I've searched and searched, read threads (inc. the sticked one-- nice debate for 3 pages)and i've learned the 225 S-02 oem rear is really 245 so do all replacements have to be 245 in the rear?

I can only find RE050A Pole Position's in 225 or must they be 245? Ditto for A048s, only 225 for rears.

 

the OEM s02 has a wide contact patch for a 225, the contact patch is the same size as most 245's. check the contact patch and compare it to the s02's

 

fact of the matter is, there arent many great direct replacements for the OEM AP1 tires...

other than OEM S0-2's, look into Toyo T1-R or Hankook Z212.

 

You don't *have* to get 245s. I wouldn't eliminate a tire from consideration just because it isn't available in 245/45.

 

Well no you dont. But if you want the same contact patch, same offset, or level of tire traction. you do.

 

Offset won't be any different.

Traction? Tire model, age, wear, # of heat cycles, pressure, and temperature will make more of a difference than the difference between 225 and 245 section width.

I really wouldn't (and don't) worry about it. When I get new tires, if the brand/model I want is available in 245/45, I'll most likely get that size. If not, I'll get 225/50s.

My thoughts, take them for what they're worth!

 

Has anyone tried Cooper Zeon Sport A/S tires on their AP1? They have a AA Traction, A Temperature and 400 wear rating. However, they don't come in 245/45/16, but do come in 245/50/16. Anyone with experience with these tires? Does the 245/50/16 make any difference over the 245/45/16? Help.

 

245/50/16 throws off your speedo and therefore your mileage by about 3%. Also means that you're going to have a little less mechanical torque, it'll be like a 3% longer FD.

 

By offset, I mean the differnce in tire size. between front and back as in percentage of width, as it should be close to stock. to prevent oversteer or understeer, to keep the same balance. Other than the stock SO-2 most other 225 may not be as wide. Granted it may, or may not make much differance. There was a very good thread on this somewhere, maybe someone has a link to it.

 

I ran 225/ in the BFG KDW and was leaving ap1's w/S-O2's in dry turns, I had better wet traction also. I also see the cheap Fuzions (in 245)tearing it up too, this time around i went with BFG KD which is a step stickier than the KDW, havent put them on yet(225/50).

you just need to pick a brand you trust, bite the bullet and purchase the best tire you can afford, if you like it,cool, if not try another, I try a different tire most every time but am partial to the BFG's. Those stock size so-2's give you about an 1.5inch over most all other brands in that size(225).

It really comes down to personel preference, until you have tried a few and know what you dont like to feel when driving, it might take awhile.