From my reading I think I know the answer to my own question, but I'd like confirmation from someone with more knowledge about these cars. I've only owned my 02 S2000 for only a month, but I've developed a lot of respect for this car.

The previous owner has installed Dunlop Sport FM901's on the car.

225/50/16 92V rear
205/55/16 92V front

From my reading, I understand these to be slightly undersized when compared to the stock Bridgestones. Is that correct?

To me, it feels like the car is on rails but I've been somewhat cautious this first month and have not even begun to find the handling limits. That will come with some track time this summer. Our local club is hosting an orientation/test and tune April 8, so I'll have a chance to chase down some cones in a few weeks.

So far, I have no issues with the Dunlops and will probably be switching back to the stock Bridgestone when it comes time to replace tires as I've read nothing but good things about Honda's OEM selection.

So, can someone confirm that the Dunlops are slightly undersized, or do they match up to the OEM specs?

Thanks.
-golfpro

 

Generally speaking, a non-OEM rear tire needs to be a 245, however, to be absolutely sure of the comparision, you need to measure the footprint of one and compare it to the footprint of the OEM rear. Drive over a piece of paper and take a ruler to it. Reading manufacturers specs on tread width won't necessarily help. When they say "tread width" in their tables, this doesn't always translate to what actually touches the ground.

 

Thanks, xviper. Do you know the footprint of the OEM Bridgestones for comparison?

 

Sorry, I've never actually taken a measurement. I did, however, post a thread with pics showing the blatant difference between an OEM S02 and a non-OEM 225 tire side by side. It was clearly evident that the footprint of the S02 was much greater than the other tire. I'm at work right now, so I don't have my thread bookmarked here. If I remember when I get home, I'll post it up for you.

Just found it:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=324358

 

Thanks again, man. That's very helpful.

Based on your observations (and excellent photographs, btw) I'm betting I'm running a little short on rubber, but I'm not going to worry about it. Maybe when it's time to replace these Dunlops, but for now I'm going to live with it. These tires are doing fine and I'm a big believer of "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

I suspect my previous owner went into a tire shop and ordered replacements and they went ahead and matched the stock numbers without consideration for the wider footprint of the stock tires.

I'm good. Appreciate your help.

 

You'll be fine with what you've got. The average person won't notice a slight decrease in tire footprint. Only if you drive the car at more than 8/10th would you really notice.
I run the OEM size on non-OEM tires (winter tires) where a lot of my winter see dry roads. It's not a big deal until I start to really push the car.