Been awhile since I've logged in over here, but I'm looking for tires again.

I have an 2002, which I've been using the 225/50R16 Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec in the rear and 205/55R16 Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec in the front.
I did read the sticky about the sizing of the rear tires, and when I ordered the last ones from the tire rack they said the 225 was the proper size for my car.
Now they did get 17" tires out the first time and were kinda a pain in the butt to deal with regarding the return. They did eventually take care of it after a few weeks.

I've generally been happy with these, but the car does have a tendency to spin out a bit more (especially in the rain). The sidewall is not as stiff as the factory tire either, and I can feel it in the turns (could be the car getting old too).

As these are not available anymore, what is the current "best" tire for the money?

I don't drive that hard, but do enjoy the car from time to time (145k miles still on the original clutch). I'm concerned about the wet performance as I'm in St Pete, FL. Cold is not an issue though

Thanks!

 

If you're looking for the most raw performance out of a street tire the Dunlop Z2, the Bridgestone re 11a, and the Hankook RS3 are all ways to look. If you're looking for something a little more long lasting you can look towards the Michelin Pilot Super Sport.

 

The RS3 and Re11 are all going to have a softer sidewall then the Z2 and original S02 if that's important to you. I prefer a stiffer more precise feel to the car as well, and the tires play the largest part in that with this car in particular. The kuhmo SX would be a tire worth considering, but the only size they come in is a 215/45 and 225/50. The 215 would work up front, but it will be noticeably shorter sidewall compared to rear.

 

OEM sizes are indeed fine. Sticky is at best ridiculously exaggerated, imo it should disappear. I've run all manner of different tire staggers on my cars, and overall balance at the limit is barely affected. Nothing to worry about.
B'stone RE11a looks like yor best bet.
Given the need for wet grip, I wouldn't consider Kumho XS.

Unfortunately there aren't any street tires that have the same stiffness as the OEM SO2s, but those tires won't have as much grip, particularly in the wet, vs new extreme or max performance tires.

 

Best is always subjective no matter what the topic. Are wet traction and stiffer sidewalls your only priorities? Budget? Any other criteria to help narrow it down?

 

Another vote for RE-11As here

 

I know it's just there is a bit of confusion on this topic in regards to size too

My budget ideally is under 200/tire, and really just good handling in the rain and stiffer sidewalls so I can feel the road a bit more. Like I said I'm not racing with it, but on occasion I like to take on ramps fast

What sizes should I be looking at for the back and front in the RE11 tire?

EDIT: any opinions on going with nitrogen in place of air? I'm kinda thinking it's a useless up-charge.

 

Nitrogen is a useless upcharge. Air is already mostly nitrogen. I think the reason you have more sidewall softness is due to the 16 inch wheels. You have that taller sidewall than the 17's and therefore it can flex more when cornering hard. If you are planning to keep this long term I would consider looking for so e oem ap2 wheels so you can get the benefits of the wider tire.

But yeah re-11a or the new z2 would be good choices. They will provide the best wet grip of the tires in that class and still excellent dry grip. There really isn't any other choices in that size.

 

Ok thanks, I've been running on the stock rims, and really don't feel like spending the money to change rims as I'll probably be getting rid of the car some time in the next year or so when I hit about 200k on it.

What sizes should I get in the re-11a? just the stock sizes or does the rear need to be different?

 

Stock sizes.