993 tyres - Michelin Pilot Sport N2s are at end of life

[CCL]

Rears on 993 C2S need replacing - phoned usual dealer:

I said " Can you please give me a price for supply fit and balance of 2 x rear tyres for a Porsche 993 C2S? These are 255/40 ZR 17 and must be[/b] Michelin Pilot Sport, with N2 rating, so as to marry up with the N2 tyres on the front. Thanks."

He said "Phew, guvnor, rarer than rocking horse poo.... end of line.... you need N3s, better see, newer, and Porsche approved, y'know"

Help please - I know that the person who mixes N numbers deserves to go through 1st hedge they see... but what can I do?

Thanks.

Chris

 

[tscaptain]

Tried here?
https://www.tyresdelivered.co.uk/tyres/michelin/pilot%20sport%20n2/468

 

[Mark Elder]

These N numbers change a bit too quick for my liking. I'll be looking to change my MPSn2 rears before all that very long. That link seems to work, but I wonder if they are in stock.

 

[tscaptain]

Nothing a quick phone call ( 0845 3387036) or e-mail couldn't resolve! Certainly seems to be the only seller that might have them that I can find on the www[] Or bite the bullet and change all four![&:]

 

[p27549]

Can someone explain the reason for not intermixing the N number. ? I thought these numbers were just related to the load rating and that they meet porsche specs. I have an issue with my conti fronts, Porsche have fitted an older N1 as new which is i cannot get a spare to match so i will have to go to the next Conti N number, surely there cannot be an issue with intermixing the N numbers.

Thanks

 

[Mark Elder]

The theory goes that the N number only changes when the tyre changes (eg rubber formulation, tread pattern etc etc) so Porsche have to re-test it. Therefore putting a different N number on part of your car is putting a different type of tyre on creating a dynamic imbalance.

Although presumably it's not as bad as running around with bald remolds on a 1963 mini, which I was perfectly happy to do when I was 17.[]

 

[sjd]

Black Circles on-line list the pilot sports about £165 each. These can be ordered and fitted at a local fitter.

I went through the same thought process as I have pilot sports on the front and wanted to keep the matched set. However, My pilot sports lasted 10,000 miles on the rear and were rubbish in standing water. In the end I went for the N rated Bridgestones and these are far superior in all respects.