Mixing tyres & tyre choices

[JohnF]

Appreciate tyre choices are probably a well worn topic, but a search and review of the FAQ hasn't been able to answer my question - hope you can help.

Thought I ordered a set of Pirellis for the rear from Black Circles, only for them to call and say they're on back order with no clear delivery date from Pirelli. Same situation with ContiSports.

Haven't yet tried ATS, Kwik Fit etc to see if they have the Pirellis or Contis.

Black circles have offered me either Bridgestone SO3s or Michelin Pilots. I've seen a couple of posts recommending the Pilots but nothing on the SO3s.

First off, anyone have any recommendations on either SO3s vs Pilots?

Second, Black Circles wanted to sell me a complete set, becasue the Pirellis were assymetric and the Pilots and SO3s directional. Is this really a genuine concern? I know its recommended to have the same tread on all 4 tyres, I was prepared to have separate ones front and rear rather than throw out 2 fronts with about 1/3 of their useful life left.

Cheers

John

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

Personally I wouldn't mix brands as Porsche specifically recommend against it. (See the 'N' rating explained FAQ). I would worry about some over-zealous insurance assessor picking up on it in the event of an accident. That's why I use N rated tyres - not because I don't think there are perfectly good alternatives, but because it puts the question beyond doubt.

I've recently changed from P-Zero Rosso N4s to Pilot Sport N1s, and so far I'm happy with them. I'm interested to see how they behave when I've done a few thousand more miles to see if the tramlining comes back in the same way as it appeared on the Pirellis after a few thousand. The Michelins seem just as grippy, and perhaps a little quieter than the Pirellis.

Just my 2p's worth.

 

[JohnF]

Many thanks, Richard. Will give the Michelin a try if I can't find the Pirellis anywhere. Cheers, John

 

[John Ware]

You should be able to get Contisports at 24 hours notice from Bracknell Tyre and Exhaust. Not sure if it's convenient to you. I put a set of four 18" tyres onto my 996 last month for £500.50.