Car Analogy

The best tire choice for an S2000, driven on unpaved roads? Now THAT is an oxymoron...

RedCelica

Dan, do you own an s2000 (profile says no)? If so, what year?

WVCR-V

I like the Hercules Trail Diggers on my Suzuki Sidekick. But honestly, if you have to drive an S2000 on unpaved roads you need a different car. If you're trying to go bigger with bigger sidewalls to cushion, you're driving an S2000 where it doesn't belong.

Car Analogy

+1. S2000 on unpaved roads is fish out of water. Its damaging to the car, and car will never perform as well as even a pos domestic US body on frame car, let alone something actually built fpr such conditions (like a pickup or suv or better yet rallycar).

rpg51

Lots of dirt roads here in Vermont. My S never touches them. That is what pickup trucks are for.

gchalifoux

So folks,
Been running the firestone firehawks indy 500 tires since I got the s2000 a couple of years ago and I have to say these freakin tires are HARD, and yes probably designed that way. They grip and hug the road super tight. Now this is all great if I am racing on a rod track right!!! but around town and out for a "sunday drive"...I'm looking for something with more cushion. Something that may absorb the road better in terms of feeling every single crack in the road. I know that I will be sacrificing performance in terms of cornering etc, but I just wonder if anyone has tried something more comfy and can give me some advice other than "don't do it"....
thanks all!!!
g

kos

Hankook Ventus EVO2 K120
Continental Extreme DWS

Chuck S

@gchalifoux If your suspension is aftermarket a more permanent fix is a more compliant OEM suspension. Or AP1 (16") wheels are commonly available which take higher sidewall profile tires with a chance for more comfy ride. The Firehawks are a 3d tier Ultra performance summer tire not noted for a harsh ride like the Extreme or some Max performance tires.

-- Chuck

rrounds

Again, if you want to soften up the ride go with taller tires. I run 235/45-17 up front with 245/45-17 out back on my "stock" '06. No mods to fenders, doesn't rub. We have had our S for 12 years now and we have put over 180k miles on her. About 150k miles are with the taller tires, there is no way I'm ever going back to the stock size tires on our S.

The Firestone Firehawk 500 in 235/45-17 up front with 245/45-17 out back will soften up the ride. My speed-o is off about 3.5 mph at 100, so if your speed-o says 50 your doing about 51.75 mph. Not that big of a difference for me to worry about.

I went with a C/R front sway bar on our S because of the extra traction the 235's up front gave the car.
If I thought a 245/45-17 would fit up front without rubbing, I would run a square setup. But I just think it would rub and I don't want to cut/modify my fenders.

Rod

gchalifoux

Howdy all,
Regarding softening up the ride with some different tires.
My 05 s2000 is 100% bone stock. No mods to anything including the suspension. From your responses I am getting the message that a "taller tire" will help with softening up the ride. And YES, I get it when you say I would be messing with the handling and speedometer accuracy. Bottom line is, we just cruise and relax with this car. No track, no major curse of speed around corners....to old for that at this point in my life. On the other hand, nothing like a nice cruise up and around the Quabbin Res on a nice fall day. That said....

RRounds recommended a 235/45-R17 up front, and the OEM size 245/45-R17 on the back side....
There are so many brands to pick from. Also this is a spring/summer/fall car. So are there any advantages to a strictly summer tire, or is all season a standard that I should just go with....
thanks for the input....much appreciated.
g