Tires

[Steveofcentfl]

I have to replace the rear tires on my 2003 S2K. What's the best make and size?

[Java Junky]

I'd get my feet wet by checkin' with the guys at TireRack. There's alodda knowledge gained from real "hands-on" testin' from those guys.
Personally, I'm really happy with the stock Bridgestones that came on my 'O4, n' in the winter I switch to Dunlop WinterSports (which were recommended by Dallas at TireRack)
But tires are a balance dictated by what you plan on doin' with 'em. To a driver, I can think of nothin' more personal than the selection of the right hoops for the way you drive.
Hope that that's been of some help.
Be well . . n' like the old knight said . . .
P.S. All kind'a disclaimers involved in jus' swappin' the rears. If possible I'd replace all jus' to keep things on an even keel. Anythin' as "edge-ridin'" as Stewie don't take suspension/traction mistakes lightly.

[gomarlins3]

I agree with the Tirerack.com suggestion.

[Steveofcentfl]

I spent some time researching tire options. Here's what I found:

Recommended Bridgestone Tires

Potenza S-02
Potenza S-03
Potenza RE050 Pole Position

Original equipment tires were the Bridgestone S-02 ) with UNI-T (Ultimate Network of Intelligent Tire Technology). You can check out the specs: Bridgestone Potenza S-02 In fact, a guy at Tire Kingdom told me that they have Honda written on them somewhere! They are also fatter than another tire the same size. A guy at Discount Tire told me that he phoned Bridgestone and their tech told him that the tire was developed by both Bridgestone and Honda engineers together for the S2K. They will be around for awhile, because they are OEM for Porsche too.

But according to Tire Rack, the Potenza RE050A Pole Position with UNI-T is a superior tire. Less noise and better tire wear. But the tech at Bridgestone said the S-02 was a better tire for the S2K.

Some tire dealers have been selling the S-03 replacing the S-02. But the S-03 is being fazed out! Again, the S-02 is supposed to be the better tire!

Prices: Discount Tire: $443.00 out-the-door for two new rear RE-02 tires. Tire Rack: $551.41 for two new rear tires shipped to my door. You then would have to pay $20 to mount and balance each tire.

Unfortunately, I have the car shodded in low-end Kumho Ecsta Supra rubber. Tire Rack told me to not mix and match tire brands. Could adversly effect handling. I think I will opt for the S-02 OEM all the way around. Discount Tire quoted me $936.00 out the door with a Hazard warranty. A nail destroyed some low-profile rubber on my Prelude, so I know how valuable the hazard warranty can be. The guy at Discount Tire said he gets between 20 and 30 flat tires a day, and half can't be repaired.

Is anyone interested in 2 Kumho Ecsta Supra 205/55ZR16 front tires? Approximately 5/32 of an inch of rubber from the outside tread to the inside bottom of the central tread groove. I measured 4/32 of an inch from the wear bar to the outside tread. I am guessing the tires are half worn. I'd hate to just let the dealer keep them!

[MattG]

The S02 for the S2000 is not the same as for the porsche. While the S02 is standand equipment tyre for both cars, the Porsche is numbered N3 whereas the S2000 is 92W (or something like that). You can see in the dealers book/databse there are different models. I believe there is also a thrid non-numbered "standard" model S02 tyre also.

[Java Junky]

Steve;
I'm afraid not all of the experts are experts. Some are more sales oriented than knowledge oriented.
As for the Kumho Ecsta's you mention, they've gotten some good ink from some of our more aggressive brethren, but, now it's me that's passin' on second hand info. But, before you write 'em off, I'd get some info from folks that've used 'em (realizin' that what you're gettin' is again, second hand info that might not match the way you'd rate them).
And as for mixin' n' matchin' . . I say this with extreme concern for proper caution n' testin' of the resultin' possibilities, but mixin' n' matchin' doesn't always result in dire, flamin', you'll-never-be-able-to-have-kids consequences . . BUT, it just as easily could.
With the application of that extreme caution n' gradual, closer n' closer to the edge testin', there is the possibility that you could find a marriage of brands/models that would work n' possibly work well.
But most of us don't have the time, the money, or the safe testing area to do that kind'a mix n' match. N' like mixin' breeds, the odds are that you're gonna wind up with the worst of both, not the best.
But, that's where a company that specializes in tires can do the leg work for us, as it's their bread-n'-butter, and foot the bill for testing of different tires in different conditions.
Pick a place that has a good reputation for bein' on the money with the info that they're feedin' you.
As I can no longer research tires as well as I used to, I find a reliable "consultant" n' if that consultant jus' happens to work for a firm that's prices are a little higher (everything's priorities), I figure that the peace of mind in knowin' my info's accurate is worth it.
Good luck, n' like the old knight said . . .

[chemical]

is nitto any good the drag radials