STL

I have a 2000 model (sadly with just 30k miles on it), and my rear tires (OEM S-02s) are shot. My fronts look good and will probably last through another set of rear tires. Has anyone put S-02As on the rear with (half-worn) S-02s on the front? Bridgestone's website seems to suggest the S2000 S-02 isn't even made anymore.

S-02A:


OEM S-02:

STL

Well I don't think Bridgestone actually makes a S-02A in 225/50/16. Their own website says they do, but they also say the part number on that tire is 081620. I chatted with Tirerack rep and was told the part number for their 225/50/16 S-02 is 081620. So I think some places are (incorrectly) calling the OEM S-02 a S-02A. I guess I'll find out when I order the 081620 from my local Costco.

deepbluejh

How old are the front tires? At 4 years I would think about replacing them. At 6 years I would absolutely replace them. If the fronts are still "ok", then putting the S-02A on the back will be fine.

spets

Replace all the tires if your fronts are the originals from 2000. The tires can dry rot from exposure to UV and air and they are no longer safe.

There are better options out there than the S-02s.

jimi

tire rack is closing out on Dunlop ZII's get them while there on sale

1nate7

Tirerack shows the S-02 in stock: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

They are really expensive and as mentioned, there are much better tires available now. Personally I'd get a full set of RE-11A, it's a much better tire and a lot cheaper also.

STL

The fronts were put on in October 2003. The rears are only a few month older and lasted about 19k for me. That's in contrast to my first set of rears that were flat bald at 11k miles. The car has always been garaged, so although the front tires are old they have no outward signs of age. That said, now that I realize how old the fronts are I am a little concerned. I'll have to take a closer look at them -- and do some more research.

I understand there are better options than the S-02s and would definitely go that route if I needed four tires. I see I can get an entire set of four Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport tires for less than two rear S-02s, but I'm worried that RE760s might be too hard.

Thanks for all the inputs!

STL

Oh, if I decide to not get OEM S-02s should I get wider rear tires (235s or 245s)? Back in the day, the consensus seemed to be that the OEM S-02s had a much wider contact patch than a typical 225 tire -- so when going with something besides the OEM tires you should get a wider rear tire (to keep the contact patch ratio between the front and rear tires the same).

1nate7

No, mainly because there are very limited options (none of the best street tires) available in 245/45/16. RE-11A, Z2, RS3, etc will all have much more grip in 225/50 rear than anything available in 245/45/16. ZDan tried really hard to kill that sticky thread, seems to be hanging around though.

STL

Anyone tried Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500 tires on their S? I see they make 205/55R16 that has a tread width of 7.2" and a 245/50R16 that has a tread with of 8.5". The OEM S-02s tread widths are 7.1" and 8.5" -- so these Firestones look good on paper. All this is assuming that the 245/50 rears will fit without causing any problems.