Jim@tirerack or anyone else...

I'm about to replace the tires (at least the rears but maybe also the fronts) on my '02 S2000. I live in California, so the weather is normally pretty mild. However, I would like something that handles better in rain. Also, since my commute takes me through the mountains, there's a short stretch of road (maybe one mile maximum) where it snows and ices over for a few days a year; obviously this is only a tiny span of road, but I'd still prefer something that provides at least minimal traction over it. I don't have a problem with sacrificing some dry handling to satisfy these conditions. These will be going on the OEM rims. What tires can you recommend, and where can I find prices for them?

I'm also considering getting aftermarket wheels, and would be interested in any similar recommendations in 17". Thanks a lot!

 

Going to a better rain tire will cost you a bit in dry performance.

Personally, I went with Bridgestone s-03s, for a little better tire wear, and ride quality, at the expense of some dry grip/sidewall rigidity. Ive been pretty happy with them, but can't help wonder if there is a comparable tire from another manufacturer with similar performance, but cheaper, as Bridgestones tend to be a bit pricey.

Ive not driven my S in snow...but Ive driven higher hp rear wheel drive cars there. I'd recommend being extremely carefull, as its really easy to get the backend to come out, and you can't just point and drive like you can with a FWD car.

 

Aaric -

Thanks for the feedback. I don't mind giving up some dry performance, as I almost always drive well shy of the limit. I'd like better tire wear, better rain handling, and of course, price is a definite consideration. The snow is only a minor issue - I'd be driving over no more than 1 mile of very, very thin snow maximum...and it's usually cleared off the road before I get there.

Rain is my main concern, because driving highway 17 (for those of you familiar with the San Jose <--> Santa Cruz route) in heavy rain is a pain with the S-02s.

How are the S-03s wearing for you so far? Any noticeable improvement over S-02 tire life?

 

Cyber_X,

The S03 would be a very good tire for the car except when you mention snow. They will be bad in the cold and snow. The only option you would have for a better all around tire would be either the Dunlop SP5000 or the Pirelli P7000 SS. Both of these will wear longer with better foul weather traction.
If I can help let me know.
Thank you

Jim 800-428-8355-364

 

Thanks, Jim!

I checked my front tires this weekend, and they're wearing on the inside, so it looks like I'll be replacing all 4 tires very soon (probably this week). I'll look into the options you mentioned - thanks a lot!

 

The s03s lasted me 14k miles in the rear..Fronts seem to be about half worn at that mileage. I could have easily gotten a couple more k on the rears, but I had them overinflated a bit (for a less mushy fieel), and the centers were almost to the wearbars.

Stock rubber lasted 10k in the rear and 12k in the front. However, I bought the car with 7800 miles on it, so its hard to get a good comparison.

As for wet performance, they handled the recent downpour very well, as well as the summer storms in texas this year. I was pleasently surprised how well they did in the rain.

Hope this helps...