dlee

I know there are lots of posting regarding tires, but I could not find one that can help me.

I have 15K miles on my original tires (2001 model) and will need to replace within 5K miles. 90% of my driving is commuting on the freeway and 10% is for fun on the weekend. Basically, I waste my S2K on normal driving

I want to replace fronts and backs with something that gives me overall good ride. I don't need top performance since I commute most of the time, but I do need something that will stand up to regular 90+ mile/hr speed drving on the freeway and occasional sharp cornering.

Any suggestion? I like to get tire recommendations (make and size). I am thinking about replacing it with same dimension tires or go little larger (maybe a 245-55-16 on the rear, 245-45-16 on the front).

Thanks,

DLee

Mike Schuster

I think the tire sizes you mentioned have different diameters, which may cause a problem. Also their equal widths might change the handling balance of your car negatively - a loose rear end. And you may have trouble fitting that front tire on the narrower front wheel or, if it does fit, you may have worse performance and tire wear issues. Especially for the usually dry CA weather, I recommend sticking with the factory S02's. They really are a great setup for the car.

dlee

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to find alternative tires that would cost little less. The factory S02 tires wear out so fast... You happen to know a cheap place to get the tires?

Mike Schuster

tirerack.com has good prices and good service. Regarding tire wear, I guess it depends on your expectations. I actually think 15k or more is fabulous for a sports car. On the track I wear out one set of racing tires per weekend. Even 5k on the street is great compared to that. My last set was 3k and I am still happy given how I was driving.

Jim@tirerack

If you are looking for a tire that will last longer and cost less, take a look at the Kumho Ecsta 712. They will not give you the dry handling of the OE S02 but thet will wear better with excellent wet traction and a much better price.
We have them in stock at 205/55R16 72.00 and 245/45R16 93.00 each.
If I can help let me know.
Thank you

Jim 800-428-8355-364

dlee

Jim,

Sounds like a decent deal. You have any guarantees on price? I want to avoid shopping around if I can avoided.

In any case, I'll call you when I am within 1K of replacement.

Thanks,

DLee

cmnsnse

Another all around tire is the Bridgestone RE730, only down side is they are just a bit noisier when they wear down. They have excellent all season properties when compared to OEM SO2's (low temp, wet wether, snow) and I dare say the dry performance is very close to OEM SO2's

Ive gotten ~13,000 miles in 11 months on the rears with aggressive driving (Not Track) and Im ready to get a new set, 4th over all on the rear!

225/50's will fit on the front but barley and they will buldge, I wouldnt go any larger than 215 on a stock wheel in front, the rears are 245/45 but end up having an actual tread width (touches the ground) of a half inch wider than the SO2's. Rated at 300 treadwear, they do last, my fronts have hardly any wear.

This should give an idea of a 225/50 on front, its not the greatest but . . .

TXRacer

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jim@tirerack
[B]If you are looking for a tire that will last longer and cost less, take a look at the Kumho Ecsta 712.

s22k

i think the re730 and so2 handle better than kumho. i had kumhos on my acura TL in the recent past. they are competent tires, but wear quickly too. my guess is 10k-15k with aggressive driving. if you want longer lasting tires you will have to get all season tires. most high performance dont last very long because of the specially formulated tire compound to increase friction.

Speedster

I was going to try the Kumhos, but with the recent price reduction on the S-02's, I think its best to stay with the S-02's. Here in CA, rain is not usually a problem.