Tyre choice for Boxster S

[PhilO]

Hi all,

I'm a new owner to the Porsche marque and have bought 2004 Boxster S which I really like, but unfortunately it has some cheap tyres fitted : -
Front = Sunny SN3070 205/50 ZR17
Rear = Zeetex HP103 255/40 ZR17
I noticed that the back end breaks away quite easily accelerating out of corners whilst the front is ok and does not understeer, however it has PSM so this may be saving me from some hairy moments! []

So I'm looking for some advice on a good choice of tyre for low mileage weekend runs?

Any advice appreciated,

Cheers
Phil

 

[MrDemon]

PS2

 

[bdheng]

Event tyres have got Pirelli P- zero available, N4 rated
Cheapest place I've found

 

[DavidB]

Michelin Pilot Sports every time.

 

[BartyB]

In my experience with Pirellis and Michelins, the Pirelli P Zeros seemed to give the best balance of grip in wet and dry and decent tread-life although grip falls off more than the Michelins in the wet when they get down below 3mm. PZs are brilliant on a track too and they're quiet running.

According to the notes I've found in some 2009 Porsche documentation, there seem to be only four Porsche approved (N rated) 17" summer tyres for a 986 2004S. These are listed as: Pirelli P Zeros (N3), Continental ContiSport Contacts (N2), Brigestone Potenzas (N4) and Michelin Pilot Sport (N2). There are loads of threads about selecting tyres for Boxsters on this forum and 986forum.com if you do a search and Porsche Cars at Reading or an OPC can provide official guidance.

 

[PhilO]

Hey Alan, et al

Appreciate the feedback from the consensus I getting a strong P Zero feeling, and your additional 2009 notes are most enlightening.

Thanks!

 

[Mark_Bennett]

I've found that the Michelin PS2 (the N2 Porsche specific ones) or the Pirelli's (also N Porsche specific) give the best feel when driving.

Either of these should make you happy!

 

[spyderman]

ORIGINAL: PhilO
Front = Sunny SN3070 205/50 ZR17
Rear = Zeetex HP103 255/40 ZR17

As the yoof of today are so fond of saying: O M G!

If you don't want to stretch to the premium makes, consider Toyo and Yokohama.

 

[tr7v8]

Just bought another set of different wheels for my S which is on 18". It had non-N rated Pirelli PZero Rossos on the front & now has Pilot Sports. I was astonished by how sharper the steering is on PS & also how much extra feel there is.

 

[Wollemi]

Stick with N marked tyres to make sure that all four tyres are the same compound. I've had problems (on other makes of car) with both PS2s and P-Zeros not being the same compound and upsetting the handling. If you go for N marked PS 2 or P-Zero you won't go far wrong.
It would be interesting to hear how much difference this this from the tyres you have on at present

 

[kitchens]

looked at a 1998 2.5 last night car was only £3.5k it had Sunny 18" all round brand new tyres fitted .Wheels are Sport Classic Split Rim which as in a shocking condition would need a complete refurb but would not split them, had them once on a 996 and a nightmare to keep good .
Went onto several tyre web sites and not one good report on these Chinese made tyres .IF i buy would ditch/sell the wheels and tyres and go back to 17" as was standard and a better ride.

 

[Marlberg]

Hi Phil.
I also have a 2004 Boxster S that I bought in February with cheapo tyres on (Barium?). I have had Michelin Pilots fitted via Black Circle's local franchise - just over £640 for a full set. They seem to be good and are on Porsche's recommended list.
Hope this helps.
David