Tyre wear on 997S

[Rob Edwards]

Hi
Hoping for some feedback or advice on the following:
Is tyre wear an issue with the 997S? - I am looking to purchase one but the tyres seem pretty well worn on the front for a car just 3k old - it is a demonstrator and thus I would expect some evidence of 'spirited driving' but is this a trait of the 997?[&:]
Cheers
Rob

 

[Rob Edwards]

Thanks Michael
Yes, I'm sure you're right about the power steering (too much forecourt twirling perhaps!), and good to know you're have lasted 12k, which is far more like it.
I have already stipulated a change in the deal, but was just a little concerned at the wear shown for just 3k.
Thanks for the info!
Rob[]

 

[dereksharpuk]

Had a text this evening from Michelin to say that tomorrow they will brief me on their thoughts on 997 tyre wear with Sport Pilots. I'll publish their views asap.

 

[THX911]

ORIGINAL: dereksharpuk

Had a text this evening from Michelin to say that tomorrow they will brief me on their thoughts on 997 tyre wear with Sport Pilots. I'll publish their views asap.

Derek,
Can you also ask the Michelin man if there are any plans on making the new Pilot Sports II (on 997/987) available for the 996/986? Well, they are available but just not N rated for Porsche use.

Many thanks!

 

[Guest]

I have covered 22K miles on the same front tyres since new and done 2 soft track days! in my 997S.

It is on Pirellis.

Jon

 

[dereksharpuk]

Hi Guys,

I promised that I would report back to you when Michelin answered our queries regarding high tyre wear on Sport Pilots on our 997s. I spoke this morning with Steve Dolby who has managed to find out just a little more about the problem. Sadly, he did not have a significant amount to say as research was still ongoing. Apparantly (surprise surprise), the problem is not unknown to Porsche and Michelin. Steve would not say if the rubber compound is too soft or indeed if the shoulder depth is too shallow, but he did recommend that for track day use the pressures are increased to 44 psi front, 49 psi rear (pressures measured when hot). This is actually the opposite of what some drivers are doing, ie they allow air out as the tyres get hotter.

Michelin are going to run a series of tests with these higher pressures to be able to then offer a different set of parameters for both road and track. I'll send that report direct to Rob Prince and he will no doubt be in contact both on this media and in Porsche Post.

Steve further said that these tyres are not at present going to be offered as a 996 fitment. Furthermore, they are developing a 997 Carrera Cup Sport Pilot tyre which may be more suited for pure track day use.

 

[danofesher]

I can't believe that Michelin will recommend upping the pressure. When the rears of my GT3 get to 45psi (which they reach quite quickly when starting at 39 cold)the back's all over the place. Unfortunately it's the case that when you lower the pressures to make the car feel right it seems to wear the inner edge of the tyre. I don't see why a 997 should be significantly different my 996 based GT3.

 

[dereksharpuk]

Well I assure you I did not make up that conversation! Steve's comments were based on experience in the USA. However, let's wait until the more comprehensive and scientific trial has been completed. It may well be that increased tyre inflation cures the wear problem, but exacerbates the handling problems. Either way, at least the problem is accepted. Michelin are obviously very keen to solve this problem, especially as it would appear that Pirelli don't seem to have it. Incidently, a 996 GT3 does not handle nor is set up anything like a 997 with PASM, thus there may well be a difference!