mikdys

Like GSi says this is the case. The OEM S-02 225's are made to have a tread width on the road the same as other tyres of 245 size. Sounds strange, I know, but when I changed from 245 S-03's to OEM S-02 225's I asked the tyre fitter to put one rear rim with an S-02 fitted against one with an S-03 fitted, tread to tread as it were. Amazingly the treads were the same width. It is also very noticeable with the way the car handles (if you fit non OEM tyres in 225 width you will get increased oversteer).

Shiskine

Hmm ...

So if I want to switch to Goodyear F1s (for the better wet/Scottish weather performance), then I should go for 245s and not 225s?

Only thing is, when I punch 245 into the blackcircles tyrefinder, the F1s that came up before (when I entered 225) aren't there anymore. In fact there are only 3 tyres; two Coopers and a Kumho.

To put this to bed, can I fit Goodyear 225/50/R16 Z F1 GSD3 on the rears, and is this the size of F1 that other MY02 owners have fitted?

Shiskine

... perhaps I should just stick with the OEM SO2s after all

GSi

What size are you selecting? Did you change the profile to account for the extra width?

The F1 sizes is a known problem. They have stopped producing the F1 in the correct size on GDS2 the rear on 16's IIRC One of the F1 owners can put me right. 17" wheels give more choice.

You can fit 225 width F1s, but you will have less rear end grip and several people have had very suspect handling with this setup..

look for 245/45/R16 tyres.

Shiskine

No ... I had left the profile at 50. However, doing another search using 45 didn't produce any Goodyears.

You know what? I think I might just stick with the OEM SO2s

Shiskine

GSi

Nexen N2000 -- 245/45 R16 W --

mikdys

If you want good grip both wet and dry the S-03's are pretty good (but are expensive and wear out quick). Use stock size on the front and 245/45/16 on the back (the cheapest I could find were

euan

From what I have read on the forum, generally, it seems advised to have the same tyres front and back.

If you consider the forces being exerted on thes tyres when driving the S (laterally or in a straight line) you want to ensure that each corner is going to behave the same way. Different tyres will not only have different treads, but also different compounds, so will all grip differently. This is probably even more important in the wet winter - if your new rears grip better on a wet corner than your dry-optimised S02 fronts, I am guessing there is a big risk of understeering?

TBH I wouldn't assume the SO2s are as dodgy in the wet as many people say until you have tried them - properly warmed up and driven smoothly, OK you want give a scooby a run for it's money, but the car is perfectly driveable.

Alternatively, get a whole set of a new brand - you ought to be able to flog a new/nearly new set of SO2s on the forum easily enough.

My 2p.