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Tyres - softer makes?

T

topgear253

New member
Hi guys,

I've noticed over the last couple of days that on Norfolk back roads which can be pretty bumpy that the ride is extremely hard so I've reduced the pressures to 40 rear and 33 front. When I eventually change the tyres, do some makes give a softer ride on the road than others? I've trawled through previous posts but haven't found anything on this, maybe it's a silly question!

By the way, it's been terrific to have the replies you've given me so far on things, hopefully soon I'll be out of newbie stage and able to answer some questions!

Cheers,
Alex

 
Presumably you're on 18" wheels then ? I specifically went for a 996 with 17" ones to get a compliant ride (for Suffolk's bumpy roads) and its very good (36 front / back as per recommendation for 17").

After changing to new Michelin Pilot Sport N1's (570 for a set), I found the ride quite harsh, till I checked and found they'd inflated the rears to 44 ! Back at 36, all is nice and smooth again.



 
I don't think you'll get much of a different ride changing manufacturers, that main issue is the wafer thin 30 profile of the 18" wheels. IMO running 40 on the rear should be okay, but I would keep the fronts at 36.

[:)]
 
Yes, I am on 18's, like you Diesel I would have happily gone with 17's to get a better ride. I could always change them but it's so expensive.

thanks pwafer, I've read all sorts of figures on the forum so I just took an average in the end, but I'll see how things go.
 
Drive faster [:D] It'll smooth the bumps out a treat (& if it doesn't you'll be too busy concentrating to notice the ride quality) [:)]
 
Pretty sure my 18's are 44 rears and 36 fronts. This is what the handbook advised is right. The ride does feel a little bumpy at times. Is there any harm in letting them down a bit, what will be the effect on the tyres going to say 34 front 40 rear, Will they wear odd?

cheers
 
No one makes a 'softer' tyre, it would destroy the handling. Hower some manufacturers claim that their tyres are quieter and more compliant. Autocar reckoned the Pirelli Rosso was much better, in this regard, than the Michelins on their long-term 996..

17" wheels and tyres would be the way to go, and you would probably make money on a swap as most people prefer the 18" for aesthetics. It might be more difficult to sell a 996 on 17" though.

You can reduce the tyre pressures by 10% from the Porsche recommendation, but it's unlikely to make much difference. A proper 4-wheel geometry check by a specialist might be worthwhile.

Personally I've never found the ride comfort on a 996 to be an issue. I prefer the standard suspension for road use, but some prefer the sports set up, lowered by as much as 30mm.

Remember it is a sports car and the problem's not the car it's the roads[&:].
 
I agree Oliver, the car is not the problem, but unfortunately unlike the tyres I cant change the B roads where I live in Norfolk! They also happen to be the same type of roads that have less traffic and speed traps.

I also agree on selling the wheels, the wheels are in amazing condition and as far as I know original so I wouldn't want to sell them.

However, I could buy some 17 replica's with tyres from say design911.com and keep the 18's in storage. It's still a lot of cash but if it makes the ride that much better it may be worth it.
 
You my be able to pick up some 2nd hand good conition genuine 17" wheels - i guess quite a few people upgrade to 18" for looks. Depends how long you'll keep the car, but you may save money in the long terms as 17" tyres are cheape than 18" ones.

I recently got 4 Michelin Pilot Sports fitted on mine from a good tyre fitter in Ipswich. Price (incl fitting, valve and balance) was 115+VAT fronts and 121+VAT rears = 554.60 all in !
 
Diesel, after a few days of the roads round here I'm definately considering the 17's but as I've never been in a 996 with 17's I'm not sure if it will be worth changing. Is it a huge difference?
 
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