So after a little research I had narrowed my tire choices for my 02 S2000 down to a couple tires:

Bridgestone RE010R
Federal 595SS
Hankook Ventus R-S2

Now here's the problem, I need to order the tires from TireRack because I get a discount through them. The problem is they do not carry any of these tires in the 245/45 16 size. The only tire they carry in that size is the the Yokohama Es100, which I heard is not the best tire in hot temperatures ..... i.e. over 72 degrees. I did find the Federal 595's for a good price somewhere else but they don't have the 245/45 16's, only 245/50 16, would the increased sidewall decrease performance significantly or is it not a big deal? Any help would be much appreciated.

-Eric

 

so basically you want to maintain the same contact patch as the stock SO2's?

 

Yes thats correct, pretty much I want the best set up for the stock rims. I immagine Honda's engineers know what they are doing so the stock set up is the best.

 

these are what you can get in a 245x45x16

Bridgestone Potenza RE750
.
The Potenza RE750 with UNI-T, inspired by the Bridgestone Potenza racing tire, is an ultra-high performance tire that lives up to the Potenza name. The Potenza RE750 has been engineered to reduce road noise, especially as it wears. Designed to complement the style and complex systems of today's finest performance cars, the Potenza RE750 has improved wear for performance applications. The Potenza RE750, with it's unidirectional tread pattern, delivers rapid response, traction and outstanding wet and dry handling, taking performance straight to the top.
UTQG 340 AA A


Kumho Ecsta V700
.
Competition Racing
UTQG=50 AA A
The New DOT approved Ecsta V700 race tire is lighter than the Victoracer. Because of the directional tread design and symmetric internal construction racers can remount the the Ecsta V700 "inside-out" to extend the life of the tires, while providing racers with excellent performance and increased value.


Yokohama AVS Sport
.
U.T.Q.G 180 AA A
220 AA A


Sumitomo HTRZ
.
Ultra High Performance
UTQG=160 A A
HTRZ offers excellent handling at high speeds, and superb wet and dry traction
V-Shaped Directional Tread – Quickly disperses water providing superb wet grip and traction


Toyo Ra 1
.
DOT Approved Competition Radial
UTQG=100 AA A
The Toyo Proxes RA-1, a DOT-approved competition tire designed specifically for improved touring racing and autocross, features all the high-tech components to provide you with an uncommon competitive advantage. It's a proven winner.


Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position
.
This Potenza tire redefines ultra-high performance. With the evolution of UNI-T® and UNI-T AQ™ to UNI-T AQII, the Potenza S-03 Pole Position reaches the peak of performance in both wet and dry conditions. And, it keeps performance up as the tread wears down. Engineers have also reduced the noise factor in new and worn stages. Driving enthusiasts will admire the unique tread and sidewall design inspired by the Bridgestone Potenza racing rain tire.
UTQG 220 AA A


YOKOHAMA ES100
.
UTQG 280 AA A
The AVS ES100 is designed to deliver true ultra-high performance looks and handling.It takes sharp corners quickly with it's steel sidewall inserts and shoulder block design.
The AVS ES100 was developed with a silca compound for excellent wet and dry traction


GOODYEAR HP ULTRA PLUS
.
The Eagle HP/Eagle HP Ultra features a unique directional tread pattern. This reduces hydroplaning at speed, and maximizes traction during braking. In the dry, this same tread pattern lets you reach out and feel the road as only a Goodyear Eagle can.


Toyo PROXES T1-R
.
Ultra-High Performance Radial
UTQG=280 AA A
The Toyo T1R is a tire with optimum balance in construction and compounding to deliver the exceptional wet and dry performance you expect for many different driving conditions.

Hankook Ventus R-S2
.
UTQG=200 AA
The Ventus R-S2 Z212 was created from the successful Ventus RSS Z211 racing design, brought to the street with improved road contact surface area for dry traction and a tread design featuring exceptional water dispersion for wet conditions. The result is a street tire delivering maximum grip with the proven Ventus Ultra-High Performance tread compound.


Nexen N3000
.
UTQG=340 AA A
Dynamic shape aqua pattern design.
The drainage performance has been maximized and driving comfortableness has been strengthened.
In addition, the riding comfort is improved by reducing the noise and vibration with a new dynamic pattern and sidewall design contributes not only the performance but also styling in highest efficiency.
The improvement of driving comfortableness.
The wider tread block in the center of tire makes handling and driving comfortableness satisfied and also, improves the comfortableness remarkably at high speed and increases impact absorption during driving at the rough road.
The highest turning ability at high speed.
The wider block design at shoulder part increases the strength of block and is superior to turning ability and elusion of unpredictable situation by raising the resistance to crosswise
Force.


Fuzion ZRI
.
UTQG:320 A A
Hit the streets on a set of Fuzion ZRi tires and, from the get-go, you’ll know that Fuzion was designed to perform. Thanks to UNI-T® technology, the directional tread pattern and other advanced technologies, this W-, V- and H-Speed rated tire puts you in charge of the road, whether it’s wet or dry. Even better, it’s priced affordably—in more than thirty 16–20-inch, 30–60 Series sizes. How cool is that!


Kumho Victoracer V700
.
Competition Racing
UTQG=50 AA A
The Victoracer V700 represents KUMHO's DOT approved race tire for use in Sports Car Club racing. The tread compound and asymmetric tread design maximize grip, handling and treadlife. The rayon carcass plies and additional sidewall stiffeners provide quick steering response and high temperature durability.

 

S@ntos you have outdone yourself.... thank you.