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tyre width question

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Old 04-12-2007, 06:21 PM
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Hey all,
I have done some good research for tyre sizes and what I have learnt is that if you are buying tyres that are not standard s02's then you need to (for ap1) increase the size from 205/front 225/rear to 215/front 245/rear..

Now I ignored that the last set of tyres I bought because the tyre guy said that it wouldn't fit and would buldge on the stock rims. Now that I have 225 aftermarket rubber on my rear it looks visually correct. that is, it looks like it's filling out the rim quite well and I don't see how 2 cm's wider would fit? It would buldge.

I'm asking this in the aussie thread because I'm now lead to believe this might only be an american issue somehow?
Old 04-12-2007, 06:42 PM
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I'm asking this in the aussie thread because I'm now lead to believe this might only be an american issue somehow?

They have/had exactly the same tyres fitted to the S2000 as us, so this applies worldwide.

Easiest way you can tell whether the 'footprint' of the tyre will match is by measuring it youself. The OEM 22550/16 S02s have a footprint of 222m. That is the width of the tyre that has contact with the ground (including when cornering) ... on used tyres you can tell this by the wear/scuffing of the tyre.

On the other hand, if you measure the contact patch on most other 225/50/16s, you'll find that the 'foot print' is a lot less than 222m and more like 205 - 215mm.

Usually you'll find that most 245/45/16s have a 'foot print' of around 220 to 225mm.

What I used to do is get a ruler and measure the 'foot print' of the tyre myself when shopping for new set (ie. before purchasing it).

ps. The specified tyre width is measured at the widest point of the tyres (ie. between side-walls), and not at the 'foot print' ... that's why the discreptancy.
Old 04-12-2007, 06:53 PM
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No its related to the contact patch and IIRC the S02 205 has the same contact patch as most 225s. Also the S02 is the same here as it is in the US.

Why don't you ring around and get some professional opinions?
Old 04-12-2007, 06:55 PM
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Just to clarify I was answering Rob not you David
Old 04-12-2007, 06:56 PM
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^ I did, but these 'professional' opinions are just salesmen at the end of the day. you'd be suprised how many tyre shops employe unqualified people.


I think I'll do the measuring thing next time. I feel the car is A LOT twitchier and the back end steps out easily now and I think it's probably the lack of width on the 'foot print' like David suggested
Old 04-12-2007, 06:58 PM
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Rob,

What tyres are you running?

I missed read and saw you mentioned the sizes on the rear

PS - any comments on the S03? Anyone?
Old 04-12-2007, 07:01 PM
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I think it's probably the lack of width on the 'foot print'

Robert, what is the width of the 'foot print' on the tyres that you have on right now?
Old 04-12-2007, 08:16 PM
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Originally Posted by robert112,Apr 13 2007, 12:21 PM
Now I ignored that the last set of tyres I ought ..................... Now that I have 225 aftermarket rubber on my rear
What brand/model did you get? How old are they? How many Kms have you now done? Are the rears the same make/model as the fronts. What pressures are you running?

Give us a lot more detail and we may be able to help you diagnose the situation.
Old 04-12-2007, 08:22 PM
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Anyone tried S02 and S03 and thoughts if you had?

Is there a difference in the foot print between these. I can't recall if the sizes are the same ( or the size I ran on my 00).

I thought S03's were a really good bit of rubber. Never tried an S02. Only due to the ignorance of dealers telling me the S02 was no longer.

How much of a problem is this "stepping out". Just at the track?
Old 04-12-2007, 08:24 PM
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Originally Posted by tak_one_77,Apr 13 2007, 02:22 PM
How much of a problem is this "stepping out". Just at the track?
refer to the "Easter" thread.


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