Playing with tire combos is always tricky... as we all know by now even with the OEM S-02's! I believe what Scot mentioned is true... you are definitely reducing the gearing by going with lower profile tires... similar in effect to changing the final gear ratio (like the ATS or Spoon final gear ratio mods... which are incredibly expensive!). Looks-wise... yes, lowering is the only way to make it look good.

A good example is the Amuse S2000 from Japan... one of the fastest modified S2000's yet... and they run the following racing setup:
- 16x8 TE37 +40 offset FRONT
- 16x8 TE37 +38 offset REAR
- 225/45's all the way around
Needless to say, they achieve excellent track results. I have included a pic below... looks good, eh? (I really like the front lip!)


As for decreased contact patches, balance, etc... I don't want to start a big argument. I'm sure ANY change in tire and wheel setup is bound to have an effect on handling. Bottom line is you can tune the setup to perform well... you just need somebody who knows how! Weight-wise, I don't believe the S2000 NEEDS that large of a contact patch... so any reduction in contact patch size due to a lower profile 16" tire setup should be minimal.

I have seen this strategy used on other cars before with good results. If you can live with the speedo being slightly off, and the fact that you have to lower it... I think the improvement in in-gear acceleration might be worth it. Just my $0.02

 

Hmmmm... Those 16 inch TE37s don't look so bad.

Interesting, I always wondered why a car with near 50/50 balance would need tires like we do. Food for thought.

 

how would you compensate for the change in speedometer though? can we recalibrate it?

 

I can see it now "S2000 skateboard edition" complete with 13" wheels that stick out past the fenders. Not that the wheels are so wide, the whole tire is outside the fender. Improves cornering and acceleration!

But on a serious note: Wouldn't smaller tires clock miles on the odometer quicker also?

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2K-F8
[B]I can see it now "S2000 skateboard edition" complete with 13" wheels that stick out past the fenders.