Hi all,

After about 19k miles, the original rear Bridgestone S-02's are getting quite thin (probably 3/32" tread remaining). I want to go out to the track and do some lapping days (Streets of Willow, California Speedway Infield), but I'm not sure if they're up to the task. The fronts look good, with probably about 6/32" tread remaining.

I looked on TireRack, and my only choices for the rear are:
a. 225/50R16 Bridgestone Potenza S-02 - $172 each
b. 245/45R16 Hankook Ventus R-S2 - $113 each ($410/set)
c. 245/45R16 Fuzion ZRi - $95 each ($348/set)
d. 245/45R16 Sumitomo HTR Z - $69 each ($260/set)

I did a search, and I heard some good reviews about the Sumitomos shaved to 4/32", but how are they with full tread? For the price of replacing just the rears with the OEM S-02's, I could swap out all my tires with the Sumitomos. For maximum cost effectiveness, I am tempted to try just replacing the rears with the Sumitomos or Hankooks, but I'm not sure how running different tires front/rear will affect handling.

Any input? Should I just replace all four with the Hankook or Sumitomo's? How do the Hankook and Sumitomos compare to the OEM S-02's?

Thanks in advance!

 

The problem is the Sumitomo's are just not going to give you the performance that the S02's would give you. The Hankook would be the best of the tires you mentioned. Go with the 245/45R16 on the rear and match them on the front with the 205//5R16 front.
I still do like the S02 for the best handling on the car. I would think that 3/32" for a track day would probably be better than a brand new tire.
If I can help let me know.

 

Thanks Jim! I got your e-mail as well this morning. I think I will take your advice and just track the worn S-02's (esp. since this will be my first track day with the S2000 and will be taking it really easy). After they're trashed, I will replace just the rears with the OE S-02's. I guess if I ever end up needing more performance, I will go with DOT-R's.

Thanks!