Well, after destroying what was left of the tread on my original S02s during a week of Gtech testing followed by a night at the street drags I finally got around to having the new set installed today.

The originals have provided me with 23,000km (14,500 miles), 18 months and 4 track days of driving but I have to admit that for the last 4 months the S02s have been noticeably deficient in their cornering prowess and have been squealing pretty badly even in moderate turns. The S02s have two different tread compunds - the lower compound (below the surface of the good compound and only reached when the tyre is worn) is designed primarily to dissipate heat, not provide grip - which explains my experience with sliding.

Well after mounting at lunchtime I took the Stook home tonight around my favourite test route (the Yarra boulevard which is a cliff top drive around Melbourne's primary river) and boy did I notice the difference. The S02s gripped like glue, no tyre squeal whatsoever and all the nervousness (which I thought was just me getting old) has disappeared from the vehicle.

I'm now looking forward to the Vic HSCC day at Calder (local raceway) on 25th of March with increased enthusiasm.

Needless to say the S02s are the correct ones. I had them installed at the Melbourne Bridgestone Head office and whilst waiting for the fitting had a good chat with Chris Robson. Chris is the local Bridgestone tech specialist and he filled me in on how he has a VIP pass for the 1st Grandprix of the season (in Melbourne next weekend) as the local Bridgestone support. He also regaled me with stories of what he has been up to at Grand Prixs in years past - sounded like great fun Chris! Chris ensured I got a good price on the tyres at $A310/$A330 each front/rear fitted, balanced and aligned (halve that for US dollars) - which is about $A50 off each tyre.

The only negative of the experience today was that the bloody Bridgestone tyre fitter got the front left arm of his jack positioned incorrectly and instead of lifting the vehicle under the frame rail lifted it under the body just to the rear of the left front wheel (other 3 jack mounts were OK). As a result I now have a flattened and punctured bottom of my left front mudguard (fender) which is not really noticeable unless you climb underneath and look hard but is bloody annoying - Bridgestone admit it is their fault and will pay for the damage but its a nuisance to now have to spend time at a panel repairer getting it fixed - grrr..

As you know, I'm a bit of a bigot when it comes to the S02s and thoroughly recommend them. I'll keep you all posted as to the wear characteristics of this second set of S02s.

 

Did you ask Chris Robson about SO3s?

Barry...

 

No I didn't Barry, frankly I didn't think to ask him but it's a good point. I have invited Chris to come along and ride with me at the next HSCC (Honda Sports Car Club) track day and also get him to talk with /present to the other HSCC members - I'll try to remember to raise the subject then.

 

I don't think these S03s will be released until May '01...

 

Hi 2kturkey, sounds like you got price ... I used to pay A$330 for the 225/55/15 tyre for my MR2. Last pair I bought (after GST) cost A$290 each. So those prices you got sound good concidering they're lower profile and larger wheel size.

What tyre pressures are you running in your tyres now and how does it feel?

Also, are you still suffering from understeer like you did before?

 

Dang, that's a reason to keep stock wheels or if you do change, stay with 16"'ers.

S02's for 17 inch rims are around $550 each. Michelin Pilots are $460. Falken GRB's come to about the same as you paid for the S02's.

 

Just one more reason the Honda engineers came out at 16".....cost of rubber...and this car can use a LOT. S)3's intor in April or May....

 

Bridgestone inflated the tyres to 34psi all round. I've been interstate for the last couple of days but will pump them up to around 38 on the weekend. I think there may have been some improvement re understeer - the car feels a lot more responsive to steering.

RRP for the S02s is now $375/395 front rear fitted - they have gone up a bit in the last few months.

Re the S03s I noticed Bridgestone state that the S03 is a replacement for the S02PP NOT the S02.

IMHO the S03 is NOT the right tyre for the S2000, at least not until there is a specifc Honda OEM version. I note the load index ratings for the S03s have gone down and they are all Z rated instead of W.