I just got my new Bridgestone S03 PP,s installed. The size is 225/50 16 in front and 245/45 16 in the rear. I got some good advice from Rick Hesel as to the proper size and I ordered them from Tire Rack for around $850. Tire Rack has a warehouse in Delaware and Sports Car Tire who installed them also picked them up for me. They specialize in high performance/exotic cars and also recommend this size as they are experienced in racing and the install, which was very professional included cleaning my inner rims, was $80. First impressions were wow, they handle very well although I havent pushed them until I determine proper pressure. The tread design looks like it will do very well in wet conditions and Connor at Tire Rack said testing indicates about 15-20% longer tread life. Sports Car Tire also commented that acceleration and stopping distance should improve slightly.

 

That looks like a good size to run on the stock rims, I believe?

 

Anyone else buy these yet. I've heard some opinions on performance but what about appearance. How do they look?

 

Our cars come with 205's on the front that are a bit narrower than other 205's. And 225's on the rear that are substantially wider (and have less tread void, that is more rubber) than other 225's.

Because of this I buy 205/245 with non-OEM tires.

The Autox guys use 225's on the front mainly because 205/215

 

I found this info on Tirerack. Everyone keeps discussing about the difference in tread width between to SO-2 and SO-3. Therfore getting a different size from OEM. We'll am I missing something.

The SO-3 size 205/55 WR 16 for the front has a tread width of 7.6 and section width of 8.4
The SO-2 size 205/55 WR 16 for the front has a tread width of 7.1 and section width of 8.1

It appears the SO-3 is actually fatter?

The recommendation above for the S0-3 size for the front 225/50 WR 16 has a tread width of 8.3 and section width of 9.3. Wouldn't that make for a wider tire? What gives? Am I missing something?

The rears are a little closer:
SO-3 rear 225/50 WR 16 - Tread width 8.3 and section width 9.3
SO-2 rear 225/50 WR 16 - Tread width 8.5 and section width 9.2

Reccomended SO-3 from above.
S0-3 rear 245/45 YR16 - Tread width 9.1 and section width 9.6

Again only a half inch. Does it matter?

Help. Need to order.


Section Width
A tire's section width (also called "cross section width") is the measurement of the tire's width from its inner sidewall to its outer sidewall (excluding any protective ribs, decorations or raised letters) at the widest point.

Tread Width
The rread width is the distance between the outer edge and the inner edge of the tread of a new tire. However today's radial tires often feature tread designs that incorporate rounded shoulders and there is no industry standard pertaining to "how much" of the rounded shoulders should be included in the tread width measurement. Because of this, it is difficult to accurately compare the tread width differences of one tire brand to another. Tread width measurements are best used when comparing the various tire sizes or lines manufactured by a single tire manufacturer.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by twosweetS2K
[B] We'll am I missing something.

 

Thanks Cdelena

S2KRAY- You out there. I sent you an e-mail but it didn't work. It replied: The following address had permanent fatal errors -----
<ray.scott@syngenta.com>

How do they look? Do they stick out a little more on the sides? I need to get some this week and it appears the sizes you got have a little more width than stock. I would like that but just want to make sure your happy with the look.
Thanks for any input.

Also, What's up with the price of the Kumho tires. It scary. You know the line. If it seems to good to be true it usually is.......

Anybody have any experience with that brand. I know some people autocross on them.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by twosweetS2K
[B]Thanks Cdelena

S2KRAY- You out there. I sent you an e-mail but it didn't work. It replied: The following address had permanent fatal errors -----
<ray.scott@syngenta.com>

How do they look? Do they stick out a little more on the sides? I need to get some this week and it appears the sizes you got have a little more width than stock. I would like that but just want to make sure your happy with the look.

 

I'm also pondering these sizes 225x50 and 245x45 for the S03s. I'm getting wider rims: 16x7 and 16x8, so I wanted a wider tire size.

Are these S03 tire sizes heavier then the stock S02s?

 

I think so, but I'm not sure. You could check with Tire Rack to be sure.