Tyre choice

[bdheng]

Just recently, there's been a lot of emails about tyre wear, especially with Contis (it seems)

Fairly soon, I need to replace both fronts of my 986 3.2S. Currently, they're P-zero all round.

Having looked around, cheapest price for replacing P-zero's is £144 each, through Event Tyres.

Does anyone know anywhere cheaper (preferably in Kent), and is there a good but cheaper alternative to P-zero that won't compromise wear, grip and road noise.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

I recommend the Michelins or the Pirellis. So no, I'd stick with the Pirellis if you only want/need to replace the fronts. NEVER mix tyres - same make and model all round.

 

[Black911]

i dont get this perilli stuff, there horrible and cause more boxster to slide than anything, having said that there on mine but I never use the boxster just did the other day I normally use the 911, I put a set of sport contact 2 all round and wow, going to do the same on the boxster and get rid of the p zero pers, wet = terrible tyres.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Do a search on threads in the Boxster section - I don't think you will like the Sportcontacts on the Boxster. The different balance of the Boxster to 996/7 seems to have a marked difference in the feel from the tyres. I found driving on Sportcontacts gave no feel or confidence in the car in comparison to Pirelli or Michelin. Others (with a few exceptions) have said the same. A lot of this may be down to the individuals preference though - Your "mileage" may vary []

 

[Black80XSA]

PZeros work very well ont he Boxster, possibly a little more feel at the limit int he wet over the michelins. They don't long as long but then they're cheaper. The only thing i don't particularly like about the Pirellis is the tramlining under braking when thye get down to 4mm depth or less. If you don't drive enthusiastically you'll probably never notice it !.

 

[fido]

Try Uniroyal Rainsport2 , got them on my Boxster ,quiet, grippy wet or dry. David

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Thanks for the recommendation. Not heard of anyone with those before. I should point out that the Uniroyals are not Porsche approved though. (I have to in my role as RS).

 

[SteveGo]

Only had my Boxster S a couple of weeks but rears (Dunlop Sport 9090)are gonna need replacing soon. I'm aware of the "N" marking but just how critical is it to have these marked tyres? Price wise there's an obvious difference, N3 marked Pirelli Pzeros (265/35x18) £164 each inc. non "N" marked Avons and Khumos £133 each! Am I opening a can of worms?! []

ORIGINAL: Mark Bennett Thanks for the recommendation. Not heard of anyone with those before. I should point out that the Uniroyals are not Porsche approved though. (I have to in my role as RS).

 

[Mark_Bennett]

So you are paying £30 more for tyres that have been designed and developed for the car rather than generic ones. Sounds a bargain to me.. []

 

[JCB..]

ORIGINAL: Mark Bennett Do a search on threads in the Boxster section - I don't think you will like the Sportcontacts on the Boxster. The different balance of the Boxster to 996/7 seems to have a marked difference in the feel from the tyres. I found driving on Sportcontacts gave no feel or confidence in the car in comparison to Pirelli or Michelin.  Others (with a few exceptions) have said the same. A lot of this may be down to the individuals preference though - Your "mileage" may vary []

I do! []

 

[bdheng]

Thanks Mark One last question - I think P-Zero Rosso N4 (which are currently fitted) appear to be in very short supply, and I have been offered P-Zero Assymetric instead. When I asked about difference, was told "tread pattern was different but performance same". Any views? I will still have Rosso N4 on the rear.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

If they are not the "N" marked ones then I'd say best not... My car actually came on the "P-Zero System" from the factory. However this was Direczionales on the front, and Azzimetricos on the back. This was an excellent combo and I felt were a match for the Michelins. These were superseded by the rossos a couple of years later.

 

[spyderman]

[link=http://www.blackcircles.com]blackcircles.com[/link] are listing both front and rear 18s P Zero Rossos in 986 sizes - have you tried them?

 

[bdheng]

Yes - when it comes down to the wire, Rosso N4's are not available, even though people like blackcircles and mytyres are advertising them. I have been quoted "up to 6 weeks" waiting period for Rosso N4, so am going with Assymetric N3 (far better reviews in "Tyre Review"

 

[bdheng]

They are N3. It seems that any form of N4 is very hard to find at the moment - Event Tyres (where I usually get all my tyres) is even being approached by Porsche dealers. Looking on "Tyre Reviews", the assymetric seem to fair better than Rosso for grip, comfort, road feedback but especially wear. Event also made a simialr comment as you about being "designed for Porsche" when I enquired about Goodyear Eagle F1, so I trust what they're telling me.. I'll go with the Assymetric's.