1st Tyre change for 997 C2S

[Guest]

Im about to change the tyres on my 997 C2S for the first time and have to agree (previous forum thread) that the road noise on the Pilot Sports is a bit wearing. I also find the C2S a bit more jumpy then the vanilla 997 which runs on 18" rims. I'm wondering whether to actually change to 18" wheels (actually JZ Machtech say 997's run better on the 18's) increase the profile to maintain the rolling radius and hence have a slighly more compliant ride and reduce the noise at the same time.

Has anyone found an optimum wheel size / tyre choice combination that is suited best for our UK (frequently wet) roads ?

 

[oliver]

I've heard from several sources, including Steve at JZM, that both the Boxster/Cayman and the 997 handle and ride more sweetly on 18" wheels, with Pirelli Rossos.

Worth trying as the 19" could be put aside in case they are needed in the future.

Best to check that the rolling radius and other dimensions are the same, so as not to upset the calibrations for the ABS,PSM etc.

 

[pvernham]

There has been some discussion about the relative merits of different tyres from a handling/ride/noise/wear perspective.

Try the search function.

 

[sotoole]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that 18" wheels are not compatible with PASM and isn't the C2S's bigger brakes designed with 19" wheels in mind?

 

[robert997]

Technically the PASM is compatible with 18" wheels, but you're right about the brakes on the S. They're the same as 996 TT which itself rides on 18"s, so in theory they should work, depending on the off-set of the 18. Thinking about it for snow chains the recommendation is to fit 18" wheels with winter tyres to your S so they must be compatible.

 

[Guest]

OPC (and indeed Porsche GB) have a fit on anything that isn't offered in the options list though they did admit they couldn't see a problem running 18" wheels especially since they offer that as a winter tyre option (albeit the C2S will have a narrower track). On balance the view seems to be that 18" wheels, as long as the off-set and rolling radius is right it should work but I guess that doesn't stop Porsche invalidating the warranty.

 

[YvesD]

How do you find the outright grip and feel of the Pirellis compared to the PS2's ?

I'm a fan of the latter and personally dont find the road noise an issue.

 

[sidicks]

Well, after all I'd read on here about the Michelins being noisy (and some good experience of Pirellis on a previous car) I've been badgering my OPC to try and make sure my C4S arrives with Pirellis, rather than any other tyres.
Unfortunately, it appears that thre is no way that a tyre preference can be specified, and so I have to trust to pot luck.
I thought I read on here that Michelin was planning to issue a revised (quieter) tyre for the 997 ?
Sidicks

 

[Hubertus]

Henkus,
Had my 997S since November 04, and also about to have new tyres. Mileage 26,000, and I reckon could make 30k miles. Decided to stick with the Michelin Pilots, the devil you know etc. Had a bad experience with my previous E46 M3 when I fitted some P Zero Rosso's. Fantastic grip and would be great for track days, but frightening tram lining and I mean frightening. Took them off for more Contis after 4,000 miles of terror. Rob reckons my car highest mileage he knows of, and I can tell you that faults with the car after this time are only those it came with, namely trim rattles or buzzes to be more precise, triggered by high frequency vibration between those noisy pilots and road surface I feel. Off to OPC Nottingham next week for recall jobs on gear change cable and exhaust. So a little apprehensive !!!!!!!!!!