[fixitdad]

I just wanted to pass along what I learned having just put new tires on my 02 MR2 Spyder. The OE Yokohama A043 tire isn't in production any longer and the OE Bridgestone Potenza isn't up to the performance of the Yokos. The good news is that Yokohama has the S.drive in 185/55/15 and 205/50/15 sizes. I put a set of those on a few days ago and while it's a little early to form a final opinion, first indications are that they may perform even better than the A043s.

Another OE sized tire performance option is Yokohama's A048 but that is a full on (DOT approved!) race tire that costs more than twice as much as the S.drive and presumably will wear out much faster.

S.drive are rated 300 for treadwear (not a cross manufacturer comparable number), AA for traction (wet grip deceleration evaluation only) and A for temperature.

Ride, handling and noise are all great and they look good too.

I'm sure there are other options that folks out there are aware of but the S.drives were a good solution for me with the set of 4 tires, mounting, balancing, chrome stems, nitrogen fill, tire disposal, alignment and tax totaling exactly $500.

 

[walk_n_wind]

Where did you purchase the tires?

Thanks for putting this out there - it seems getting tires for the MR2 is not as simple as I'm used to. If you don't mind my asking, where did you find the S.drives?

 

[fixitdad]

My pleasure--initially I was pretty bummed at the lack of tire options until I discovered the S.drives.

I started with Tire Rack. They had only one of the two sizes but it gave me the price point. I then went to Big O who matches Tire Rack pricing. They were able to get me the set of four. They had to do some digging to come up with the tires but they were successful--the rears had to be shipped to them from Georgia (I'm in California).

I'll take a moment here to say that I have done business with my local Big O on multiple occassions and they have always been fair on pricing, able to go the extra mile on getting me what I want and have provided me with excellent service--I can recommend them without hesitation.

 

[walk_n_wind]

No S.Drives for the late models

Unfortunately I think I've confirmed that the S.Drives don't exist for the later-model MR2 spyders.

The Toyo T1Rs seem to exist for in my 2004 MR2's OEM sizes (185/55-15 and 215/45-16). I'm waiting on a local shop to confirm they can get them...

 

[fixitdad]

walk-in-the-wind, go to Yokohama's website. http://www.yokohamatire.com/tires/spec.aspx?tire=S.Drive

The OEM size for my 2002 is:

205/50R15 86V 01056 SL 300/AA/A 20.906.55.5 - 7.58.423.17.4[email protected]

If the diameter and tread width specs for your 16 inch rear wheels and tires tires is the same, 23.1 inches, then the 205/45 16 may work for you:

205/45R16 87W 01046 RF 300/AA/A 20.107.06.5 - 7.58.323.17.4[email protected]

It is important to look at exact tire specifications rather than just sidewall designations.

If you can't find a match up, have your tire dealer contact their Yokohama rep and ask why they don't have a replacement for their OEM tire for your vehicle and when they plan to make it. My understanding is that the 185/55 15 S.drive wasn't being make at first either until Yokohama realized they weren't fully servicing their OEM replacement market.

 

[walk_n_wind]

I think you're right...

1st of all, let me correct my last post as the Toyo T1Rs do *not* come in the OE rear size for the 2004 MR2.

I think you're right about the 205/45-16 recommendation, as here is a comparison of OE vs. the S.drive 205/45-16:

OE Potenza 215/45-16:
http://www.bridgestonetire.com/tireselector/SizeSpecs_BS_EN.aspx?Product_ID=1013
tread width: 7.4"
overall diameter: 23.5"

S.drive 205/45-16:
http://www.yokohamatire.com/tires/spec.aspx?tire=S.Drive
tread width: 7.4"
overall diameter: 23.1

Nearly 1/2" less in diameter definitely seems like a compromise, but I have little experience with experimenting here so I may give it a try. Thanks for the extra items to consider.

 

[fixitdad]

another consideration

check out the 205/50 16 S.drive

205/50R16 87W 01042 SL 300/AA/A 21.406.55.5 - [email protected]

Diameter is 24" and tread width is 7.4. I'm thinking given how high the MR2's revs are in top gear it might be better to go 1/2 inch taller than shorter, unless you autocross...

 

[ToyotaTechGeek]

my 03 uses Potenza RE050.

 

[fixitdad]

questions...

Interesting. The smallest rim size currently for the RE050 is 17" and the 215/40/17 is pretty close on diameter at 23.8 inches and 7.6 tread width. The RE050A (Pole Position) does come in a 225/50/16 but is a bit taller at 24.9" and wider at 8.0' tread width.

In either case, what are you doing to accomplish the offset on the front so that you don't put too much rubber up front and negatively impact handling? Are you running OEM sized wheels?

 

[ToyotaTechGeek]

yup! OEM and only at 2,587 original miles!

 

[fixitdad]

what will you buy when you replace your OEM tires?

So, I just checked the OEM specs for your 03 Spyder and found the following: Original Equipment Front Size: 185/55-15
Original Equipment Rear Size: 215/45-16

Two questions:

1. Are your front and rear tires both RE050A? If not, what is on the front?

2. If they are the same, Bridgestone doesn't appear to make the RE050 or Re 050A in 15" any longer--at least that size isn't shown on the manufacturer's website. What will you do when it comes time to replace your tires?

Just FYI, since the RE050 and RE050A are in the category of Max Summer Performance, as opposed to the S.drives which are in the lesser category of Ultra High Performance, you might want to look at the Yokohama A08. It is a DOT approved race tire that will out perform all of the tires we've been talking about. Treadwear is a problem though--very sticky and short lived, maybe 10k tops.

 

[ToyotaTechGeek]

i don't think i'll use an A08.
i'm sure something like a new version of an S-03 Pole Position will be made soon.

yes, they are RE050 front and rear. yes, i have the staggered set.

 

[walk_n_wind]

As fixitdad suggested, I went with the 205/50-16 in the rear of my 2004 MR2 Spyder, and 185/55-15 (stock size) in the front. I'm happy with my 4 Yokohama S.drives after about 1000 miles. Thanks for the recommendations!