Ok, so I have a big ass nail in one of my rear S-02's... I have about 12,500 miles on my '02 NFR. What are my options for tires?

1) Just buy 2 new rears?

Or

2) Buy 4 new tires all together?

What tires should I get? Hopefully I will have a winter beater this year so I won't have to drive the S2K in the winter months....last year was scary!

What brands should I look at?

Can I get different brand rears from the fronts since the tire patterns are different anyways?

 

Your better to change 2 rears with S02's (dont ever mismatch front/rear tires)
or go for 4 replacements.

If you go with replacements, check out Hankook Z212 RS-2's
205-55-16Fr
245-45-16Rr
....it might cost the same changing out 4 RS-2s then a pair of S02's.
check www.tires.com

I use RS-2s for autoX and lapping... a worthy replacement to the S02's...better in the rain too.

 

You shouldn't be surprised by this. SO2s are NOT meant to be driven in any kind of snow conditions. Most of us who drive our S's in winter, have aggressive winter tires. You might consider this option as opposed to buying a whole other car.

Huh? SO2 front tread pattern is the same as SO2 rear tread pattern, just the rears are wider. If your fronts still have good tread, then get another set of SO2s for the rear. The fronts tend to last through 2 sets of rears typically. Then next time you wear out the rears, the fronts will be ready and you can hammer this decision about what brand to get at that time.