hey guys!

once again, I would like advice from my S2K-loving brethren.

I need a full set of tires of my all-stock 2000 AP1 (stock suspension, and stock wheels)

I never strayed from the S2K-specific S02s, because I always had to replace either the front OR the rear, and I did not want to mismatch. this time around, I have to replace all 4, so I can try something different. I'm down to the cords in the rear!

I like the S02s, because they have a model that is specificaly designed for the AP1, and that makes me think that these must be the BEST tires for this car. however, 10 years have gone by, and progress MUST have been made. progress could be better rubber compounds and/or tire construction methods/designs. S02s are also pretty expensive, but I do not mind paying for quality; and yeah, I feel that the S02s are high quality. I do not like crap rubber - I had that on my tuner accord when I was 16... no more.

so, the question is: what tires should I get?
they must be a matching set (205F and 245R? -not 225R?)
they must last for at least as long as the S02s do; I commute 60 miles per day. wet-weather/mud/snow are not a consideration (I live in LA). tires with an attitude are okay too - I ride a motorcycle, so I know that being smooth and warming up the tires is a must.
I like canyon driving, so they must grip pretty damn well. many have told me that the S02s are like the BEST gripping street tire for a stock AP1, but by now, something better may be out there.

take me to school!


side-note: I have never done the allignment on my car, and it has 60k miles on it. this must be affecting tire wear patterns. do ideal allignment specs have to be adjusted for different tires? like, the S02s need one setting, and other tires need something else?

 

haven't checked if these tires come in ap1 sizes but these are the stickiest street tires you can find. dunlop star specs, bridgestone re01 or re11, nitto nt05, hankook rs3, kumho xs. i would go 205/225 since most of those tires run wide for the size... and for the street i like having better sidewall response than having more tire width.

as for alignment, changing tires doesn't mean needing an alignment. unless you notice bad wear patterns on your old set.

 

any more tire suggestions?

not looking for an all-out track tire, just a POSSIBLE improvement of the S02s

are there any previously open threads on EXACTLY this?

 

Dunlop Star Specs, Bridgestone RE11, Yokohama AD08.

Any of those will have more dry grip and WAY more wet grip than the S02's.

Forget about 245's, there aren't many available any more, and none that are available are anything like as good as the tires mentioned above.

 

All those tires stated are great great choices. Neither option should disappoint you.

 

thanks for all the info, guys!

looks like the Dunlop Direzza Sport Z1 Star Spec will be my next set of tires

I went on TireRack, and a set of these babies in 205/55-16 and 225/50-16 is $410

a set of S02s is $680; THAT'S $270 MORE!!!
I would pay that $270, if it was worth it, but it seems like I would be paying for a RARE set of tires, and that is all...

if the Dunlop Star Specs are as good (if not better), why would the S02s command such a premium? just the rarity?

screw that

I want to do some more track days, and it seems like I can save that $270, and almost get one more set of tires!!!

makes no sense to pay more for NOTHING

are there any cheaper, better options?
I mean $93F and $112R is a great price (Dunlops), but if there's better, then I am all ears!

what would I do without u guys?

 

I just put a set of Bridgestone g-force sport's on my S. So far very happy with them. I had Kumho ASX's on the rear and these so far are much better. Wet traction is great as well as dry. I don't know how long they'll last yet. I only got about 10k out of the kumhos. One other person here mentioned they had these tires and got over 20k out of the rears. And they are about $320 for the set.

 

I would get about 20k out of the S02 rears

yeah, $320 sounds nice

$680 did not sound that good to me; hence the post
the Dunlop Star Spec set at $410 is okay too - many people praise the Dunlops

 

The Star Spec is going to improve on the OE tires. The tread life is going to be about the same as the S02's.
If I can help let me know.

 

Jim, why do the S02s continue to command such a premium? Don't they have to compete pricewise?
The Star Specs do not come in 245 as a 16; is it okay to go with a 225?
(just making sure)