Tyres

[Lancerlot]

ORIGINAL: stuey
All the different makes of tyre seem to be roughly on par with each other for prices and current lead-times differs between 2-4 weeks at present. But just wanted to get some honest feedback on different makes any your experiences. I will definately keep N1's all round though, as swopping them all over is not an option at this stage.

So would be grateful for any feedback and anyones input.

Cheers Stu

Why not stick with the Michi's then? You can't have different makes of tyre on the car - even if they are all N1 rated. GaryW uses Bridgestones and rates them highly, I believe.

Regards,

Clive.

 

[john crannis]

As my originally fitted Michelin N1 Pilot Sports were out of production / unobtainable they were replaced with Michelin PS2 87Y N2 front and
PS2 100Y N2 rear tyres. I noticed right away how much quieter the PS2's are on the road, and offer a smoother ride, and do highly recommend them.

 

[Ekona]

I run the RE050As on mine as that's what was on the car when i purchased it, and whilst they're not a bad tyre at all (dry grip is especially good, and turn-in is excellent) I wouldn't go for them over the PS2 at all. The PS2s are the best (non-motorsport) tyre I've used full-stop and as soon as I've killed my current tyres off, that's what I'll be replacing them with.

 

[maxtraeger]

I had Michelins PS1 on a 2004 997C2S, where the original front tyres lasted until their replacement in 2010. The rears were replaced thrice over my 36K miles some of that at high speeds in Germany. I now have Bridgestones on the 2006TT and although OK during dry they are certainly nowhere near as competent in the wet and a bit louder than the Michis. Bridgestones rears (new in Nov 2010) have now done 9K and look good for another 6K I reckon, which would account for a slightly harder compound (but I am no expert).

I would advice against putting a different tyre make on the rear axle unless you have no choice with the delivery. Best advice I was given was to check the suspension, air pressure, etc... by a specialist like CofG - that will ensure your set-up is correct and you get the maximum pleasure out of driving according to your preference and the way the tyres will support your style.

Max
997.1TT - 2006

 

[tscaptain]

I have had Bridgestones on my last 2 and the current car and I like them. I had a set of Michelin PS2 on my track wheels and didn't like them for road use as much as the Bridgestones. However, as Clive says, if you're going to change from Michelin you will need to replace all 4. Availability is a big issue at the moment and it has taken my local (Protyre) place 8 weeks to get in a pair of Bridgestone N1 rears for mine! BTW, they ordered 4 by mistake so if anyone needs a pair of 305/30/19s I know where you can get them!

 

[garyw]

ORIGINAL: tscaptain
BTW, they ordered 4 by mistake so if anyone needs a pair of 305/30/19s I know where you can get them!

Now thats interesting....[]

Yes, I have the Bridgestones on my car ( have had from new) and thoroughly enjoy the tyre- albeit the N0 which has now been superseded to N1
The PS2 is highly regarded and unless supply difficulties led one to change I would stick with them if they had been fitted to my car...
The Bridgestone has always done well in tyre tests and come out as probably the best all rounder, although as pointed out it is bettered by some in both dry and wet conditions.
I've usually had about 11k out of the rears and considering I don't commute [] I think they have done really well.
Not the quietest of tyres but a major bonus for tired drivers is they have a very forgiving sidewall protector[]
A heavier tyre with quite a solid sidewall in comparison to the PS2 meaning it gives excellent steering feedback but does give you a slightly firmer ride.

garyw

 

[stuey]

[][][][]
Cheers for all the input guys. Looks like I will end up changing all 4 over anyway now, as cannot get N1's only N2's. So will try to hold out until October/November when I anticipate to swop onto the winters wheels.

Cheers Stu

 

[Nick_USA]

ORIGINAL: stuey

[][][][]
Cheers for all the input guys. Looks like I will end up changing all 4 over anyway now, as cannot get N1's only N2's. So will try to hold out until October/November when I anticipate to swop onto the winters wheels.

Cheers Stu

If you are wanting winter wheels I would get your order in now.

 

[stuey]

Nick_USA - I have a set of winters already on a set of 18"'s. These are currently being sprayed black by Exel and should be back tomorrow. I'll then get the 19" rims sprayed, but still undecided about a colour. Should I go with standard or I did see an off grey which I liked - I'll be matching me shoes with the car next........or dancing around a handbag at parties if I'm not too careful.[8D][8D][8D]


I will continue to hunt around for summer tyres, but will decide after the holidays.[][][]


Stu

 

[geoff lane]

Well, just had my first service (2 years) and complete with extended warranty having supplied my own oil taken full PCGB discount on parts and labour including a free 111 point check I am now £1500 worse off and just for good measure need to look for some new rear tyres the inner measurement on the n/s is down to 2mm. The fronts have loads of life left so really want to replace the rears with like for like Mich N1 they are 305/30 x 19 any ideas ?
I've got 14000 out of them so with Gary's comments in mind I should not complain although it probably means I'm just slower than Gary !
My local OPC cannot provide as they only have N2 and advised against mixing. There solution was buy a Turbo S !

Geoff

 

[stuey]

Just spent the whole week trying to get hold of N1 tyres - no chance. Read somewhere that they have stopped making in November 2010!!!!. So now must buy N2's. Good point I suppose but more expensive, is that took all wheels off and fronts also will need changing pretty soon as well - so will have to buy all 4 anyway.

Stu

 

[sidicks]

My car (997 C4S) came with Michelin PS2s which were replaced after around 15,000 miles with exactly the same. At 30,000 miles I would have chosen to replace them with more Michelins, but my OPC could only get Pirelli's or Birdgestone's, and I went with the latter which I'm pleased with.

I think possibly they give a slightly stiffer ride and maybe slightly quieter, but to be honest I can't notice a huge amount of difference given the driving I do (7 miles each way for my daily commute, plus longer trips with my wife etc) - the car is not tracked.

When the time comes to change again, I think I'd be fairly indifferent between the Michelin's and the Bridgestone's (but have heard that both are superior to the Pirelli's) - however, isn't there a new Michelin out soon (out now but the 'N' rated versions aren't yet available), which is likely to be superior...??

Sidicks

 

[stuey]

Yes Sidicks I had heard the same about the new tyres, but also heard that the N rated version will not be here until new year and I can't wait that long me thinks.
Stuey

 

[Rodney Naghar]

People are too obsessed with matching 'N' rated tyres all round (apart from warranty issues)
I'd love to see someone do a blind test and see if they can tell the difference.
Porsche allow for mixing between axles

Here's an extract from Porsche's manufacturer's Certificate list of approved summer tyres for the 996 GT3.



Information: Approval status: July 2009
WARNING
Driving with different tires (mixed tires)
"¢ Uncontrollable vehicle handling
Only use tires of the same make and type, with the same speed index and the same specification code
(N0, N1, N2, ...) on a vehicle.


Contrary to the rule mentioned above, which specifies that only tires with the same specification code
(N0, N1, N2, ...) must be used on a vehicle, the following mixed tires can be used on each axle.
Michelin Pilot Sport 2 N2 on front axle/Michelin Pilot Sport 2 N4 on rear axle and Michelin Pilot Sport 2
N4 on front axle/Michelin Pilot Sport 2 N2 on rear axle.
2 The Pirelli P-Zero Rosso N5 tire can also be used either by itself or together with the Pirelli P-Zero
Rosso N4 tire.

It would be interesting to know what mixes Porsche allow for the 997 range -and then maybe people wouldn't have to waste money swapping all four tyres when not necessary.

 

[geoff lane]

If I could fit Pilot Sport N2 on the rear with the N1's on the front without invalidating the extended warranty I've just taken out it would certainly help, I'm awaiting a reply from Mich to see if they can source me any N1's.
The OPC implied that if I was involverd in an accident the insurance company would expect to see all 4 tyres the same which I somehow doubt but when its stated by those in the know it just throws another spanner in the works.
I'm hoping the tyres will hold out until the Castle Coombe aniversary track day and then followed by the parade laps at Silverstone it seems a shame scrub my new tyres in on track.

 

[tscaptain]

ORIGINAL: geoff lane

I've got 14000 out of them so with Gary's comments in mind I should not complain although it probably means I'm just slower than Gary !

Just means you drive more smoothly...............[][]

 

[geoff lane]

Alan

How could I possibly disagree,

I always thought your driving was very smooth as well, so there we go mutual admiration society.

As a point of interest I often think of that early morning drive on the Isle of Man last year which I think was probably one of the best drives I've had in the car.

Geoff