Hey guys, after just about 5 years of lurking I finally picked up a MY2002 Spa S2000. First thing is first and my new baby needs some new shoes.

Ive searched around this topic and it sounds as though for longer lasting treadware and high performance the Bridgestone RE050A and RE750 are pretty good alternatives to the S-02s. I am not going to track the car but here in Knoxville it rains like hell atleast twice to three times a week so I need tires that can keep things inline in the rain.

Here is my question. Between the two bridgestone tires on Tirerack are the RE050A a better fit for my needs? Jim do you have any other suggestions on tires that would fit my needs? I am coming out of Yokohama AVS ES100 with little tread left in the rear so I cant really vouch for their performance. How would you rate thier performance next to the Bridgestones for the money.

As its stands im leaning towards the RE050A at all four corners. Any help or advice would be great. Thanks guys!!

 

Hey Jim, do you have any experience with the Fusion ZRi tires on the S? I drove a 350Z Roadster with them on some aftermarket rims and liked the way they left do you think they would compliment the car well?

 

I have RE050As all around on my AP1 with stock rims. They are a slight step down from the S02s. It's been a while since I had S03's on my car, but they aren't MUCH worse than those. and the RE050a's that I bought were $79/ea for OEM sizes at tirerack, down from the 170/180 range for S02/S03s

maybe I should buy some spares at that price...

 

I have have the ZRi on my daily driver wheels. Great in the rain, quiet, and good treadwear. They are sticky enough for my daily use, but I have an alternate set of OEM wheels that have the S02s on them for the track.

For the price, its hard to beat the ZRi....its made by Bridgestone so it has their technology built into it. My only good advice is if you are going to go with non-S02 on the AP1, be sure you go 245/45 in the rear. I had the ZRi on the car when I bought it in OEM size, and Jim got me in a 245/45 for the rears.....the difference in grip is like night and day.

Hope this helps.

 

yea i did like the ZRi on the Z they held up well. I know about going to the 245s in the back but how much a difference will it be if i leave the 205 yokohamas on the front with the 245 ZRi's in the rear? The fronts are still in good shape. thanks for the replies guys!

 

Do not mis-match tire types front and rear. Big no-no with this car, even IF the treadwear/grip numbers are close. You'd be better off matching the Yokos in the rear one more time, then switching ALL FOUR next time.

I drove on crappy mismatched tires when I first bought the car (used). Almost died while fishtailing on the freeway - going in a straight line mind you! The next day I was knocking on the door at my tire shop.

-Hockey

 

I use toyo T1-Rs and they are 205/50/16 up front and 245/45/16 in the rear. I found out how well the stick when I heated them up in the mountains. The setup makes the steering a bit touchy, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

 

Just like Hockey said, I would just go with another set of Yokos in the rear until the fronts are done as well.....or replace all four now...and with the ZRi and a great deal from Jim... you would probably end up spending a shade over $400 with shipping. The two rears in 245/45 were $216 shipped to me in Kansas. I felt like I got a hell of a deal. Running two different sets of tires either front and rear, or side to side is one of my biggest peaves.

By the way, whatever you do, please use Jim at the Tire Rack to make your purchase. It supports one of our sponsors, you will get a great deal on tires, and Jim is very easy to work with because he knows his shit and wants to help S2KI members.

 

Yea ive done a bit more homework and i think im just gonna replace all 4. The ZRi's are acctually on clearance at my local tire shop that i have gone to for 16 years. Im gonna see what they are wanting for all four but i think i can get all four mounted and balanced and alligned for under 400. Not to mention that if i buy tires from them i get free alignment for the life of the tires so its not a bad deal. If they go anything over 400 though ill definitly be hittin up Jim.

Thanks for all the help guys.

 

Jim,

Im ready to buy my tires and I cannot find 225/45/16 in fusion ZRi, although i can find the 245/45/16 in the rear. HELP!!! Also, let me know how to order through you!