Hi everyone,

I have a 2001 S2k and for the first time in a LONG time, all 4 tires are ready to be replaced at the same time. Seems this would be a good time to switch to a less expensive set, but they need to have a good cornering feel, even if it's a bit less grippy.

Here's what I care about and don't care about:
- AP1 stock 16" wheels
- I'd like them to last a bit to somewhat longer than the s02s, and hopefully be a bit less expensive too
- I really care about the cornering feel, and the stiff s02s seem to be great with that. I seem to be very sensitive to the feeling of "rolling over" the tires when cornering
- summer only. Not tracked, but "enthusiastic" driving 90% of the time.
- absolute max traction can be a bit less than the OEM s02s if necessary
- I need to know sizes as well for those of you who have good recommendations.

Thanks for specific thoughts and recommendations!

Steve

 

If you want them to last longer and are willing to give up a little grip, you want Ultra High Performance Summer tires.

You'll find a much wider selection in stock AP1 sizes: 205/55-16 front, 225/50-16 rear. Alternative size for the rear is 245/45-16, with which you could run stock size fronts (slightly taller), or 205/50-16 fronts (slightly shorter).

Selection at Tire Rack, ranked according to customer survey results for "cornering stability":
225/50-16
245/45-16

For what you want out of tires, I would go with the Bridgestone RE760.

 

Interesting - thanks for the info on the RE760.

They are WAY less expensive, and appear to have about twice the life.

What are the major compromizes? Is it really slight traction difference, or will I be slipping around like an ice cube on a wet floor?

I guess I'm surprised at how inexpensive they are compared to the S02's so I'm wondering if that's too good to be true...

Any thoughts???

 

I just bought Dunlop Z1 Star Spec, they feel almost like my s02 when I bought the car. I then tried hankooks sr-2 they were good but I lost alot of the smooth turing feel(in my opinon).I just switch from re-01 to z1 star specs and I very happy with the results so far, better price too. Thou it seems like the star specs rears are smaller than the re-01 rears when I look from behind . I haven't had the chance to drive in the rain yet, but I hear that there pretty good in the wet. Try the star specs, I did and I'm happy with these tires for the price and preformance .

 

Hankook RS2. Good price and good performance. Tire life wasnt great though

 

[QUOTE=98TypeR#21,May 7 2009, 05:43 PM]What are the major compromizes?

 

Thanks folks,

For Zdan - do the RE760s give up much on the crisp feel on turn-in that the S02s have?

And finally, how would you describe them at the cornering limits? I know that generally the "car and setup" dictate whether you can feel the car as it starts to let go.

But the tires also let the driver know before loss of traction. Would you say the RE760s are OK in this department?

Thanks again for any thoughts....

Steve

 

I'm basing my recommendation solely on Tire Rack's customer survey results (which you can sort by all manner of different performance parameters) and test results. TONS of info in there!

RE760 test results

If I had was buying tires and had your priorities, that is the tire make/model I would most likely buy.