S2000 tyre problems

[Jonny3773]

Hello all

I have bought a set of 17" SSR Intergal GT1's for my AP1 S2000.

They are 7j width and running 225/45s front and rear,

Is this a problem?

Thanks
Jonny

[maz8062]

if you've already bought them, fit them and see.

Simples

[havoc]

Only if you can't cope with ready and frequent oversteer!

More seriously:-
- Have you checked the offset is correct - S2000 suffers when wrong-offset wheels are fitted.
- The S2000 was designed for a ~30mm* difference between front and rear tyre widths. TBH if you're a good driver you could drop that to 20mm without worrying.
- It's possible to 'dial out' any unwanted oversteer with geometry changes, esp. as the S2000 has adjustable camber, castor and toe. But this WILL compromise the overall handling of the car slightly. So it's not ideal.


My suggestions:-
- Check what the narrowest and widest rubber you can fit on a 7J will be. Fit corresponding rubber front and back.
- Drive it, see how it feels.
- Go and get the geometry checked by a specialist, then before you change it talk through with them (or even on here) how that relates to the car's behaviour that you've noticed. THEN decide what you want from the car and how to get there.


(Just seen your forum pic. Assuming that is/was your car, then you should be fine with the characteristics of a stock S2000, and reducing the front-rear tyre differential might actually make it easier to throttle-steer in the dry.)


* 225 S02 rears were actually very 'square shouldered' and had a contact patch closer to a 245 tyre than other 225 tyres. 17" 245 rears were part of the changes designed to make the car more friendly.

[Jonny3773]

Many thanks for your responce,

Yes the Noble was mine but since sold that on to my brother as im looking to purchase a bigger house so decided to buy out a cheap s2000 and have some fun with it!

Ok, Slighlty worried I must say that im going to bo**ox up the settings!

So your saying with tyres the same width front and rear its going to be way to tail happy and more lke a drift car!! lol,

Thanks

[maz8062]

I had a matching set of 225/50 R16 on my S and it was fine. Funnily enough I found the steering feel heavier compared to 215/45 on 17" rims, but it was fine with no issues.

Just get the alignment done and enjoy

[havoc]

Not experienced it (doubt many have), but I'd say it'll be heading in that direction, yes.

That said:-
- You can compensate for the lost rear grip by increasing rear camber and decreasing front camber (or decreasing front castor, which will decrease dynamic camber)
- You'll struggle to compensate for the lost traction, but it's got quick-enough steering and throttle-response that you can drive around that, and IMHO it'll make it more engaging in the dry (I couldn't get the tail out in the dry without trail-braking or being VERY optimistic with corner-entry speeds!).
- You could experiment with the rear toe settings - I found the OE rear toe to be too 'safe' and reduced it down to the minimum toe-in permitted on standard specs. You might not need to go that far.
- You could even, if you were happy modding it more, experiment with aftermarket ARBs to adjust the under/oversteer balance.

It will change the car, but it needn't be for the worse, if you're a competent driver and can judge how to adjust the handling set-up...

[mikey k]

I'd agree with that and add try not to make too many changes at once or you will have no idea what gave which effect!

[Jonny3773]

Thanks for your comments,

I shall let you know the result but I was able to change my tyres I bought on friday and left it down to a chap that seriously tracks his S,

So I shall update you tomorrow and let you know whats coming!!

As for now, I bought my S 2 weeks ago and have

- Painted the callipers red
- change windscreen wipers!!
- Bought a private reg
- Bought the leather centre console and getting rid of the red carpet
- Bought the SSR Integral GT1 alloys
- New black carpet mats
- New oval exhaust tips
- Booked in for a full detail and re conditioning the roof etc..

The S already had an Infinite sound system and a cone air filter fitted, But my next few bits to complete are the convertible top. The seals above the windows need replacing as they are leaking (Even though it has the AP2 rear glass roof) And also I have horrific wind noise which I understand are down to the strikers being warn (Which they are) and im not sure where I can pick up a new pair or do a cheap fix for now??

Thanks

[dnomyar]

Jonny3773 said:

Stuff. The seals above the windows need replacing as they are leaking (Even though it has the AP2 rear glass roof) And also I have horrific wind noise which I understand are down to the strikers being warn (Which they are) and im not sure where I can pick up a new pair or do a cheap fix for now??

Try this, it works.........

[Jonny3773]

dnomyar said:

Jonny3773 said:

Stuff. The seals above the windows need replacing as they are leaking (Even though it has the AP2 rear glass roof) And also I have horrific wind noise which I understand are down to the strikers being warn (Which they are) and im not sure where I can pick up a new pair or do a cheap fix for now??

Try this, it works.........

Many thanks!!

I have someone doing this for me now Cheers