Any good choices for performance '02 model tires?
 

I have had two sets of tires on my s2000. Factory s-02s, which I liked in spite of the somewhat abrupt oversteer trigger-point, and Falken FK-451s with I love for everything except spirited driving. Did I mention I have an s2000 to be able to drive spirited?

So anyways, there seem few choices left. I don't really want to spring for cheap 17" rims just to be able to find more available tires. I want more grip and especially more sidewall stiffness than my Falken tires. Although a quieter, better riding, cheaper tire has been nice to own, ultimately it hasn't been satisfying, so I'd rather spend a bit more to have a tire I'm really happy with.

So whats the best option for a performance first tire for stock ap1 rim sizes?

-Some other available 245/45/r16 tire (note: must grip better than a Falken FK-451, I don't know how good my seat-of-the-pants grip detector is, but it could tell the difference between those and the stock s-02s.)

-The greater variety of tires in 225/50/r16 which seems like it would result in more oversteer in a car I find being limited by oversteer already (on the street - I've never spun, but I have had to back off of otherwise safe driving because I didn't want to chance it).

-The greater variety of tires in 245/50/r16 which may introduce a whole host of other issues.

Another note: I plan to keep running FK-451s in the front of the car until they wear out unless this is likely to be a problem. I figure more grip in the rear won't be a bad thing, and eventually I shouldn't have a problem finding the type of tire I choose for the rear in the 205/55/r16 front size.

Final note: I'm not even adverse to doing other small changes to the car to make this work out. Finances forbid any extensive additions, but if for some reason a cheap roll-bar or suspension change would make some tire option work perfectly....well as I said I want the feeling that my car isn't suffering compromises when I drive it hard.

Thanks for any and all advice.

I wouldn't run 245/50-16's, too tall (worse gearing, possible ABS confusion?).
225/50-16 or 245/45-16

IMO, the BEST option for a PERFORMANCE STREET tire would be the Bridgestone RE01R. I'd put my money on that tire in 225/50-16 against any other real street tire 225/50-16 or 245/45-16.

This is just my opinion (based on *some* limited experience), but speaking for myself I wouldn't worry about the reduced [measured tread width] stagger leading to oversteery behavior in real-world conditions.

The RE01R is gaining a real reputation in the autocross word. It is as good as you get in the handling. They are only available in the 205/55R16 and 225/50R16 but they are excellent. In the 245/45R16 there just are not many options and none that would have this level of handling. The Bridgestone RE750 would be better in the wet and it would last longer but it won't give the same handling.

I would not go with the 245/50R16 for the reasons ZDan lists. If I can help let me know.

hi,i am in the same situation.don't want to buy new wheels.my choices are oem s02 or re-01r . what do you think? i notice the re-01r is a bit less expensive.got my last 2 sets from tirerack.i want tires at all 4 corners to match.what do you guys think? oem s02 vs re-01r.thanks for any input.

IMO no contest, RE01R all the way.