:hello: I'm looking to replace the original tires on my '06 S. I've had good luck (and grip) on the Potenzas and have decided to stay with them. However, I want to replace the P245/40 R17's (9.1 W) with P255/40 R17's (9.4 W) that came on the S 2000 CR. The comparison specs between the S and CR show the rims as being the exact same (17X8.5). Question is: Will I need to roll the fenders to compensate for the slightly wider rears? I'm thinking not...but I'm not sure either. Thoughts, experiences?

 

You'll be fine. My Dunlop Direzza's in stock sizes have a tread section of 9.8" (according to TireRack) and with me being lowered an inch or so, I don't rub or come close to it.

 

I have 255 Dunlops (stated 10.4) on stock rears. No problems.

 

Thanks, guys. You've been very helpful and reassuring. You're both running Dunlops and my Dad just put Dunlops on his Z3. Less expensive, I see. Any problems to date or reservations about going with Dunlop again? And SoloVR6, you did install R255's on stock rims without any problems? I like the idea of a bigger "foot" at a stated 10.4". Especially at the lower price.

 

Just checked the price of Star Specs on Tirerack. Did they just increase the 255/40/17 price to $159? I swear I saw it for less just a week or two ago....

 

Not sure if the price has increased or not, but compared to the $226.00 I was prepared to spend for the Potenza's, $159.00 looks real good. That is, if they're any good .

 

I actually have 255's all around on stock wheels. Sure the fronts look funny and are pretty pinched (way opposite of hellaflush) but I wanted as much tire as I could reasonably get. For my intended use it works. I do have a very large front sway bar to help manage all that tire. I do not recommend the big front tire without the big sway bar.

The rears mounted up with no problems and look just right on the wheels. The fronts were a little difficult getting the bead to seat but no other problems.

I have no regrets on the Dunlops. But I haven't tried much else. I bought my car used and it came on some Toyo all seasons. I went with the Dunlops based a lot on price, a little on the fact that they had a $50 mail in rebate and a little on the SCCA National results. Bridgestones were just too expensive for me and I don't think they're worth it for my situation. As an all around good tire, rain or shine, IMO it's hard to beat the Dunlop.

 

The Dunlop direzza z1 star specs are pretty much the tire to get. There are a bunch of other really good performing tires though that work better than the stock (for AP2 non-CR's) Bridgestone Potenza RE050. Keep in mind that the CR's stock tire is the Bridgestone Potenza RE070 which is much grippier than the RE050's.

 

^ That seems to be the general consensus not just for S2K's, but for many other makes as well. I think there are other options, but I don't know how well they perform in the wet. Other top performers in the same price range would be the Hankook RS-3, and the Kumho XS (although bad when wet). If you're willing to shell out a little more, I hear the Yokohama AD08 are pretty awesome.

*I have a set of used OEM RE050's that I need to get rid of for cheap...

 

Thanks, everyone. I'm still in research mode. Looking at the Kumhos and Yokohamas a little closer. Will probably rule out the Yoko's as an extra $65.00, or so, will put me into the Potenza RE070's. If it's true; you get what you pay for, well...I'm concerned about the lower priced Dunlops. Road noise isn't really a concern, there's plenty of that anyway
. I'm pretty aggressive much of the time, but don't spend much time on the track or motoX. However, Grip, grip, and more grip is what I'm interested in. I'll figure something out.