RolanTHUNDER

Hey guys

I am going to slap my AP2 V1 rims on my '00 AP1 in the next month or two and need help deciding on the above tyres. I know the RSR stands out as a semi slick tyre compared to the other two but its an option thanks to pricing being quite similar to the Potenza and Pilot Sport models. I am mainly on the street with my S2K and its my weekend car. I do intend to track it sometime after I go for an advanced driving course (well, if I do) but it won't be tracked often. I want something with max grip and progressive handling to inspire more confidence when in spirited mode. I currently have Potenza S001's on my AP1 16" rims and am impressed by how planted the car feels. They do handle quite well and tame the rear quite nicely. My dampers are Koni Yellow and soon to have installed Tein S.Tech springs. The S001's would be my benchmark tyres when choosing new ones for the 17" rims.

Opinions and advice please? Any other good brands and compounds than the ones I listed are welcome. Thanks!

Chuck S

Max grip is usually attained with Extreme Performance Summer tires. The trade off is they're noisy as well. Small step down to Max Performance Summer tires which can be much quieter. I ran 17" Extreme Performance Bridgestone RE-11A tires on AP2V2 wheels for a couple of years. When they were discontinued I took what feels like a baby step down to Max Performance Bridgestone S-04 tires. The noise from Bridgestone RE71R tires, my first consideration, is annoying is normal spirited driving. I'm running 215/45 front and 255/40 rear. I'm happy. Wider stagger did no induce any noticeable understeer on my car but I've yet to run it on a track and push in a safer environment.

Many here are very happy with the Firestone Firehawks (re-branded Bridgestone S-03) tires.

-- Chuck

rpg51

Why change?

RolanTHUNDER

Because they're hard to come by locally. Apparently they've been discontinued and last time I checked they were a lot more expensive than RE003's. Otherwise I'd stay with them.

RolanTHUNDER

Thanks Chuck. Unfortunately I have a limited selection to choose from even from major brands...Either RE002 front as I found them cheaper and 003 rear or Pilot Sport 4. If not those then I'm wondering how the 595RSR's will feel? Could those be way too noisy even for a weekend warrior?

noodels

Have Federal rsr 595 on mine and not noisy and wearing very well,will use again,i do not track car and a nice looking tyre,255/225 no rubbing lowered 30mm
my Nankang ns2 R are very noisy compared to my Potenza R002 on the civic.

Boostmaniac

RE-71R. I've never looked back.

Jah2000

Aren't 001 and 002 discontinued already? Same with those original 140utqg tires that came on the S2k from the factory.

I would never use any old vintage tires. Might've been very good in its' day. But +6 year old tires are unsafe, dangerous and expired.

Anyways...I have the Firehawk Indy 500 (RE003). I love them.

rpg51

In the US we have several good 16 inch options including the Firehawks mentioned, and the Conti Extremecontact Sports, and the OEM Bridgestones. Also, there are several 200 treadware extreme performance tires available in 16 inch. Just a thought.

Chibo

They are a waste of money unless you're doing TT or autocross and they are treated as any other 200TW tire instead of being pointed more in your specific org/class.
There are better options for both street tire and track tire in terms of longevity, price, and grip. RE71R, Rival-S 1.5, and SUR4G are tires meant for a very specific purpose and are not 'true' 200TW tires.

I'll throw another hat in the ring for the Firehawk 500 / RE003.