The NS2-Rs on my RST are superb. They are not massively noisy either. In some ways I prefer them to the Toyo R888s ; I managed to overheat a set on my old 205 GTi around the 'ring GT track ; they were lovely until that point, but Christ the grip would not come back until ages later ; I understand that the Dunlops are alot better in this respect.
As for the above being lethal in the wet I can only speak for the R888s and the NS2Rs. The R888s I found pretty good in the wet TBH, but then the car did have Carat ditchfinders on it beforehand! Standing water however did make them a complete cropper, which made waterlogged motorways interesting. The NS-2Rs were a massive improvement over the Toyo T1-Ss I removed in terms of wet weather grip ; I would literally wheelspin at the lights with the Toyos upon bringing up the clutch (before anyone says anything, try driving a car with a Helix 4-paddle clutch ; horrible is not the word).
That is a rotten bit of luck with the engine mind you! Is the said friend putting something towards the engine?