I tried to purchase some 195/50 R15 S-O3 from TireRack because of their larger 7.2" tread width which equals most 205 series tires. I didn't want to try to use the 205/50 S-O3's on my stock 6" width wheels because the tread just seemed too big.

I know they will be about 0.7" smaller in diameter than stock but that's fine with me. The thing is that TireRack says they can't sell me those tires for an Integra because of the load capacity is too low. The 195/50 S-O3 have a load capacity of 1047 lbs. while the stock 195/55 R15's have a 1102 lbs. load capacity.

I didn't think that difference would be any cause for concern as the Type R is much lighter in weight when comapred to a GS 4dr which still gets tires with the same load capacity. Should I be concerned about that and go for a different tire? Would the smaller load capacity have adverse effects on the track? I thought other people used 195/50's and they worked perfect but I could be misreading. Is TireRack just being "official" and I should just say I have a Civic or should I look toward a different set of tires?

 

They told me the same thing. Just say that you realize the "risk." After some explaining they sold me the tires no problem.

 

The same thing happened to me. The dude would not sell me the tire! He said it exceeded the load limit. When I asked him what it was he said he didn't know. I tried every which way but he said he just couldn't do it. I hung up and called back ordering tires for my Toyota Corrolla with Integra Type-R front brakes (bought some Hawk HPS).

I say give them a call back and tell them you need 4 Potenza SO-3's. When they ask you what they are for tell them you need a few for you childs tire swing in the back yard.

 

I just bought some Bridgestone RE730's in 195/50 and because someone mentioned the load difference to me before I made it a point of asking the dealer about the load rating difference and they told me there was plenty of room to work with, not a worry at all. I bought the tires from a Bridgestone Dealer too. This is for a Civic SiR which is slightly heavier than an ITR. I think that load stuff is a bunch of crap, unless you mount them to 4500 lb vehicle. what's a 100 lbs. If you insist on buying from Tire Rack just call back and specifiy for a different vehicle.

Joey

 

Tirerack didnt want to sell me 50 series tires because OEM is 55 series. I just told them it is for a track car and I was trying to play around with gear ratios and also needed stiffer sidewalls. I'm very happy with this tire, I wonder how much longer they will be on special? I got mine back in August.

 

Okay, I don't really know anything about this, but there's probably more going on than just vehicle weight, or they wouldn't use tires with 1100 lb capacity in the first place. Part of it is probably they amount of weight you could put in the car (four people plus cargo) -- so you could certainly say, okay, with the new tires I'll make two trips for the 40 cinder blocks to build my home entertainment center instead of one.

But surely some of it has to do with weight transfer also, which would be more interesting to us. If you're cornering hard enough to lift the inside rear wheel, then there's probably more than 1/4 of the car's weight on the opposite front tire, eh?

I dunno, anyone have any actual knowledge about this?

 

*coughBULLSHITcough*

Ive been running S03s on my GSR for 2 summers now.. Over 15k miles.
They've had that sale on the 195/50/15 size for over a year now. Not one problem at all - I love them! Tire rack is just covering their ***.

 

They just want to make more $$ selling other tires. I personally think it's a bunch of crap.

 

I guess my biggest concern is load transfer in corners. But I don't know, the weight difference doesn't seem all that much. Anyone used these on the track? I'm sure the load capacity means something more than just vehicle weight.

 

LOL....that same **** just happen to me about 15 mins. ago. But I had a good advice from asspenny ....they'll sell... muuuhuaaaa