Which tires?
03-23-2015, 05:08 PM
#1
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Which tires?
It’s time for new tires.
The current tires are Bridgestone Potenza RE750. 205/55R16 91W on the front, and 245/45R16 94W rear. I believe that these were the OEM tires on model years after my 2002. The tread life was much better than my OEM tires. I would like to get a new set, but . . .
It appears that this tire is no longer made.
Can someone tell me the closest thing to the Potenza RE750 tire in terms of rubber compound, performance, and tread life? Did Bridgestone come out with a successor tire for this one?
Thanks!
Wayne
The current tires are Bridgestone Potenza RE750. 205/55R16 91W on the front, and 245/45R16 94W rear. I believe that these were the OEM tires on model years after my 2002. The tread life was much better than my OEM tires. I would like to get a new set, but . . .
It appears that this tire is no longer made.
Can someone tell me the closest thing to the Potenza RE750 tire in terms of rubber compound, performance, and tread life? Did Bridgestone come out with a successor tire for this one?
Thanks!
Wayne
03-24-2015, 08:59 AM
#2
Never heard of a 205/55R16 and 245/45R16 combination being standard on an AP1, but the OEM AP1 size is not too far off, just a little less wide in the rear--225/50/16.
Interesting size, I wonder how much it would negate the oversteer having that stagger.
The OEM AP1's ran the Potenza S-02's from the factory, and the AP2's ran Potenza RE-050's.
My guess would be the Potenza RE760's are the successor to the RE750's?
There are so many tires to choose from though are you sure that's what you want to go with?
OEM Stagger for AP1: 205/55/16, 225/50/16
AP2: 215/45/17, 245/40/17
CR: 215/45/17, 255/40/17
Interesting size, I wonder how much it would negate the oversteer having that stagger.
The OEM AP1's ran the Potenza S-02's from the factory, and the AP2's ran Potenza RE-050's.
My guess would be the Potenza RE760's are the successor to the RE750's?
There are so many tires to choose from though are you sure that's what you want to go with?
OEM Stagger for AP1: 205/55/16, 225/50/16
AP2: 215/45/17, 245/40/17
CR: 215/45/17, 255/40/17
03-24-2015, 10:44 AM
#3
I concur AP1 oem are 205/55/16 and 225/50/16.
Have a look at the Continental ExtremeContact DW or BFG g-Force Comp-2. Both have similar tread wear at a competitive price point compared to the 760's. I currently have the BFG's for my DD duties and no complaints so far. Of course, I have a different set of tires for track duty.
Have a look at the Continental ExtremeContact DW or BFG g-Force Comp-2. Both have similar tread wear at a competitive price point compared to the 760's. I currently have the BFG's for my DD duties and no complaints so far. Of course, I have a different set of tires for track duty.
03-24-2015, 11:50 AM
#4
from the sticky in this subforum with NOTICE: Correct rear tire size
However, I dont think there are many, if any tires still made in 245/45/16. FWIW, I went with 225/50/16 in Hankook RS3 and they work/perform just fine.
There has been lots of discussion and I wanted to help clear this up.
This advice applies to the Stock Rims, with NON-OEM tires
If you are not running the OEM tires on the rear of the S2K, you should be running a 245/45/16 in the rear.
Our stock 225 is NOT a real 225 and has a 8.5" contact patch which is the same as just about all other 245's out there.
205/55/16 in the front.
This advice applies to the Stock Rims, with NON-OEM tires
If you are not running the OEM tires on the rear of the S2K, you should be running a 245/45/16 in the rear.
Our stock 225 is NOT a real 225 and has a 8.5" contact patch which is the same as just about all other 245's out there.
205/55/16 in the front.
03-24-2015, 03:16 PM
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Thanks for the replies.
Okay, you sent me to the Owner’s Manual. The front tire, 205/55R16 matches the spec. The manual calls for a rear size 225/50R16. I have no idea how I came to have 245/45 rear. I assume it is the same diameter, as the speedometer is accurate, based on GPS comparison. Both front and rear, my current tires have a load index 2 higher than the spec, and the same W speed rating.
I thought I read here years ago that the Potenza RE750 was the OEM tire for later models. Perhaps it would be better if I describe what I’m looking for in a tire. I know that the current tires have been far better, for me, than the tires that came with my 2002 S2K.
I’m not interested in cutting-edge performance. I’m 66 and my driving is not as spirited as it once was.
I want good performance on the road, summer only, while offering tolerable tire life. The car currently has about 45,000 miles and these tires have lasted for about 25,000. I went through 2 sets of OEM rears and one set of front tires in the first 20,000 miles. From what I remember, I believe rubber compound used in the Potenza RE750’s was not as soft as the OEM tires, while still being classified as an ultra-high performance tire. Driving is mostly on mountain roads here in the Allegheny Highlands of West Virginia. It very rarely sees the interstate.
EricJT7 – Diminishing the oversteer rings a bell. IIRC, I bought these on information from someone from Tire Rack and I think decreasing oversteer was mentioned. With these tires I did notice a slight decrease in cornering ability, but I thought that was due to the harder rubber compound.
I’m sorry if I have botched something in describing what I’m looking for and what I understood when I bought these tires 7 or 8 years ago. I’m not a car hobbyist. I love the S2K but I drive it on the street, not the track, and (mostly) at legal speeds. Also, the car is dead stock, no modifications.
Wayne
Okay, you sent me to the Owner’s Manual. The front tire, 205/55R16 matches the spec. The manual calls for a rear size 225/50R16. I have no idea how I came to have 245/45 rear. I assume it is the same diameter, as the speedometer is accurate, based on GPS comparison. Both front and rear, my current tires have a load index 2 higher than the spec, and the same W speed rating.
I thought I read here years ago that the Potenza RE750 was the OEM tire for later models. Perhaps it would be better if I describe what I’m looking for in a tire. I know that the current tires have been far better, for me, than the tires that came with my 2002 S2K.
I’m not interested in cutting-edge performance. I’m 66 and my driving is not as spirited as it once was.
I want good performance on the road, summer only, while offering tolerable tire life. The car currently has about 45,000 miles and these tires have lasted for about 25,000. I went through 2 sets of OEM rears and one set of front tires in the first 20,000 miles. From what I remember, I believe rubber compound used in the Potenza RE750’s was not as soft as the OEM tires, while still being classified as an ultra-high performance tire. Driving is mostly on mountain roads here in the Allegheny Highlands of West Virginia. It very rarely sees the interstate.EricJT7 – Diminishing the oversteer rings a bell. IIRC, I bought these on information from someone from Tire Rack and I think decreasing oversteer was mentioned. With these tires I did notice a slight decrease in cornering ability, but I thought that was due to the harder rubber compound.
I’m sorry if I have botched something in describing what I’m looking for and what I understood when I bought these tires 7 or 8 years ago. I’m not a car hobbyist. I love the S2K but I drive it on the street, not the track, and (mostly) at legal speeds. Also, the car is dead stock, no modifications.
Wayne
03-24-2015, 03:49 PM
#6
Bridgestone RE970AS (All Season), RE-11, RE-11A, and RE-71R are all available in stock AP1 (2002) 16" sizes.
-- Chuck
-- Chuck
03-24-2015, 05:24 PM
#7
I don't have any experience with bridgestones yet myself, but it looks like they are having rebates at least until partly through April. Not a bad time to buy at all.
Another thing to consider would be to pick up some 17" Ap2 V1's and go with the ap2 size rubber. Would be a little more money, but very well spent and would improve the handling.
If you do stick to ap1 size, I'd recommend the potenza re-11A's which are on rebate if you would consider a step up to the extreme performance street category. Very well regarded as a dd setup for the s2000.In ap2 size, the Michelin Pilot Super sports are very popular as well..they don't come in ap1 size.
Another thing to consider would be to pick up some 17" Ap2 V1's and go with the ap2 size rubber. Would be a little more money, but very well spent and would improve the handling.
If you do stick to ap1 size, I'd recommend the potenza re-11A's which are on rebate if you would consider a step up to the extreme performance street category. Very well regarded as a dd setup for the s2000.In ap2 size, the Michelin Pilot Super sports are very popular as well..they don't come in ap1 size.
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03-24-2015, 05:48 PM
#9
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As I recall, the current tires cost about $600, installed at a local Bridgestone dealer, and that was a long time ago. If the RE760's are a successor tire, they are worth a closer look. New Potenza S-02 rears were over $200 each, and that was even longer.
Wayne
Wayne
03-24-2015, 06:11 PM
#10
^ I wouldn't doubt that at all, but tire rack has pretty good deals right now. Unfortunately after shipping, balancing and a good alignment, the total will be another $200-250 easy on top of tire rack's initial quote. Still a great time to buy though before the rebates end. You could always store the tires and shop around for good deals on installation and alignment.