The search function is dead, so I can't search for answers. I therefore apologize for the n00b question, this is mostly for Jim@tirerack or other knowledgeable folken.

I am curious to know whether there is any handling or drivability advantage to moving to 17's on an AP1. I'm looking at AP2 stock tires and thinking about putting on RE050PPs. If there's no advantage, I'll keep my stock 16" setup. Note: my stock SO2s are the ones that were put on at the factory in 2002 when the car was manufactured.

Still learning about my "new" 2002 S2k, and having fun doing it.

 

I would also like to know this, I know that the AP2 wheels weigh about 2 pounds less, and they will help reduce oversteer on the AP1. What would be the effect of a bigger wheel but with slightly less weight? Ive seen people say that they felt a slight loss in acceleration with the AP2 wheels.

 

So now wheels affect over/understeer? That's a new one to me

Plus-sizing does have many handling benefits though. Read through some of the tech articles at tirerack.com

 

I got that idea from the end of this video http://youtube.com/watch?v=9gtu1QgxxuE&feature=related

The ap1 with the ap2 wheels/tires it ran about .5 second faster, not much but look what happens when they put the AP1 wheels on the AP2, the car is oversteering all over the place. Im assuming that size of wheels and tires DO affect over/understeer.

 

over/understeer differences would be caused by the different tire sizes on the ap2.

if you go with a tire that is smaller in diameter, you will gain acceleration. and the opposite with a bigger.

the lighter wieght has a very positive effect on acceleration and handling.

my ap2s are on the way. =]

 

So will it just cancel each other out? Since the 17" wheel will require a bigger diameter tire but it does weigh less, and actually I just found out that rear AP2 wheel weighs more than the AP1 rear wheel, and vice versa.

 

wow this is all over the place.

just to give a personal experience.

i went from oem ap1's to my 17" prodrives (about 16lb per wheel).

i did notice a loss in acceleration (though it could be the placebo effect). i am running 225/255 bridgestone re01r so i did notice an improvement in grip over the stock s02s. i feel much more confidence taking turns than with the ap1's.

 

Weird, I always thought lighter wheels meant more acceleration

So size will have a greater impact on acceleration than weight?

 

well when you start playing with tire sizes you're changing the effective gear ratio of the car. ever since i got my wheels my speedo has been a bit off (not by much, maybe 2-3 mph)

lighter wheels do mean more acceleration.

 

So even though the 17s weigh less, they will require a larger diameter tire that will lower the effective gear ratio thus decreasing acceleration like everybody claims with 17s?

What size tire for 17s would be needed to retain the 4.10 and not decrease acceleration?