Hi,

got S2000 few weeks ago. Want to use semi-slicks on it. Should I go for all four corners? Or use them on the rear only? I'm thinking about NITTO NT-01 (have four of them in 245/40/18 from my Evo IX) or new Federal 595RS (dirt cheap here so don't care about wear). How does S2000 behave on slicks? Much different form AWD cars? I've been driving semi-slicks nearly all my driving life but never on RWD cars.

Thanks!

Anton

 

I am not sure what you are looking for. By a slick are you talking about an R compound tire? Or are you looking for a drag radial? If it is an R compound you would need them on all four corners. The 245/40R18 will not work on the car if that is the idea. They are too tall to fit correctly.
If I can help let me know.

 

Jim,

my "slick' I mean both compaund and grooveless surface of the tyre. Like NITTO NT-01, Toyo R888, Federal 595RS etc.

I don't want to use the same size at all the corners, rather I'd like to stick with 225/40/18 on the front and 245/40/18 on the rear.

Thanks!

Anton

 

I guess it bears repeating: 245/40-18 is the WRONG SIZE. Too tall. You'd want 245/35-18 (or 255/35-18).

Also, there's no point in using "semi-slicks" (known as R-compounds over here) on the street, only use them if you're going to the track.

 

So 245/40/18 on the rear DOES NOT WORK (rubs something) or it's just makes car taller and you think it's a problem?

 

They are going to probably rub and they will throw off anti lock brakes as well. The 245/40R18 is just too tall. To use an R compound tire on the street you will be risking more tire failure. The have very little protection from debris and they will be very shallow tread depth. You would be better off with a tire like the Bridgestone RE-11 on the street.
That tire can still be tracked but they are going to handle the street.

 

Jim, I'm driving semi-slicks all my life and I really know what to do with them and how... I'm interested in only one thing: would my EXISTING set of ex-Evo NITTO NT-01s work on the rear end of my S2000. That's all... Your answer is NO and I really appreciate it Thanks! Anton

P.S. And why ABS should not work with changed tire size?

 

He didn't say the ABS wouldn't work, he said it would throw them off. You're increasing the overall diameter of your wheels, it throws off things like ABS, Speedometer, and since yours is a 2008 it will also throw off the VSA and EBD. How much is anyone's guess since you're mixing street tires with "streetable" NT-01 race tires.

And you should remember what you've already said:

"I've been driving semi-slicks nearly all my driving life but never on RWD cars"

and more recently:

"Jim, I'm driving semi-slicks all my life and I really know what to do with them and how"

 

Looks like trying to save on rears was far from the best idea

Guys... Thank you very much for clarification! I'll go for something street-legal and will keep NT-01s for Evo track days.