My rear S-02's are worn and I need to replace them. I am interested in the newer RE-01R (225-50-16) can I just replace them only?

I want to put the new RE-01R on the rear and keep the S-02 fronts. Since the RE-01R is supposed to be stickier it should maintain balance. Right?

Would like to hear from anyone who has tried different types front and rear. Or have actually tried the RE-01R.

Much thanks,

Chris
2002 S2000 Spa Yellow

 

Difference is really .2 inches

8.5 S-02 tread with 225/50/16

8.3 RE-01R tread with 225/50/16

 

Pretty sure no one has a real answer, unless you are lucky enough to find someone that has already done it. It's up to you to find out.

There is too many variables to have a simple answer. Here is a stab at it though.
1) RE-01R generally have more grip, especially new ones. So more understeer.
2) RE-01R will probably have a lot more wet grip than worn SO2's, so lot more understeer.
3) Don't know what the optimum tire temps/air pressures for each tire is, so balance can change, how who knows.
4) Tires will have different construction so will probably behave differently under load. How who knows.

I wouldn't really trust this setup for doing track days or autocross. It probably won't be noticed by an average driver in typical driving conditions, since there will be a lot grip for safety margin. So, there will be no sliding to test the balance. The only time it will be important is in the rain, an accident avoidance event or stupid overdriving. Then again that's when it really matters too.

Simple answer if you don't want to experiment, don't cheap out and get four new tires or don't screw with the stock setup and get another two SO2 rears.

 

If the fronts are more than ~3yrs old or ~2/3 worn, replace them too. Otherwise, I wouldn't have any reservations with S02 fronts/RE01R rears.

 

Thanks for input. I don't plan on tracking or autocrossing the car, so this would be street use.

My fronts are about three years old. What happens after 3 years? Does the rubber get much harder?

 

Three years is probably overly conservative, here's a link to a Tire Rack article that suggests six to ten years: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/tec...&currentpage=11

Personally, I'd replace extreme/max/ultra-high-perf tires after four years.

BTW, the last four digits on a tire's "serial number" molded into the sidewall tell you when it was made. "*** *** *** 04 05" would indicate a tire made in the 4th week of 2005.

 

I saw the Tire Rack article too. Performance rubber really hardens with age, but I have seen Porsche club members who still have original dunlops on their 911 and 928 because the want to stay original, but you can see the sidewall starting to crack. Usually it is the concours crowd. The track crowd have usually switched to R-1's.

I agree and usually replace after about four to five years.

 

I just saw a picture of the new Dunlop Direzza Z-1's they are supposed to be available next month. They look like a lot like the RE-01R's.

The dunlop site does not have info yet. It would be cool if it will be available in 245-45-16?

 

Forget about the Direzza Z-1's, while new to the U.S. They have been around a while.

Found a listing of sizes on a Russian website and the only 16" that will fit AP1 are the standard sizes of 205/55-16 and 225/50-16.

I found this link off the SCCA website. There is also some comments on the tire in the Australian Region of this website.

 

Any other insights?