amazing how many people in so many different cars want to play, Everything from civics to porsches, and a so much more fun is to see the look on someones face when they catch back up w you and realize they have been done in by a honda. So far the most fun have been the mustangs, who get really shaken when they can't outrun you, but the most fun is walking away from other cars on a good twisty, this car has so much bite in a corner that it is truly amazing. My only worry is tire wear, can anyone one tell me about how long they are getting out of the tires and about how much tires cost? Of course these things were not even considerations when buying the car, but why should they be? Also does any company offer a hard top yet? i have seen a few prototypes and showpieces but they are carbon fiber and i am sure very expensive

 

Welcome to the fun! As you might well expect, tire life is largely dependent on your style of driving. Many of our members have worn out a set of rears in less than 10K miles. I got 15K out of my original rears before replacing them, but I don't track or autocross the car. My fronts are still going strong at 24K+ miles. Since I didn't replace my rears with the Bridgestones, I don't know what they cost exactly, but I think you can get them for under $200 per tire.

Be careful of the original tires. While they handle exceptionally well in the dry, they can be a real bear when cold or at speed in the rain (hydroplaning); especially when the tread gets near the end of its useful life.

I don't have any experience with hardtops, either; however, several members have purchased a very nice aluminum model with rear window defogger for something in the neighborhood of $3K. The dealers are now offering hardtops, but you might do better with an aftermarket unit. I'm sure other members can better speak to this than I. I do know that http://www.handa-accessories.com/s2000.html offers a hardtop as well as many other fine accessories.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lvs2k
[B]Welcome to the fun!

 

Mugen is the only one so far (other than Honda) to offer a hardtop. Fiberglass runs around the same price as the OEM, but carbon fiber is expensive (and their rear window is not made out of glass)! I have the OEM hardtop and absolutely love it. 44lbs is not bad, but the reducing wind/road noise is incredible and I love the look of my new "coupe"!

 

When I replaced my rears, I was looking for a tire with good dry/wet handling characteristics as well as longer tread life. I chose the Michelin Pilot Sports (around $190 ea.), and so far have been very impressed with their performance. While they may not exactly match the Bridgestones in ultimate dry weather handling, I believe them to be superior in the wet; and after 9K miles there is no appreciable wear showing yet.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lvs2k
[B]When I replaced my rears, I was looking for a tire with good dry/wet handling characteristics as well as longer tread life.

 

Just look up the threads here that discuss tire width. Our stock tires "lie" about their width. Most people suggest matching stock ACTUAL width if you swap tire brands.