I've just ordered new rear S02 PP's, but my front tires still have a lot of tread on them. Given the tread pattern difference, does anyone know if the handling will be significantly compromised? I'm ordering PP's because of the wet performance.

 

I am in the same boat as you. I've had the PP's on the rear for about a month now, and took it to the track for two days of fun with the mixed set. I didn't feel that the handling was any different than it was when I had all four OEM tires.

 

Before they wear in the PP's tend to be a bit fishy, almost like the car isnt as "tight". But in the wet they are ALOT better.

After they wear in they will be more like the OEM.

 

It is just me, or do other people feel that the OEM SO2s (at least in the rear) are not the most confidence inspiring tires?

On my old car, (a 99 Prelude with 215/45ZR 17 Dunlop SP Sport 9000s) the tires that I put on felt great, as did the BFGoodrich Comp TA ZRs that I once had.

I think that I am going to go for the Michelin Pilot Sports (or MXX3)when I need a new set, because the M3s that I have driven with them on it felt a lot better. They just seem to have a better grip, even though I'm not sure if it's mental or not.

So, to restate, I'm just not too impressed with the stock SO2s, and I was wondering if anyone else was in the same boat...

 

I'm thinking of switching to the PP's for wet performance as well. My question for those who have done this is, what size did you get? I have heard people discussing that the oem S-02 are actully wider, more like a 245-45/40- 16 than the 225 label. Anyone see a difference in width from the oem to the PP's? If so what size did you buy?

 

No. But the SO2's have a rim lip around the tire top prevent curbing as well.

A tire that is a size of 225/45/16 is always that size. It is a standard measurement.

[This message has been edited by Low-S2000 (edited December 04, 2000).]

 

Just checked my tires' tread at 8400 miles. Fronts almost like new, rear, almost shot. Wanted to stay with OEM Bridgestones, but must say that the Dunlop SP9000s I had on my 93 Legend LS coupe were the best tires I ever had. Don't know how they would be on the S2000.

2x6spds

 

I quite like the stock S02's, even the rears. When they have some heat in them they are very sticky tires.

I've heard very mixed things about any other (street) tires on the S2000. Michelins, Yoko's, even the Bridgestone Pole Positions.

Keep in mind that any Z or W rated tires are not going to handle well in cold temperatures. The mid 40's and below are the danger area according to the Bridgestone engineers I've talked to.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Low-S2000:
[B]A tire that is a size of 225/45/16 is always that size.

 

Luis,
Please measure and let me know what you find. I have heard several people mention that non oem S-02's are noticeably narrower than the oem S-02's of the same designated size.