Re: S02 bashing

[QSHIPQ@aol.com]

Dave E writes:
>...
>so, a warning to listers using, or thinking of using s02's on alloy rims.
>be careful out there...dave'95 rs2

interesting post.  I have 2 customers with modded S6 cars that run both 17's 
and S02's here in Chicago (pothole city) with no S02 invoked rim bending 
antics as of yet.  A couple of things to consider before concluding S02's are 
problematic.

1)  The RS2 is about the ONLY production automobile that specs a 17X7 inch 
rim and a 235 width tyre (just about every fitment guide would say 8-8.5").  
A 225 would be more appropriate.  A 235 on a 7in rim creates quite a bulge.  
One that is very sensitive to sidewall width and/or height and/or stiffness.

2)  "Actual" tyre widths vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.  So do 
actual tyre aspect ratios.  Given 1) above, maybe a measure comparo of both 
is in order.

I personally enjoy the SP8000.   But (other than the noise) the S02 is a 
great tyre, especially during spirited driving.  Given Chicago has some of 
the worst springtime testbeds for tyres, I don't come to the same conclusion 
that the S02 is not as good as the SP8000 in terms of sidewall stiffness.  

Given the limited supply of SP8000, addressing other high performance tires 
will become necessary.  The S02 is certainly a viable alternative, IMO.

My .02 arbitraged thru the peso

Scott Justusson
QSHIPQ@aol.com
'87 5ktqwRS2
'84 Urq
'87 4Runner turbo