tram57

Greetings,

Need to replace tires on a MY00. I noticed that the stock S02 225/50-16 has a particularly wide treadwidth (8.5") for its size. I'm interested in the Goodyear F1 GS-D3 after the 12/05 car and driver writeup; however, to get a similar rear tire treadwidth I'll need the 245/50-16 (according to the tire rack spec sheet). To match the tire circumference of 25.7" (up from 24.9"-25" for the stock s-02's) I'll need to go with the 225/55-16 up front (also 25.7" diameter).

Anyone have any experience with upsizing the tire widths and circumferences? I know the MY04 on use wider 17" wheels so I'd expect the section width increases to be fine, but I'm not sure about the increase in tire diameter.

Any experience with the F1 GS-D3's? Any experience with the increased section widths with the same aspect ratio's as stock with the resultant increase in diameter?

Thanks!

Wisconsin S2k

we have a wheel and tire forum.....


moving

xviper

I recall it was the UK owners who first started to widely use the F1. They realized they couldn't get these tires in the proper aspect ratio in a 245 size, so they simply stayed with 225 for the rear and 205 in the front. This didn't seem to create much of a problem for them and most enjoyed the tire's performance.
In your case, upsizing as you stated is not a problem either. By increasing the diameter of both front and rear tires about the same amount, you will be keeping the ABS more or less "happy". The OEM 16" rear rim will handle a 245 tire as the front will handle a 225 tire. Many owners run this combination without problem. You may have to adjust the tire pressures a bit to maintain a good contact patch.

tram57

xviper - thanks. Very helpful. The fact that the GS-D3's don't come 245/45-16 is indeed the problem.