Bridgestone S02 crisis

[tivhead]

I am trying to get a 225/50 zr16 Bridgestone S02 pole position tyre for the rear of my Griff, and its proving rather difficult

I have been in touch with a tyre company that supplies one of the largest(if not thee largest) authorised TVR dealers, and they cannot get hold of any S02's.
I also spoke to the parts man at the TVR dealer, who is a very helpfull chap, and he said that if that company can't get any you are REALLY up against it

I would go for Toyo, but I already have one rear Bridgestone tyre. So I need to match it.

Am I really not going to have any joy?
Any help gretly appreciated

Tiv

[bjwoods]

Doesn't help you exactly.

I have just replaced both my rears of my GRiff 500 with SO3's, if you shop around they are cheaper than So2's, driven quite a few miles in the wet now, imho are just as good as (better!) than SO2's.

B

[johno]

I have a friend who just managed to source 2 S02's for his Wedge. In fact there were 3 available but he didn't want to end up in the same scenario as you. The size would not match for your car though ... It does mean there are some out there, but it did take a long time to find those.

I have fitted the S03's after finishing 3-4 mm on a set of s02's on the rear of my Griffith. I have found the S03's to be as good as the S02's and I have now done 2000 miles on them versus 3000 with the S02's in all weathers (use car everyday).

I have not tried the Toyo's but do not dismiss the S03's, they are a very good tyre as were the S02's.

[Jarcy]

Aldershot Tyres 01252 311335 reckoned that they still had a source for SO2s. They can't get my size 245s but might be worth trying for 225s.

However I think it's likely that you need a pair of SO3s now. Why are you only seeking one tyre? Damage/Puncture? Are you left with an unworn newish good one?

[tivhead]

Jarcy said: Aldershot Tyres 01252 311335 reckoned that they still had a source for SO2s. They can't get my size 245s but might be worth trying for 225s.

However I think it's likely that you need a pair of SO3s now. Why are you only seeking one tyre? Damage/Puncture? Are you left with an unworn newish good one?

Jarcy, Northway Tyres have your size I think. Give them a go - 0208 4405868

I am going for one size because I have just bough 4 Griff 500 alloys for my 4.3 Griff. The fronts are brand new a and rears are from a breaker and a TVR dealer. One rear had a worn S01, and the other a good S02. So I need another S02.

Cheers

Tiv

[Hut49]

I had 205 SO2s fitted yesterday on the front of the chim. Most places I called said they were discontinued but Tyres Online said they could get them and the next day AA tyres fitted them for me at home. Whether they can get 225 will be clear if you phone [phone]

Hutch

[donatien]

I put SO3s on the Griff all round about 10,000 miles back and IMHO I find them worse than the SO2s they replaced. They have less grip, tramline more and generally feel twitchier.

I was told at the TVR factory that this is usual, they are a harder compound - one benefit is that you'll probably get better wear out of them, which seems true so far.

I bought mine from Kwik Fit off the web - They had a good deal on SO2s at the time but had none in, so they offered SO3s at the same price.

[TivHead]

Muchos grassy arse for the info chaps.

Will try numbers tomorrow.

Regards
Tiv

[shpub]

donatien said: I put SO3s on the Griff all round about 10,000 miles back and IMHO I find them worse than the SO2s they replaced. They have less grip, tramline more and generally feel twitchier.

Try dropping the tyre pressure a bit. I am running S03s and they are fine but I did go down to 22 lb. Mkaes a hell of a lot of difference.

All this for standard wheels. Anything bigger and you are on your own!

[gerjo]

---

All this for standard wheels. Anything bigger and you are on your own!

---

bigger wheels: Toyo Proxes T1-S!

[tivhead]

Oh well. I have had enough of trying to track down another S02. So I am going to transfer all the S01's onto the new alloys, and wait for S04's to come out in the new year.

So if anyone else, like me, is looking for a rear S02, you know where to come looking.

Also, its a good excuse to go out in Griff today and bask in that luvverrrly sun on the way to the tyre man

Tiv

[anonymous-user]

Try Elite in Rainham, they had front S02's, but only Non Pole Position SO2 rears.Don't know what the difference is, Speed rating??

Have a word with them they may be able to source some for you.

Speak to Keith on 01708 525577.

They have a web site also at www.elitedirect.com

[HarryW]

I've phoned my local Tyre shop down here and they've spoken to Bridgestone and located ONE 'r' ONE 225/50 SO2 in the country.
They have asked for it to be held for me. Give Chessington Tyres a ring on 02392522344, say I've (Harry) spoken to them about it, not sure where you are in the country but I'm sure you can work something out.

Harry

[NICE EH]

Have you tried the factory?

They got me two for my old Griff.

[agent006]

You could just buy two SO3s and then sell your SO2 for some whapping huge price if they're in such demand.

[RichB]

Someone on here on the Porsche section said that in fact SO2's are OE on Porsches but not called SO2's if you see what I mean. No idea if he was right but I am sure you could check the thread with the search. Could be interesting if it's true? Rich...

[tivhead]

Crisis over! I got one. Thanks for all the input guys.

Harry me ole china, thanks very much for the gesture, but I won't be needing to call it in.

Now all I need are 8 more long (a la Griff500) wheel nuts and I can fit the fronts too.

Cheers
Tiv