Hi there,

Not sure if this is the right forum to posted in, but I figure the people here can answer best...

I'm planning to finally add some tire width to my set up as my DD is now becomimg more of a track car. I've been running the stock AP1 wheels on Star Specs for a few years now and am planning to go with either a non-staggered 255 set up or a staggered 235/255 set up. The deciding factor which also leads to my question is:

How much does adding maximum tire/grip detract from the pleasure of driving below "the limit"? I like to think of myself as a no compromise track guy, but in reality, I'd still like to get some enjoyment from the odd back road cruise.

Thoughts, experiences and suggestion would be much appreciated!

P.S. I'm also planning to up my spring rates to approx 550/450 on my ots Koni's if that makes a difference...

 

I'm still not convinced of the merits of 255 square over 235/255.

The response you're going to get is "all the fastest guys are running a 255 square setup. You'll lose some steering feel in exchange for more front end grip."

 

In STR autocross, most folks default to 255/255 because its the maximum allowed section width. GRM did the same thing with their STR MX5, but their analysis showed 245s to be faster...still, they went to National Tour events on 255s. The STS crowd, instead of going wider, uses 195 Toyos because the compound in that tire, for that size, has been shown to be faster. I haven't seen definite testing to show what size combo is fastest for the S2k in autocross or track--I'd do it but it seems prohibitively expensive...

I am still getting used to my S2000 in STR (I'm coming from my RTA 2009 WRX I've driven the past 3 seasons) so this year's tires are predicated on my leftover StarSpec 225s for the front and 245s on OE rears. Not the fast setup, but better than stock tires.

edit: things to consider....255s with a low offset will rub the inner fender in some situations, depnding on spring rate, lowering and cornering force. I doubt it will detract from the fun of street driving, even if the steering feels different with the wider, slightly heavier 255s

 

I run 275's on all 4 with 900/950 springs...
but I got a cage and no license plate.

 

While the GRM test was interesting, I don't believe its generalizable to the s2000. Too many differences. Better structural rigidity, more power etc etc

We'll never see a well done comparison, too many changes are required to optimize the 235 front vs the 255.

 

Don't forget the big bonus of rotating your tires front to rear with a square setup--makes a big difference in tire life.

 

Thanks for the replies guys, but I was looking more for input on how enjoyable a wide tire set up is to drive. Not necessarily what is the ultimate for lap times.

BTW, I've done a lot of research on this forum around what is fastest..lot's of great info and lot's of schools of thought!

Thanks again.

 

I daily drive on 255s on 17x9 +63 wheels. Its more enjoyable. Its more grip. Love it.

 

It's not less enjoyable.

 

That's kinda what I wanted to hear. Pretty much the set up I'm thinking of as well. I'm assuming with +63 you didn't have any fitment issues either?