Correct size tyres S2

[CubanGav]

I'm away to get new and (after 2 solid evenings looking at thread searches and websites) still not 100% sure about the size options.

Running now the original 175/55 R16 on a standard S2 skinny fronts but looking at 185/50 R16. Is this size appropriate? Slightly smaller radius but only a couple of mm? The thread searches gave a vast amount of information but I just ended up confusing myself.

I've also seen 190/## R16 and 195/## R16 spoken about but are these too wide for the rims?

Tyre brands are not a major issue as I wont be fast enough to worry about grip etc

Many thanks.

Gav.

[martins]

Gav

I have standard S2 rims and am running Khumo 195 R16 tyres at the front which seem to do the trick. Cant remember if they are 50's or 45's. Took the advice at the time of buying off one of the threads on here. Have only tracked the car once since the new rubber fitted but the tyres have remained resolutely on the rims, even after my best attempts to go far too fast into turn 1 and the hairpin at Knockhill

Have also taken part in some spirited road driving (always within the legal limit of course) and never had any issues relating to the tyre size on the standard rim. Have had other issues but none relating to the tyres....

Might be out and about at the weekend and if so could drop by if you want to let me know where you are, although if it is a middle of nowhere and the raods are still full of grit then I may have to decline. Still trying to cover up all of the chips and scratches from last weekend's jaunt over the Cabrach and Lecht (sorry Graham) . The Cabrach is presently a complete non starter as the frost has buckled the road to such a degree it looks like it has been subject to an earthquake.

Martin

[CubanGav]

Thanks for the offer of a visit there Martin but I'm up north visiting my folks. Roads are dry and the sun is out

If you have a 111 do they not come with a wider rim as standard? My thread searching suggested that the 190's or 195's would fit 111 rims no bother. My wheels are the (very) skinny original ones fitted to S2's when they came out (5.5j?) so I'm very limited to what I can put on.

To be honest I was well up for trying the Khumos but they don’t come that thin. Potenzas with the LTS code are not made anymore Any that are about would have been sitting about for years now and possibly off. Most tyre places I've called insist that the non LTS Potenzas are fine - many different views on that. Dont think I would notice personally but they wear quicker than LTS spec.

I was trying to avoid paying out for the AD07's but as many, many posts have said 'they are the only thing keeping you on the road' so it looks like that’s what I'll have. I'll be calling Motorwerks on Monday to see what they can do.

Hope to see you out and about this summer Martin.

Gav

[steviej]

Gav,
I have 195 R888's on std S2 fronts, must admit it looks a bit 'overtyred' compared to std 175's but drives much better, anyway likewise with martins offer if you want a look give me a shout
Stevie

[CubanGav]

Thanks for the offer again Stevie but decision made.

After loads of searching went with the T1R's (185's) seeing as they are the recommended replacement for the skinny rims and the price is right. I don’t think I'll get anywhere near the potential of anything more expensive until I've at least had some training and a chance to learn properly. If I manage to destroy them at some point this summer I will be a happy camper and take the wallet hit with a smile.

I was going to go for the Kumho KU31 but it’s been discontinued and replaced with the KU39. This doesn’t come in as many sizes (definitely nothing to fit my fronts) and information is very hard to come by. The only review of any note didn’t rate them too well. This is a shame because I understand the KU31 was very good.

I have to say the tyre thing is a nightmare. The choice is huge and the opinion varied. Size wise, as the lads above say, wider on the rims is ok. Looks like I'll just need to wear out a few different brands and then pick one.