So i was thinkin about pickin up a set of Potenza RE-01r's in the spring time, but it was brought to my attention that they did not have the stock sizes (215/45/17) . They do however have 225's. I'm just curious to know how many people tried 225's on their front wheels for Ap2's.

 

I have 225s. They work great, but make sure you switch to 255 for the rears (to maintain your staggered configuration), unless you enjoy snap oversteer

 

The 225 and 245 RE-01R are much closer in width than the stock RE-050. According to the specs on the Tire Rack web site, the rear RE-050 and the rear RE-01R both have a 9" tread width. However, the 225/45-17 RE-01R has 8.3" wide tread and the 215/45-17 RE-050 (Honda OE) has 6.7" wide tread!

You will run into a similar problem if you choose any non-stock tire in the nominal stock sizes. The stock front tire is extraordinarily narrow for a 215/45-17. You may look into 205/50-17 sized tires for the front to remain closer to the stock balance. Or check out 255/40-17 tires for the rear to go with 215/45-17 front tires. Otherwise you will probably want to compensate for the change in stagger with a stiffer front swaybar or a change in alignment (more rear toe-in, less front camber).

 

I just ordered 215/45 and 255/40 x 17 Azenis 615's today (to go on stock AP2 rims) hoping to keep stagger within reason. They should be in tomorrow, so we'll see how balanced the car feels soon.

Mark

 

You have RE-01r's?

 

No. I didn't realize that your post was specifically about those tires. In general though, on AP2 rims you should run either F215/R245 or F225/R255. I bought a set of winter tires - Continental ContiExtremeContact.

 

This doesn't sound right. The first number in the tire size is the tread width in millimeters. A "225", regardless of the brand/model, should be 225mm = 8.86". A 255 should be 10.04"

That said, it was stated on the original OEM S02 tires (MY00 - MY03) that these tires were in fact wider than there spec'd values.

 

The first number is the section width in millimeters. That's the widest point on the tire. That is different from the tread width. The tread width is the width of the part of the tire that touches the ground. I was quoting the manufacturer's stated measurements for tread width.

You will also find that the measured section width shown in the specs is not exactly the same as the nominal section width you get from the size designation.

If you want to look into this matter yourself, start by visiting the Bridgestone USA web site (or the Tire Rack) and examining the specifications for the tires in question. Then find someone with an AP2 with the stock tires and look at how skinny the tread is and how much the sidewalls slope inward towards the tread.

Or just check the MY04+ sticky in the Tires & Wheels section.

 

I sit corrected! OK, section width (the value printed on the tire) is not the same thing as tread width!

Thanks, ortho!

 

My track tires are 225 front, but the rears are 265. I have run a rear of 245 also.