Winter Tyres/Wheels

[lawtoma]

Hi all,

I'm going to be running my 968 through the winter (as it's my daily driver), so I'm thinking about getting a set of winter tyres. I can't seem to find anything other than Vredesteins for the current rims (17" cups), and they are silly expensive so am wondering whether it might work getting a new set of 16" rims and upping the profile. It's a bit of "spending to save" but in the long run having two sets of interchangable wheels will save money over time (so long as I look after the wheels and tyres when they're off, which I plan on doing).

Does anyone else on here run their 968 on winter tyres? If so, what set-up would you recommend?

Thanks,

Tom

 

[Chrishazle]

Tom, I've had 16's on both my 968's - the coupe for 12 1/2 years, now the cab I've had since June. 205/55 fronts on 7 1/2J, 225/50 rears on 8J - but I don't drive them when conditions are iffy so can't help on that score. However, my C270 has 16's all round, with 205/55's. I've just bought a set of brand new winter tyres and rims on MB's winter offer - same Elnath alloy rims I've currently got on the car, with Dunlop winter tyres. My 16's were £799, same deal on 17's was over £1200, so 16's are far cheaper.

Reading threads on a couple of MB forums, general advice there is that smaller rims and thinner tyres are better for winter conditions, and the fact that they are also much cheaper is a bonus.

 

[Lowtimer]

The factory advice is to run 205/55 R16 all round ( Pirelli W240 Sottozero Serie II N0 M+S 94 V XL is the official winter tyre) on 7x16 wheels at the front and 8x16 on the rear.

What you want is a set of D90s off a 944 S2, really. Plenty around at not terribly expensive prices.

 

[Dave S]

I fitted a set of Nokian WR G2 in 205/55 R16 which are even N0 rated last autum/winter.
The tyre place apparently had a mare getting the 205 tyre on the 8" rim, but its what the handbok says is ok...
I think they are the listed alternative to the pirellis but I cant find the Porsche tyre pdf at the mo.

They are noticable better in the cold / damp slippery weather that proceeds winter, and are very predictable in the snow.
I managed to get hold of a set of 16" cups, but was considering a set of D90's as they are so much easier to find, and for winter use cheap rims are fine given the crap on the roads.

Dave

 

[paulf968]

Just a thought...... I have a set of OEM Porsche Cayenne wheels which would make ideal winter tyre wheels.

They are all 17 x 7.5J ET53 and do fit on a 968 -- I got them new and only used them a few times for wet weather running on my racecar.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3468663.htm
http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=667593&mpage=1&key=򢿉

NB yes the rears would then only be 7.5J instead of 9J but for winter tyres that is not an issue as narrow rims are better -- the tyres will also be that bit cheaper.