Rear tyres advice

[TheSebringOne]

I need new rear boots and thought may go up a a size to 255 40 17 ( have 94+ alloys reg 1999). Do anyone know whether the 02+ oem tyres will fit? Were these Dunlops 8080s & Bridgestones RE040 DZ 94 Y? Are these widely available or not? Thought about 255 GoodYear F1 GSD3, but these are now like gold dust too! :(

[AR]

People have gone up those sizes without any problems. What have you got up front?

[TheSebringOne]

Fronts are still OEMs 215 45 16, but will go up a size to 225 45 16 when they need changing next.

[Senninha]

James,

I'm no good with the maths, but you will need to check the sizes / balance front to rear. If you go bigger at one end without the other, you could change the balance of the car but also, if significant, you could confuse the TC and find all sorts of problems.

IMO, given the mileage you do, I would stay with OEM sizes at both ends. You have a great original NSX, keep it that way.

regards, Paul

[TheSebringOne]

Thanks Paul, I understand the balance issues when going up a size the rears to 255 40 17 & then going up a size the fronts to 225 45 16 to balance them out, which I will do when the fronts have worn out. Would going up 1 cm or 10mm in each rear make that much difference to balance?

I did'nt think there will be an issue with the TCS, whether I for the time being stick to 215 45 16 fronts & upgrade rears to 255 40 17s OR in the future, upgrade fronts to 225 45 16s as with both combos, the actual heights have not changed at all (seen the other thread about TCS problem due to same size fronts & rears).

Also out of two rear tyre choices I'm proposing (255 40 17s), which do people prefer?

Goodyears F1 GSD3s 94Y V Bridgestone REO40 DZ NSX 94Y

Alot of people rated highly the Goodyears as grip is excellent especially in the wet & last the longest in wear terms V Bridgestones OEM from 02+ variant. I have RE010s at rears at present, but there near the TWI, but no one is stocking them anymore!

Any advise would be most welcome :)

[AR]

How long do you reckon you have left on the fronts? You could try a cheaper set of rears, like Avon, or Khumo and then when the rears are gone change all 4 for a matching set?

[Ferris Bueller]

Have you considered Toyo T1-Rs? Cheap enough and IMO more than capable enough.

ETA. Try camskill. They will deliver nationwide and offer the best prices I could find.

[Silver Surfer]

I have just ordered on Camskill.com too. I am going to try some Falken FK542 225/45/16 on the front to see how they fare. They are about the same price as T1-Rs around 60 squids each.

I will feed back later in the year.

SS

[gsuds]

James, I've used Toyo T1Rs all round in the sizes you propose, no problems at all, wear probably not quite as good as the GY but they are cheaper. Only issue for me was increased steering effort esp. in town - but not problem in PAS cars.

Cheers,

Graham

[TheSebringOne]

The Toyos seem popular and good value. The only thing is they don't last as long as GY F1 GSD3 and some say they may last half of the GY? So may spend more now since they last longer in the long run. Ary, the fronts will last me the next set of rears I change to. Was thinking of maybe just staying to 245 rather upping to 255 for now as may keep the fronts 215, without upping them to 225!? If I do change to GY the load is 91Y for 245, which is the same as the BS, so this should'nt affect balance? The 255 are 94Y, so probably will affect the whole balance. Why is it on the 02+, its 215 fronts and 255 rears, then some say it will affect overall balance if I upgraded rears to 255, but keep 215 on 94+ wheels? I'm all balance out now !! :think::dunno: Oh do GY make 215 45 16 or 255 45 16?

[dan the man]

james the closest to your RE010s is the REO50 - or 40. they natuyarally followed on ina sort or way.

But cheaper tires are out there as above. personally id never have toyos, too sloppy for me and go off. Make such a difference to the cars ive drove with them on and off compared to poternzas.

[gsuds]

I had to go down to 40 profile at front to get GY 215s.

G

[TheSebringOne]

Just rang a number of suppliers, seems that if I go down the GY route with the rears, whether 245 or 255, there are no GY for fronts in 215 45 16 or 225 45 16!! So GSUDs, you have 215 40 16 ( I assume you have standard 16s 94+ front wheels? Does it affect the handling or the speedo? So do you have 245 on the rears or 255? Thanks

[gsuds]

Yes, I'm afraid I just went to 40 profile for expediency, and it's really made no discernable difference at all to speedo or handling - it's the only option currently if you want GY all round.

G

[TheSebringOne]

Thanks, gonna order some GY next week I think! :)

[richard grigsby]

Thanks, gonna order some GY next week I think! :)

Hello guys. I've just bought a 97' NSX with TOYO Proxes 225 45 ZR16s on the front and Goodyear Eagle 255 40 ZR17s on the back. The handling seems fine to me - yes, a little heavy at walking speeds and some understeer when pushing on in the wet, but I imagine this is normal for the car?
I will need a new tyre on the rear soon and want to do the best thing - do I junk all tyres and buy a matching set or get Eagles all round or go for he recommended Potenzas?
Any advice is most welcome.
Richard

[AR]

Hello guys. I've just bought a 97' NSX with TOYO Proxes 225 45 ZR16s on the front and Goodyear Eagle 255 40 ZR17s on the back. The handling seems fine to me - yes, a little heavy at walking speeds and some understeer when pushing on in the wet, but I imagine this is normal for the car?
I will need a new tyre on the rear soon and want to do the best thing - do I junk all tyres and buy a matching set or get Eagles all round or go for he recommended Potenzas?
Any advice is most welcome.
Richard

It all depends on your budget mate.

If it was me I gould go for the recommended sizes with RE 040/050 front and rear, as I had them on the NSX-R and they were great. You can't get the recommended tyres anymore in the UK.

How new are your fronts?

BTW there is a new members section at the front so you can tell us more about your car and yourself. :)

Cheers,

AR

[Silver Surfer]

If I am not mistaken, I suspect Richard has bought the Ex Papa/PSpanner car?

Welcome!!

SS

[Senninha]

If I am not mistaken, I suspect Richard has bought the Ex Papa/PSpanner car?

Welcome!!

SS
Dont think so, Richard says '97 whereas the PapaPhil car is a 96 IIRC

Welcome anyway Richard and please tell us more about your new toy.

regards,

[richard grigsby]

Hello everyone and thanks for the welcome. I bought my car from Ivan at Honda Chiswick who I have been keeping in touch with for a year or so. I'm happy with the way he dealt with the sale and look forward to not having to deal with the pomposity of German brands (Mercs) for the future. My car's a Charlotte Green Targa with 48K miles and the previous owner was also called Richard. It is spotless apart from showing a bit of wear on the driver's seat where you slide in and out (so to speak). It's got a tan interior which I like as it goes well with the dark green - I didn't want anything too flashy as I drive it once a week or so with my job and want to re-live my youth as subtly as I can.
I had Greg at Auto Audio fit sat nav, CD and phone hoook up, along with a rear view camera (for the novelty factor) and a front parking sensor (for parking of course). I'm 90% happy with the kit and the American Nav' voice is very funny - 'Please drive to highlighted rowt' always makes me smile.
I think the earlier cars are very pretty from virtually all angles but would like to sort the back end with some nicer looking exhausts and lower splitter and particularly like the set up on the platinum grey NSX featured in the 'Garage'. A the same time I hear a lot of comments saying 'keep it original' so I plan to drive it a lot more before I modify. I am up for the odd track day and maybe the 'ring so please give me a prod if I don't respond to ads etc.
BTW this is my 8th Honda - all the rest were motorbikes!
Richard

[AR]

Welcome mate,

The original exhaust is too heavy and quiet! If you can stretch it get a nice Ti one ( light, no drone ) and your NSX will be happier. :)

Cheers,

AR

[richard grigsby]

It all depends on your budget mate.

If it was me I gould go for the recommended sizes with RE 040/050 front and rear, as I had them on the NSX-R and they were great. You can't get the recommended tyres anymore in the UK.

How new are your fronts?

BTW there is a new members section at the front so you can tell us more about your car and yourself. :)

Cheers,

AR

Hello AR, thanks for the advice. The fronts are good with lots of wear left - hence my reluctance to replace them.

Richard

[AR]

I would say, then get Toyos for the Back in 255/40/17.:)

[Silver Surfer]

Dont think so, Richard says '97 whereas the PapaPhil car is a 96 IIRC

Welcome anyway Richard and please tell us more about your new toy.

regards,

I stand corrected. Welcome anyway.

SS

[TheSebringOne]

Welcome Richard too!:) I agree with Ary, get Toyos on the rear too as they are popular with some members here and you will match the fronts! If you post some pics IDC, can't wait to see your sat nav system and especially the rear camera set up! Also never seen an NSX with parking sensors! Pics please when your ready! :thumbsup:

[AR]

If you post some pics IDC, can't wait to see your sat nav system and especially the rear camera set up! Also never seen an NSX with parking sensors! Pics please when your ready! :thumbsup:

Me too at the moment I am in two minds about changing the OEM Bose or keeping it.

Cheers,

AR

[richard grigsby]

Welcome mate,

The original exhaust is too heavy and quiet! If you can stretch it get a nice Ti one ( light, no drone ) and your NSX will be happier. :)

Cheers,

AR

Hello AR - do you have any websites or contacts for the Ti exhausts? Do you know if Senina's quad pipes are the same spec?

Richard

[richard grigsby]

Sorry, my computer timed out after I'd written a long, informative reply...Maybe next time.

What I wanted to really know was am I affecting the car's handling because my tyres are oversoze at both ends by 15mm?

Any advice is most welcome.

Also, does anyone have a contact for the Ti 'zorsts?

Richard

[dan the man]

VTEDIRECT in the traders section for zorsts. its barry whos selling the nsx-r in the cars for sale section

[richard grigsby]

Thanks very much Dan - nice NSX-R - just like mine except + some!

[AR]

Barry is good to deal with for NSX bits, and local ( UK ), Paul's Quad tips is a custom made exhaust by H&S.

Cheers,

AR

[UltraViolet]

I need to get some new rears, so originally I was thinking, get same as I had, then fronts can stay (I don't run mis-matched so always replace 2 and if changing brand/tyre, then all 4)

Anyway, I currently have Bridgestone RE010s all round. I have just rung Honda to be told that they no longer do the RE010s for the rear and so they quoted for Bridgestone RE050s

So, this means I need new fronts as well ..... but they don't do RE050s for the front!!

So, no Bridgestone option it appears. (I won't use RE040s)

What have other people found that works well? I have OEM fitments so front 21545ZR16 and rear 24540ZR17

If worst comes to it and I cannot get a matched set in the different sizes, is there any problem if I fit the newer wheels (17s all round)?

[TheSebringOne]

The only option you have sticking with BS, is to go RE040 fronts, so why do you not want them? Simon, plus a few here use this combo RE040 fronts and RE050 rears. The only thing I can think off is that the RE040 are only rated to 149-150 mph?, but how often are you driving at that speed?

Unless you fancy upgrading the alloys, then I think buying an extra set to justify more tyre options is false economy? Alot of member are now using GY F1 GSD3 rears 245 40 17, but 215 40 16 fronts on 94+ wheel! Or gone the Toyo TR-1 route, slightly cheaper than BS & GY, but still a great tyre, but wear is less than the GY, but same as BS. HTH :)

[UltraViolet]

I don't want to go 40s at the front for 2 reasons .... first being that I want to run same tyres all round, second being the 40s don't have a good reputation. (Also these carry an advisory that you need to notify your insurance company)

Most of the feel you get through the steering is from the front tyres, so having fronts that behave (even slightly) different from the rears isn't a good thing. If I wasn't bothered about that, I'd just stick with the RE010s at the front as they have loads of tread still.

I don't really want to spend for new wheels - just as the fronts are an unusual size, it isn't easy getting matched sets.

[TheSebringOne]

The best option then is to stick to BS and go the RE050 route on the rear then.

[UltraViolet]

But they don't do RE050s for the front.

I was ready to order the RE050s until I was told not available for the fronts - that is the problem - how to get a matched set. :(

[Silver Surfer]

how to get a matched set. :(

You can't without changing from the standard size as discussed previously unless you go against EU regulations or live in Japan! :no:

Most of us have accepted it and either mix front from rear or down size the front or go 225/45/16

SS

[AR]

I don't want to go 40s at the front for 2 reasons .... first being that I want to run same tyres all round, second being the 40s don't have a good reputation. (Also these carry an advisory that you need to notify your insurance company)

Where does it say that? I could see the point if you were running time attack tyres, but for a street tyre???

FWIW I had 40 and 50 on my NSX-R on Type S wheels ( Currently on Simon's Press car ) and they felt fine.

Cheers,

AR

[BlueNSX]

http://www.yokohamatire.com/oemtireintro.asp?tireID=1005

Does anyone use OE Yokohama's ? Are these not the best tyres for the NSX? Made to correct tyre sizes, matched front to rear.

Avail in U.S. are they avail in UK.

[Silver Surfer]

Can't see it available on-line with the usual tyre companies.

SS

[AR]

http://www.yokohamatire.com/oemtireintro.asp?tireID=1005

Does anyone use OE Yokohama's ? Are these not the best tyres for the NSX? Made to correct tyre sizes, matched front to rear.

Avail in U.S. are they avail in UK.

Not available overhere.

[UltraViolet]

Where does it say that? I could see the point if you were running time attack tyres, but for a street tyre???


Not that unusual when a tyre has been specifically designed for a car then you change it (same applies with S2000 apparently) - info direct from Bridgestone.

SS - if I go 225 and 255, what options open up for getting a matched set?

Thx

[simonprelude]

I went for Bridgestone replacement as it retains the original size and seems to be loyal to the original handling characteristics of the RE010's.

If you check the tread pattern on the front and rear RE010 HO's then you will see they are not identical. Hence I didn't see an issue with maintaining OEM size but having mixed tyres.
RE040 front and RE050 rear, I tried the GSD2 / GSD3's and found the sidewalls too soft for my liking. Not sure on the availabilty of the RE040's anymore but I will check later.

I am also having the same issue with the S2000 and am looking at going for OEM 17's all round as tyres are still available.

With the onset of hot hatches with 18's and 19's I guess a lot of sensible OEM tyre sizes are going to become difficult to get hold of.

[markc]

Hi Sam,

If you go up a size front (to 225/45x16) and rear (to 255/40x17) you can stick with Bridgestone and fit their SO3 Pole Position's all round.
I have this combo and I have to say I like them. Nice and consistant on the public road and surprisingly good on track for the occassional track day ie they don't go "off" (overheat) too quickly.

Cheers

Mark

[Silver Surfer]

SS - if I go 225 and 255, what options open up for getting a matched set?

You can get Dunlop Sport SP9000 which are quite grippy or a Toyo Proxis T1R

SS

[richard grigsby]

I found www.blackcircles.com to be useful for assessing availability. They also are very helpful on the phone. Having wracked my brains and researched the tyre market over the last few days I have gone for Bridgestone REO40s on the front and REO50s on the back. A boring choice maybe but one backed by Honda Chiswick and I needed new tyres for the winter and hope to review for the summer - maybe look at importing a set from Japan?
Anyone done that?
There does not appear to be a definitive answer out there - apart from sticking to stock sizes (as I have opted to) or going oversize to boost options on say Goodyear F1s. Any advice welcome for 16/17in combination wheels driven all year round.
Richard

[simonprelude]

Richard apart from the option you have already gone for (the same as the one I champion) then the only other option that I have considered recently is to change to OEM 17's all round.
I would need to investigate the availabilty of tyres for that option though as that could also run into issues in the near future.

[richard grigsby]

Thanks for the advice Simon. It would be very nice to have more choice and I do like the look of the GY Eagles so a change to 17in wheels all round may be the way forward.
Richard

[TheSebringOne]

If my memory serves me right?! You should be able to match fronts and rears either with GY F1, but would have to be GSD2 fronts and GSD3 for rears OR Toyo Proxies TR-1s. HTH

Going down the OEM route, Yokos are a great tyre for Summer, but terrible in the damp or wet. I think you can still get them in the UK if you have search hard, but not chance getting BS or Dunlops now! :(

[Silver Surfer]

Dunlop Sport SP9000 available on www.mytyres.com (http://www.mytyres.com) on 225/45/16 and 255/40/17.

SS

[richard grigsby]

Got the Bridgesones on now - REO40s and 50s. They feel much more rigid compared to the Eagle/Toyo combo' I had - anyone recommend tyre pressures for the winter as the Honda label talks of very hiigh amounts?
Richard

[BlueNSX]

http://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk/ts/checkout/ChooseCentre.aspx

If anyone is interested, found Yokohama's in UK, matched, correct size and speed rating.

[TheSebringOne]

Richard, if you've got 215 45 16 & 245 40 17, RE040 & RE050 respectively, I will stick to the recommended as stated on the side pillar sticker. No need ro reduce in Winter as the recommended PSI is for all year round. I personally add 1-2 PSI more in the Summer over the recommended, plus I only drive if its dry anyway. HTH

[Martin]

http://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk/ts/checkout/ChooseCentre.aspx

If anyone is interested, found Yokohama's in UK, matched, correct size and speed rating.

hmmm...Couldnt find Yokohamas for standard rears 245 40 17 - are you on 16s at the back?

Cheers
Martin

[Martin]

I just stuck in speed rating of 'z' instead of 'any' and it found Yokohama AO22 for the rear!

Thanks

[TheSebringOne]

Hi Mark, So you rate the BS SO3 highly. Been in BS UK website and other internet tyres companies, but can't seem to find or get them? There seems to be alot of SO2 available, will certain BS SO2's fit the NSX? If so, have you tried them? I know some were OEM for Porkers (N3, N4 etc). :)

[simonprelude]

SO2's are now going out of production, as too are the S03's, current BS range is headed by the RE050.

[richard grigsby]

Thanks HTH. I will play with pressures as per the label and see how it feels.
I've just returned from a trip up norf' and feel very happy with the BSs. I went through Stow to Coventry from Bath and came back over the Snake Pass from Glossop to Sheffield which was a great way to get a feel for the tyres in wet and damp conditions on mixed roads. Probably the best drives I've had in the car since buying it 3 months ago. No slippage or under steer and much better feel at speed due to them having been balanced. The steering feel seems more at speed which is another new aspect to this wonderful car! I'm very impressed so far.
Richard

[Silver Surfer]

More tyres available from: www.tyretraders.com (http://www.tyretraders.com)





BRIDGESTONE 215/45R16.86W RE040 From £75.45


YOKOHAMA 215/45R16.86W A043 From £87.54

YOKOHAMA 215/45ZR16 A022 H0From £105.41

SS

[nigel]

I've had to go by way of the GY's and i'm very pleased as well as getting a matched set front and rear. I had a friend show me how to adjust out some of the toe from them with a measuring tape and the wear is great as I don't drive track days I don't need loads of toe. I've found that close to recomended pressures are good, (34 F/ 38 R).

Cheers
nigel

[richard grigsby]

Thanks very much for the advice on tyre pressures Nigel - I'll put a few more psi in next time I'm out.
Richard

[gsuds]

GY F1 GSD3s are still out there...

I'm having a pair of rears fitted at my local independent shop. (245/40/17)

They didn't have any problem getting them apparently.

Expect these to be my last though :(

G

[markdas]

Had to get 2 rear tyres in a hurry so not enought time to research properly. I bought the car with Khumos on all round and although they were always very good and put up with about 30 track laps before they went below 3mm I thought I would go for a more expensive couple of tyres. So I went for 17" 245/40/17's Toyo Proxies.....and to be honest they are crap! Even after about 800 miles now, the bck end is weaving about all over the place, not sliding but the rear tyres feel like they are taking it in turns to bite into the tarmac causing the thing to sway about a bit under good acceleration or high speed corners.....not good at all....perhaps I will change the fronts to Proxies as well and then maybe the fronts will help spabilise the car better....

Until then I would avoid Proxies

Mark

[Senninha]

Hi Mark,

Several owners have reported similar experiences with mixed f to r tyres. Doesn't seem to matter which brands you mix, the results seem constant, ie the rear feels to be loose.

When I bought mine I had Yoko front and B'stone rears. Front stuck like glue in dry was useless in wet. Rear just struggled to keep up!

IIRC, Monaco92 had B'stone fronts and F1 rears and had same issues as yourself. Tyres went back to Goodyear for check and were given the all clear. Suggestion was to switch the fronts to F1's but in fact he went to B'stones on rears as fronts were still good and is now happy

HTH and keep it safe

regards, Paul

[TheSebringOne]

As Paul states alot of owners have the same problems when the fronts are different brand to the rears even with the top names. I'm still waiting for my new GY F1 to bed in so trying to do some miles (glad to hear as you lot are mumbling!) :) When bedded in, think I may change the fronts to GY IDC so GYs all round. If I had the choice I would have gone BS 40 fronts & BS 50 rears in the perfect world since BS 10s are no more. I think it important to get the same brand all round too!

[markdas]

Thanks guys,

The fronts probably have another few months left in them but its not worth making them last when the car is handling like this.....looks like another online visit to Blackcircles and then back to the garage.....oh well!