Jim@tirerack

VTEC9000,

First, there is no such tire in a 255/45R16 so the best on your OE wheels is the 245/45R16. As far as a wider tire in the front, a 225/50R16 will work. I have been told it will work best with a larger front sway bar though. Most guys will track the car with the 225/50R16 and 245/45R16 set up.
All of the tires are good choices but I don't think they will be better handling than the S02. The S03 will give more warning at the limits so you may be able to drive faster with more confidence.
I have drive the P Zero Nero and they are a comparable tire. I wouldn't say they have 50 percent better traction. In fact unless you go to an R compound I don't think you will get better traction from any of the aftermarket tires.

The offset you should not change. By shaving off depth of the OE mounting plate you are lowereing the load capacity of the wheel. This is not a good idea.

I hope this helps. Give me a call if you have any questions.

Jim 800-428-8355-364

david scrivener

Can I just add my 2c?

Must admit I read all this and got the idea that for stock wheels the tyres should be S02 225/50/16 WR (for the rears). I asked Bridgestone localy in Australia and they confirmed this, so happily orederd a pair.

To throw a spanner in the works, Honda Australia have now e-mailed me to say that the S03's "fit the vehicle specifications". I am a bit confused now (ok so maybe I'm dumb!).

Is the handling worse/better/same between stock S02's and stock S03's? There is a marked ($120) difference in price between the two tyres here in Melbourne - appreciate anyone's advice on this.

Thanks

Schatten

S03's are slightly harder, but better rain channeling. so.. better in the wet, but probably 90% in the dry compared to the S02's. but the S03's, you'll still need to go with 245/45/16's. only the OEM S02's are 225's which are as wide as the 245's.

traderboy

Quick question: Purchasing new rears from TireRack. Going with the S0-2's ( what is listed as original equipment ). Just to verify, this is going to have the same 8.5" contact patch as the tires that are on the car now ?

Gloffer

Yes, just make sure you tell TireRack that you want the S2000 S02's. There are S02's that are also Porsche replacements that have different measurements. If possible, talk to Jim directly. Here's his number, Jim: 800-428-8355-364

Jim@tirerack

Thank you for the plug Gloffer. You are correct we need to get the OE S2000 tire.
Give me a call traderboy and we can get them on the way.

Jim

Lunacy

how can u tell if the rear S02's are s2000 specification or not?

Jim@tirerack

Porsche also has tires in the same two sizes. Their tire has a N3 and Z speed rating. The S2000 tire is a W speed rated tire.
If I can help let me know.
Thank you

Jim 800-428-8355-364

Pinky

Does anybody know the proper OEM tire for a Porsche Boxster S with 17" rims? N3 or N4?

Explination: I want to put those tires on my S2000 because the OEM S-02's only come in 16".

Jim@tirerack

On the new car it would be the S02 N4 205/50R17 at 145.00 and 255/40R17 at 203.00 each. If I can help let me know.
Thank you

Jim 800-428-8355-364