I live in So. Cal. and want a compromise tire that provides a better ride than the stock Bridgestone 02's, better wet adhesion for the occasional shower, good dry adhesion, and better mileage. Snow traction does not matter. Although I drive in a spirited manner, I don't race and my wife would ride in the car more if it rode more smoothly.

When I first bought my car, most people here were touting Toyo Proxes as the right tire for my situation. However, there are now numerous Toyo Proxes and new models of every brand have come out.

The summer tire that wins the day at Tire Rack seems to be the Bridgestone Pole Position. Do I want summer tires and do I want these?

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

I do like the Bridgestone Re050A Pole Position. It will give you better wet traction and a little longer tread life. They are also a little better riding tire. The other thing about the RE050A Pole Position is they have a dual layered rubber compound. It will retain more of its original wet traction for the life of the tire.
If I can help let me know.

 

Two more questions, please.

1. Do you agree with using 245/45/16's in the rear (on an '03 with stock wheels, front and rear) to keep the tread width the same as the stock Bridgestone 02's? Same gearing, too?

2. Anything else I should consider that will have a little better ride and a little longer life than the Bridgestone Pole Positions or are they in the "sweet spot" for my tire needs?

 

Apologies for the semi thread hijack since RE-01Rs are probably not going to give the OP a lot more in the way of tread life than the S-02.

That said, having just picked up a set from Tirerack for my '02, I was wondering why they aren't listed in the search by vehicle results for the car. The rears are about the closest in size to the OEMs without going to a 245/45 and the resulting speedo/odo error, so they'd seem like an obvious choice for the car as an alternative.

I chose them for mixed daily use in hopes of getting better wet performance without losing dry grip from the S-02s. Thinking I might get a bit better wear too from what I've seen, but we'll see. Went with just a touch less camber and toe than stock for an offseason alignment, will likely get it sported up come Spring when the Dragon calls... ;-)

Too early to tell much about them other than that they are a lot quieter than the S-02s, both in general road noise and over broken pavement. Looking forward to getting to know them more intimately.

 

I believe it does not show up due to the speed rating. Check all of the option boxes above 130mph or so and it will come up.

 

Bingo, you are correct - thanks!

I should've paid more attention to the extra selection boxes at the bottom, since the default checks stop at the OEM speed rating and the OEM S-02s are Z-rated (149+) while the 16" RE-01Rs are V-rated (up to 149); not that it matters for my purposes.

Oh well, guess I'll have to keep it below 150... ;-)

 

I asked Bridgestone why the tire was speed rated at 149mph and they said they just kept the same speed rating it had in Japan. The RE-01R is the best handling street tire we have tested.
The 245/45R16 is a good size to go to on the rear but unfortunately most of the better performance tires are not made in that size anymore. The best I have that would be available would be the Bridgestone RE750. I have used them and they are going to offer better wet traction than the S02 and they will last longer.
If I can help let me know.

 

[QUOTE=Crabby Guy,Dec 17 2007, 01:26 PM]1. Do you agree with using 245/45/16's in the rear (on an '03 with stock wheels, front and rear) to keep the tread width the same as the stock Bridgestone 02's?

 

What size Hankook do you run, if you have stock 16" wheels?

 

My Hankook RS2's are 205/50-16 on 16x7 fronts, 245/45-16 on 16x8 rears.

I have 205/55-16 and 225/50-16 Dunlop Winter Sports (3D front, M3 rear) on the stock wheels.

Over the course of the year, the stock wheels have had:
225/50-16F, 245/45-16R Kumho V700 VictoRacers
205/45-16F, 225/50-16R Kumho Ecsta V700s (given to me)
205/45-16F, 245/45-16R Kumho Ecsta V700s (had to buy another set of rears)

245/45's look a little bulgy on the stock wheels, but the 225/50s I had on the fronts looked ridiculous! The 205/45 fronts were not a size I would have chosen. TINY! Definitely gave too much front brake bias.