The fact that you knowingly drove on 20 yr old tires & only got new ones because of an annoying noise kinda scares the bejesus out of me. Btw that noise was death knocking on those 20 yr old sidewalls
Newer member and tires
Our 2000 Spyder was lost to Hurricane Ian and we loved the car so much that we bought a 2003 that was very low miles, but I hated the sound the car made when driving, I believe that the tires (Potenzas) were original (DOT mark on the tires said 2003) and I thought that was likely the cause of the noise (there was plenty of tread thickness, but rock hard with many cracks as expected for 20 year old tires). I spent time researching replacement tires including on this list. I accept that Toyota knew what they were doing choosing wheel and tire sizes, I wanted to maintain the front/rear wheel sizes and I wanted the same brand and model tire front and back. Given these constraints, the closest I could get to stock sizes were the Yokohama Advan Fleva 185R55/15 for the front and 205R50/16 for the rear. Of course that front size is stock, the rear is a little different from the stock 215R45, but the circumferences of the 205R50 and 215R45 are within about 1/2" of each other. I can tell you that the annoying sound is gone and the car drives very nicely with these tires.
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You chose wisely, good tires. The closest tire to feel as the OEM but has more grip is the Firestone Indy 500 which are based on Bridgestone tires sold in the Asian and Australian markets. It’ is unfortunate they dont carry them in 15s except for other markets. If they eventually do this would be my recommendation for its stiff sidewalls responce.
Welcome aboard, and glad you didn't encounter any problems(wreck and other bad stuff) before getting new tires.
Tires are very important …the way the Mr2 handles the Curves
Also under braking and going in a straight line!Tires are very important …the way the Mr2 handles the Curves
I ride on Toyo TR1s 225/45/16 rear and 195/50/15
Welcome, and glad you are off the dry rotted 20 yr old skins… Flevas are very niceOur 2000 Spyder was lost to Hurricane Ian and we loved the car so much that we bought a 2003 that was very low miles, but I hated the sound the car made when driving, I believe that the tires (Potenzas) were original (DOT mark on the tires said 2003) and I thought that was likely the cause of the noise (there was plenty of tread thickness, but rock hard with many cracks as expected for 20 year old tires). I spent time researching replacement tires including on this list. I accept that Toyota knew what they were doing choosing wheel and tire sizes, I wanted to maintain the front/rear wheel sizes and I wanted the same brand and model tire front and back. Given these constraints, the closest I could get to stock sizes were the Yokohama Advan Fleva 185R55/15 for the front and 205R50/16 for the rear. Of course that front size is stock, the rear is a little different from the stock 215R45, but the circumferences of the 205R50 and 215R45 are within about 1/2" of each other. I can tell you that the annoying sound is gone and the car drives very nicely with these tires.
Was your 2000 a red one? I saw a tow truck hauling one out of Sanibel Bayous, Calusa Shores, or the Sanctuary a while back. I have a Spyder(2003), and live on Sanibel as well. Also run the Flevias, and am very happy with them. PM me(if you are allowed by the site), and we can get together, if you like.
Welcome. I also use Yokohamas for my Spyder.
Welcome
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