VitaRenovatio

So after my last track event, the rear S-02's are pretty much done, and I'm not sure if I can get even another track event with them (down to about 3/32). However, the fronts have plenty of tread left (maybe about 40% left). I'm reluctant to buy just two rear S-02's (since they're expensive and there are better tires for less), but I'm also hesitant to mix and match tires, or throw out the front S-02's that have decent tread left. As far as I see it, I have these options:

Option 1 - Keep Front 205 S-02 (40% tread remaining)
Suboption A: Replace rears with RE-01R 225 ($248)
Suboption B: Replace rears with Z1 Star Specs 225 ($234)
Suboption C: Replace rears with OEM S-02 225 ($346)

Option 2 - Replace all four tires
Suboption A: Replace all four with Z1 Star Specs 205/225 ($434 - $50 rebate)
Suboption B: Replace all four with RE-01R 205/225 ($480)
Suboption C: Replace all four with Hankook R-S2 205/245 ($420)

I am leaning toward either Option 1A or Option 2A, and wondering if the savings (~200) would be worth mismatching the tires and whatever performance detriments that might entail (if any?).

Thanks!

ZDan

How old are the front S02's? How many track days on them? Street tires can "go off" while still having plenty of tread left on them. For track usage, I think I'd go with option 2A, and sell the front S02's on Craig's list for cheap.

Bliss@5200

Just mix and match for alittle bit i highly doubt you will really notice that much if at all. I have the Stock Re050 on front and 255 Falken 615's on the rear right now since the front lasted me an entire season over the rear. Just replace the rears, Id go with 1-A. Just my .02

VitaRenovatio

ZDan,

The front S-02's are over 5 years old (they're the original tires since the car was new). The car has only 21k miles on them, so that's why they've still got plenty of tread left. They have only one track day on them (from last month).

Thanks,
~Nam

ZDan

If they performed well last month, you might just reuse them. 6 years is getting kinda old, but only one track day on them is a good sign. I would get ~6-8 track days on S03's, and then they'd go from being quite good at the next-to-last event to having absolutely NOTHING for grip at the last event! 1 track day is nothing.

It's the age and the different compounds front/rear that would give me pause. The *Specs are going to be a better track tire, you might find the car has a bit more understeer if you go with new *SPecs in back and old S02's in front.

I'd still be kinda on the fence. Either way you should be OK, but going with 4 new *Specs would surely give better performance and more FUN.

Jim@tirerack

You would also have a difference in performance from tire to tire. Also the tread width of the S02 is wider than most so you would have that to contend with. It would not hurt the car to run different tires but the handling can be off.