225/255 vs 215/245, or PS4S in OEM sizes vs ?
01-10-2019, 03:19 PM
#11
Registered User
Thread Starter
Hell, those sizes have a bigger diameter difference than that between 225/245; except in the other direction. Eeeeenteresting.
Anyone care to drop some knowledge on my thinking below?
215/255 is .4" larger diameter in back; 225/245 is .3" larger diameter in front.
Anyone care to drop some knowledge on my thinking below?
215/255 is .4" larger diameter in back; 225/245 is .3" larger diameter in front.
01-10-2019, 03:23 PM
#12
Registered User
Thread Starter
On this car sidewall stiffness makes a huge difference, whereas on most any other car it barely makes any difference (except with ride comfort).
Wider front tires make turn in more sluggish.
Any modern max performance summer will far exceed the grip of the oem tires this cars suspension was designed around.
There is an argument to be made, that for the street, stock sizes with a max perf tire known for stiff sidewalls is an excellent choice. You may give up some possible grip over other choices, but those come with the downsides mentioned above..
Wider front tires make turn in more sluggish.
Any modern max performance summer will far exceed the grip of the oem tires this cars suspension was designed around.
There is an argument to be made, that for the street, stock sizes with a max perf tire known for stiff sidewalls is an excellent choice. You may give up some possible grip over other choices, but those come with the downsides mentioned above..
Regarding your OEM tires comment, not arguing, as I've been out of the game; but on my first S ... man, those S-02s were ****ing legendary (as far as oem tires go).
01-11-2019, 04:46 AM
#13
Diameters of 225F x 255R are indeed closer to the 215F x 245R "base" version and I may use 225F next tire replacement. (I've always wished Honda had a less plebeian model name. 
)
But, 215F x 255R are the CR tire sizes so Honda wasn't concerned about the 2% difference in diameters which do not bother either the ABS or traction control on these cars. The 255 rear tire rotates 13 times less per mile than the 215 front. I was concerned about this difference two years ago when I replaced the worn out RE-11A tires but that has proven to be a non-issue.
Bridgestone claims the recently released Extreme rated S0007A is the spiritual successor to my greatly missed RE-11A tires and sits in a niche between the RE-71R (jarringly stiff ride and an inordinate amount of noise) and Max rated S-04 (not quite as capable on the track as the Extreme Performance tires) according the Tire Rack tests and comparisons.
These tires are all priced within $100 for a set of four so that shouldn't be a consideration.
-- Chuck
)But, 215F x 255R are the CR tire sizes so Honda wasn't concerned about the 2% difference in diameters which do not bother either the ABS or traction control on these cars. The 255 rear tire rotates 13 times less per mile than the 215 front. I was concerned about this difference two years ago when I replaced the worn out RE-11A tires but that has proven to be a non-issue.
Bridgestone claims the recently released Extreme rated S0007A is the spiritual successor to my greatly missed RE-11A tires and sits in a niche between the RE-71R (jarringly stiff ride and an inordinate amount of noise) and Max rated S-04 (not quite as capable on the track as the Extreme Performance tires) according the Tire Rack tests and comparisons.
These tires are all priced within $100 for a set of four so that shouldn't be a consideration.
-- Chuck
01-17-2019, 03:57 PM
#14
I had 225 up front for a while. I did not like it at all. This was on an ap1 2002. I prefer narrower front tires for the street. Wider tires make the car sluggish as Car Analogy points out. I find the car much more enjoyable on the street with stock rubber width up front.
"It is not a track tire, but it is far and away the best street tire." With all due respect, this is a very significant exaggeration. The differences between the best max performance tires are minimal. Hardly worth a moments thought.
"It is not a track tire, but it is far and away the best street tire." With all due respect, this is a very significant exaggeration. The differences between the best max performance tires are minimal. Hardly worth a moments thought.
01-17-2019, 05:09 PM
#15
My philosophy, especially if you have a stiff suspension and a power adder, get a 245/45/17 tire. Ps4s even come in this size. The taller sidewall will absorb alot of ride harshness, also gives you 4% longer gearing so you can cruise at a slightly lower highway rpm. Plus lets be honest on factory rims and psi setting properly aligned the oem 245 tire does not have a full contact patch. If you go 255 the extra wideness does not improve contact much if at all. Taller 245 tire will actually give you a larger tire footprint improving your braking and acceleration grip. The slightly fatter sidewall actually looks good on an s2k imo.
01-17-2019, 07:23 PM
#16
Is this a 400hp turbocharged car running NASA TT events? A more or less stock NA car running non-competitive track days? Or a street car?
There are very few performance tires in 17" diameter in 2019. This was an ultimate high-performance size in 1992. Still high-performance in 2004. Now a size for taxi cabs.
Many of the newest tires are primarily 19" and 20". However, there is still a good selection of 18" tires.
In 18" you can not only find 245/35 and 255/35, but 285/30, 295/30, 315/30, and even 335/30. And they can be made to fit with a little fender work and the right offset wheels.
However, for a street sports car, OEM 215/45 and 245/40 come in the P4S and work fine. Good handling, good performance. Racing NASA TT with 400hp-600hp? Then 315/30 and 335/30 Hoosier A7s look pretty good!
There are very few performance tires in 17" diameter in 2019. This was an ultimate high-performance size in 1992. Still high-performance in 2004. Now a size for taxi cabs.
Many of the newest tires are primarily 19" and 20". However, there is still a good selection of 18" tires.
In 18" you can not only find 245/35 and 255/35, but 285/30, 295/30, 315/30, and even 335/30. And they can be made to fit with a little fender work and the right offset wheels.
However, for a street sports car, OEM 215/45 and 245/40 come in the P4S and work fine. Good handling, good performance. Racing NASA TT with 400hp-600hp? Then 315/30 and 335/30 Hoosier A7s look pretty good!
03-04-2019, 08:35 PM
#17
I am taking this very decision right now. Bought a 2003 AP1 completely stock with 123k miles. Not even the shocks had been replaced. Bought a set of AP2V2 wheels which needs new tires. No daily driver car. Just driving 10 minutes to work on Fridays and some weekend driving. 99% decided on Bridgestone RE-71R. Not very concern about road noise... more of traction, and living in South Florida.
Planning some day do minimal upgrade for a couple of track days per year, and straight runs on street Will slightly upgrade brakes and stuffs. Plan to leave stock suspension.
What need/want advice is in the tire size combo. Thinking on:
stock AP2 215/45R17 front, 245/40R17 rear
CR AP2 215/45 front with 255/40R17 rear. I think I will like the look of wider rear tires. IMPORTANT: does the tire will stick out of the fender or rub? I don’t that “look” of the tires sticking out or exagerated camber. Want a stockish or slightly modified look.
Not that much into 225/45 front, 255/40 rear because of the reported “sluggish” front cornering. Also, if Honda came with that combo 215f/255r should be ok/better.
All comments and experience are welcome.
Planning some day do minimal upgrade for a couple of track days per year, and straight runs on street Will slightly upgrade brakes and stuffs. Plan to leave stock suspension.
What need/want advice is in the tire size combo. Thinking on:
stock AP2 215/45R17 front, 245/40R17 rear
CR AP2 215/45 front with 255/40R17 rear. I think I will like the look of wider rear tires. IMPORTANT: does the tire will stick out of the fender or rub? I don’t that “look” of the tires sticking out or exagerated camber. Want a stockish or slightly modified look.
Not that much into 225/45 front, 255/40 rear because of the reported “sluggish” front cornering. Also, if Honda came with that combo 215f/255r should be ok/better.
All comments and experience are welcome.
03-04-2019, 11:00 PM
#18
I recently replaced MPSS in stock sizes on my 2008 for 225/255 Continental extreme contact sports. These are excellent street tires, especially in the wet, and for the price at $200 less than the michelins. They last longer too according to the reports I read. I went with the larger sizes because I wanted a touch more grip and was pleasantly surprised at how much nicer they filled in the wheel wells and improved the appearance.
I would feel comfortable taking these to a track day, but they are not going to be competitive at autocross, is more of a daily, but a very competent daily.
That said, if you're the type that drives at the ragged edge, is advise going with the re71r because the firmer sidewall makes a significant difference in feel.
One more thing, make sure to check the manufacturing dates. The 225 is a much less common size so you're likely to get a set that's already a couple of years old, in which case you may want to demand a newer pair.
I would feel comfortable taking these to a track day, but they are not going to be competitive at autocross, is more of a daily, but a very competent daily.
That said, if you're the type that drives at the ragged edge, is advise going with the re71r because the firmer sidewall makes a significant difference in feel.
One more thing, make sure to check the manufacturing dates. The 225 is a much less common size so you're likely to get a set that's already a couple of years old, in which case you may want to demand a newer pair.
03-05-2019, 04:36 AM
#19
I recently replaced MPSS in stock sizes on my 2008 for 225/255 Continental extreme contact sports. These are excellent street tires, especially in the wet, and for the price at $200 less than the michelins. They last longer too according to the reports I read. I went with the larger sizes because I wanted a touch more grip and was pleasantly surprised at how much nicer they filled in the wheel wells and improved the appearance.
I would feel comfortable taking these to a track day, but they are not going to be competitive at autocross, is more of a daily, but a very competent daily.
That said, if you're the type that drives at the ragged edge, is advise going with the re71r because the firmer sidewall makes a significant difference in feel.
One more thing, make sure to check the manufacturing dates. The 225 is a much less common size so you're likely to get a set that's already a couple of years old, in which case you may want to demand a newer pair.
I would feel comfortable taking these to a track day, but they are not going to be competitive at autocross, is more of a daily, but a very competent daily.
That said, if you're the type that drives at the ragged edge, is advise going with the re71r because the firmer sidewall makes a significant difference in feel.
One more thing, make sure to check the manufacturing dates. The 225 is a much less common size so you're likely to get a set that's already a couple of years old, in which case you may want to demand a newer pair.
What you had before (Michelin pilot sport?) and how do they compare with the Continentals?
03-05-2019, 05:47 AM
#20
Site Moderator
I am taking this very decision right now. Bought a 2003 AP1 completely stock with 123k miles. Not even the shocks had been replaced. Bought a set of AP2V2 wheels which needs new tires. No daily driver car. Just driving 10 minutes to work on Fridays and some weekend driving. 99% decided on Bridgestone RE-71R. Not very concern about road noise... more of traction, and living in South Florida.
Planning some day do minimal upgrade for a couple of track days per year, and straight runs on street Will slightly upgrade brakes and stuffs. Plan to leave stock suspension.
What need/want advice is in the tire size combo. Thinking on:
stock AP2 215/45R17 front, 245/40R17 rear
CR AP2 215/45 front with 255/40R17 rear. I think I will like the look of wider rear tires. IMPORTANT: does the tire will stick out of the fender or rub? I don’t that “look” of the tires sticking out or exagerated camber. Want a stockish or slightly modified look.
Not that much into 225/45 front, 255/40 rear because of the reported “sluggish” front cornering. Also, if Honda came with that combo 215f/255r should be ok/better.
All comments and experience are welcome.
Planning some day do minimal upgrade for a couple of track days per year, and straight runs on street Will slightly upgrade brakes and stuffs. Plan to leave stock suspension.
What need/want advice is in the tire size combo. Thinking on:
stock AP2 215/45R17 front, 245/40R17 rear
CR AP2 215/45 front with 255/40R17 rear. I think I will like the look of wider rear tires. IMPORTANT: does the tire will stick out of the fender or rub? I don’t that “look” of the tires sticking out or exagerated camber. Want a stockish or slightly modified look.
Not that much into 225/45 front, 255/40 rear because of the reported “sluggish” front cornering. Also, if Honda came with that combo 215f/255r should be ok/better.
All comments and experience are welcome.
On Tire Rack's site you can check the specs of the tires you're looking at, not all 215's are the same size, same with the 245's. The turn in feel is more about the tire choice than the size (within reason) as tire sizes vary even with the tire having the same specs.
You won't rub by going to 225 F, 255 R. The original CR front tires are closer to a 225 than a 215.