I'm curious to know if a 225/50/16 on a 16x7 wheel with a +44mm offset will work; the new kumho ecsta MX is available in a 225 width, and I'd like to give it a shot. My main concern is the tire not clearing the suspension pieces, etc.?

 

You will be fine on the inside of the tire. If anything, it will be closer to rubbing the fender on the outside of the tire. I really think that what you want to try will be fine all over though. I used to run 7" wide wheels with +45mm offset with a 215 width tire on my Prelude, and there was plenty of room all over. I think 225 width tires would have fit fine on my car with 7" wide +45mm wheels.

Andrew

 

With a 225/50/16 on a 44mm offset you will rub a tad on large bumps. You can file off some of the tabs that holds the bumper to the car which will cure this problem. I circled the problem area below.




[Modified by DR, 12:14 AM 4/5/2003]

 

David,
Exactly the reply I was hoping to get. Thank you!
BTW- You meant 225/50, and not 225/25, I hope.

 

yes I meant 225/50/16 I edited my post above. Those are 16x7 45 offset wheels in the picture.


[Modified by DR, 12:15 AM 4/5/2003]

 

BTW- how do you like your s2000 so far? I've been looking at them seriously v. an EARLY NSX. Any insight? And thank you again for you input on the tires; looks like I'll be trying some 225 kumho ecsta MX's soon!

 

The S2000 is fantastic. I have had zero problems with it so far and have put 9k miles on it. It takes a completely different driving style than the Prelude though so I had to be extra careful at first until I go used to it. It makes a much better autocrosser than the Prelude but I still am faster on the track with the Prelude.

 

Am I right in thinking that the s2000 will never require a timing belt serivce (as it runs off a chain)? Could you expound, a little, on the driving style? I drove my friends 01 s2000 and found it really easy to bring the tail around, is this what you're reffering to? Did you buy an 02 or 03; the newer cars have different suspension settings, i.e., shock/springs, etc., no?

 

I bought a ‘02, which do have a little different suspension settings than the earlier models. Yes it does have a timing chain but since there are no high mileage S2000s yet it can't be determined if that is a good thing.
What I was referring to as far a different driving style is in the Prelude you can go hot into a corner and plow for a second to scrub off speed and lift to get the rear to rotate and then jump back onto the throttle. Basically the Prelude is so forgiving it allows you to make lots of mistakes without biting you. At my first autocross in the S2000 I spun 3 times because I was being too aggressive with my inputs. It is a car that rewards smooth drivers.

 

Picture

 

That Prelude is the dream of mine someday.