest stagger you can find and adjust your driving style to match the tires. Personally, I'm not very good at that and prefer a combo for the street that provides a good compromise between grip and stability. However, I finally broke down and got 17" rims, and solved the tire selection issue that way.

 

Seriously, just get RE01R's or RE050 Pole Positions and don't fricking worry about it. It will NOT be the end of the world to have a bit less tread width "stagger" than OEM. There are factors that are more important than physical tread width, particularly for street driving. Reports from the field don't note any untoward oversteery behavior with the "stagger-challenged" RE01Rs under extreme cornering (AutoX). 3rd post down https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=479516

Either of the newer Bridgestones should be superior to OEM S02s or Eagle F1 GS-D3's, and they're cheaper as well.

Mountain being made out of a mole-hill here, IMHO.