Potenza S-03 fit???
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From: Charlotte, NC, USA
Potenza S-03 fit???
I'm interested in the 195/50/15 Bridgestone Potenza S-03 Pole Position...They are cheap in that size and seem to have great reviews...also the tread looks like it would grip like the stockers...My question is will that tire size affect anything (performance/handling) with my car or rims cause the stock tire size is 195/55/15??? any input is appreciated....thanks
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Bergen County, NJ, USA
Re: Potenza S-03 fit??? (KamikazeTypeR)
They will fit. I purchased set of 195-50 Series profile and it lowered my car. (something I didn't want) 50 Series tire will also make your car handle better due to the smaller profile but also I gave me a harder ride. I felt more bumps and potholes with that size. The skinnier the tire is the harder the ride will be. It doesn't absorb the shock very well.
[Modified by Jracer1, 12:22 PM 1/13/2002]
[Modified by Jracer1, 12:22 PM 1/13/2002]
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From: Oil rig, middle of the ocean
Re: Potenza S-03 fit??? (KamikazeTypeR)
I run the 195/50 size as well and they are great. In fact compared to the 195/55 RE010's the SO-3's are actually wider by a noticeable margin for some reason and are barely lower in profile. The wet and dry grip is simply incredible. Compared to the RE010's they grip just as well and have a better turn in due to the stiff sidewalls. 
in my opinion.
in my opinion.
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From: Denver, CO, USA
Re: Potenza S-03 fit??? (b18k1)
They will be fine for the steet but not for track as the sidewall is too thin
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Re: Potenza S-03 fit??? (Flux)
They will be fine for the steet but not for track as the sidewall is too thin
What do you mean? I know lots of people that run a 50 size tire on the track...
What do you mean? I know lots of people that run a 50 size tire on the track...
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From: Charlotte, NC, USA
Re: Potenza S-03 fit??? (b18k1)
Thanks for the input guyz...any more is appreciated...From the sound of it, I think I'll call up TireRack and purchase a set.....Then I'll let you guys know of my opinion soon...
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From: Dublin, CA
Re: Potenza S-03 fit??? (KamikazeTypeR)
These tires are great.. They have the same 'acceleration' characteristics as the A032Rs with way less wheel spin than other performance tires.. They grip excellent on the street, but haven't been out in the rain yet either.. I got them from tirerack for $82, then noticed when they went 'off-sale' it was up to $98..
They're at $76 now..
They're at $76 now..
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From: Weed Country, Holland, Netherlands
Re: Potenza S-03 fit??? (the real steve c)
Also somewhat incorrect. You are not going to notice a .1-.5mm drop in your ride height. Also -- the difference in profile is so minimal here that you are not going to reap any amazing handling benefits.
I have been running these tires for a few days in the 195/50 size. No difference in ride / handling that I can tell -- I have not had a chance to play with them in the rain, but if they are anything like the S02's on my S2000 they will be an improvement over the REO010's.
I have been running these tires for a few days in the 195/50 size. No difference in ride / handling that I can tell -- I have not had a chance to play with them in the rain, but if they are anything like the S02's on my S2000 they will be an improvement over the REO010's.
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From: Rochester, NY
Re: Potenza S-03 fit??? (EuroITR1689)
.0.55 * 195 - .50 * 195 = 9.75 mm lower!! You will certainly notice that!!!
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Re: Potenza S-03 fit??? (owen_the_soyboy)
uh, that isn't even half of one inch .... you really think youre feeling that change in height?
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Re: Potenza S-03 fit??? (HKxBlur)
Do these tires handle better than the seemingly famous lately Falken Azenis? I'd like to get a new set of rubber for auto-xing this year and was leaning toward the Falkens, but if these are better for not too much more $$ then I may reconsider.
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From: Drinking Beer in sunny FL and jamming to Skid Row, USA
Re: Potenza S-03 fit??? (t)
uh, that isn't even half of one inch .... you really think youre feeling that change in height?
You might not feel it, but you can definately see it, especially parked next to another car with 195/55
Oh, the s03's ROCK on wet pavement too btw.
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From: Orange, Ca, USA
Re: Potenza S-03 fit??? (KamikazeTypeR)
i just bought some 205/50/15's for my 99 Si. 
Got about 7 miles on them. I ran with AVS intermediates before that (now discontinued?! 
) that were the same size.
On my stock rims i have bridgestone potenza re730's which are that size also. But i get some rubbing.....but it may be due to damages from a previous accident.
I would go with 205/50/15's as the slightly wider stance will help your handling.
[Modified by BerserkSi, 10:02 AM 1/15/2002]
Got about 7 miles on them. I ran with AVS intermediates before that (now discontinued?! ) that were the same size. On my stock rims i have bridgestone potenza re730's which are that size also. But i get some rubbing.....but it may be due to damages from a previous accident.
I would go with 205/50/15's as the slightly wider stance will help your handling.
[Modified by BerserkSi, 10:02 AM 1/15/2002]
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From: The bank Ownz my R
Re: Potenza S-03 fit??? (BerserkSi)
Anyone have pics of a set of 205 or 195 S03's stacked up next to a set of 195 or 205 of any other tire (stock or pirelli or anything).
I've heard they are noticeably wider and wanted to see the difference.
I've heard they are noticeably wider and wanted to see the difference.
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Re: Potenza S-03 fit??? (hooptie157)
205 will give you slight decrease in stopping distance. Remember, tires stop the car!!
Because 205 is slightly wider, you also get more grip area.
Yoda: RE730 205/50R15...wishes for BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD
Because 205 is slightly wider, you also get more grip area.
Yoda: RE730 205/50R15...wishes for BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KD
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From: Fairbanks
Re: Potenza S-03 fit???
Having owned 195/50, 195/55, 205/50 (P-zero, RE010, 712's), I would prefer not to run 'em on the streets. They don't absorb the bumps as well as the other two sizes and I've actually bent a rim w/ 195/50/15's. IMHO, run 195/55 if you only run your car on the streets... it's most comfortable. If use it for both the streets and autoX, get 205/50's. I'd only get 195/50's if it's going on a EF Civic with less body weight.
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