How come people on here are saying to get the so3's in 245/55 and tirerack sells them in 225/50?

 

Um. 245/45 is the right rear.

Its because the S2000 OEM tire, the W-rated 225/50 S02 is roughly the same size of a normal 245/45.

 

Because Tire Rack's software isn't aware of the difference in size between the OEM "225" and the regular 225. (Some of) their sales people are aware of the difference, however.

 

thanks.

 

So

Regardless of the make of tyre if we don't put S-02 225/50 on our stock rims then we have to fit 245/45 to acheive the same contact patch....Right!

The otherday I looked at a S2000 shod with Michelin Sports and on the rear there were 225/50, so I got my tape out and measured the dusty bit, several times, exactly 7 inches not 8.5 inches with the S-02. That is a big difference almost 20% less rubber on the road and since the S-O2 is rated a sticky 140 and the Michelin Sport 220 (about 60% less sticky, but more hard wearing), then I think that trunning the Michelin 225/50 is downright dangerous.

Some one correct me if my assumptions are wrong.

Correctly set up with 245/45 on the rear and 205/50 on the front the the Mitchelins might be good, better wear but still good on wet and dry, etc. Anybody know if this set up is better than S-03 Pole Positions 245/45 and 205/50?

Thanks, I would like to hear anything in this regard, especially about the Mitchelins as they are on a car that I am interested in buying.

Nigel

 

The wear ratings are only applicable among tires from the same manufacturer and even then, it's only a rough guide.

 

I understand that it is only a rough guide. But if each company rates its own tires without regard to a government yardstick then it is possible that Michelin could rate one of its tyres at 440 and it may turn out stickier than an S-02 which Bridgestone themselves rate at 140. I can't believe this is the case. I think the guidelines set out by the government are meant to bring tyre companies into line so that these ratings have some value. Maybee?

Jim....where are you!

Nigel

 

The ratings are only good within each brand. They is no government standard only that they have a treadware rating. The problem is we don't know what 0 is for each company. Treadware ratings alos have nothing to do with how sticky they are.
For instance the S03 Pole Position has a higher treadware rating than the S02 Pole Position did but the S03 is a much stickier tire. Newer designs in rubber compounding allow tires to be sticky but last longer.
Basically if you are comparing different tires from different mfg's the treadware rating is not any good.

Jim

 

Thanks Jim

Did you note in the thread that the tread that I measured on the michelin pilot sport 225/50 zr 16 91Y was 7 inches? why does your site not have the tread widths for this tyre?

Nigel

 

Nigel, some manufacturers don't advertise tread widths. Some say it is because the tread width of any given size will vary according to the rim width that the tire is put on. I have found that very few manufacturers do put out tread widths. We have to go by what those of us on the forum have measured.

john