Tire choices
Thread Starter
3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Tire choices
It's time to replace the tires on my '83 SC. The car has the 16" wheels.
Any suggestions on the best tire choices? The car is used on the road, so an all-around tire would probably work the best.
Any suggestions on the best tire choices? The car is used on the road, so an all-around tire would probably work the best.
Track Day
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: doylestown pa
The bridgestone SO3 are the way to go.Ihave had them in all kind of weather they just stick.If you are thinking of autocross then that is something else.They are not cheap but with all of the aftermarket stuff to go fast tires in my opinion are the most important.
Advanced
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Newman, California
I just put Kuhmos on my 82 911. I don't track and mostly drive in fair weather so I cannot speak for their performance under those settings. However, they were competitively priced purchased through tirerack.com.
Drifting
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,291
Likes: 6
From: WI, US
You'll get a million different opinions on which tire is the best.
If you're on a budget, I've been happy with my Yokohama AVS Intermediates for street use. Currently $76 for The 205/55 16 and $81 for the 225/50 16 from the Tire Rack.
If you're on a budget, I've been happy with my Yokohama AVS Intermediates for street use. Currently $76 for The 205/55 16 and $81 for the 225/50 16 from the Tire Rack.
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 382
Likes: 0
From: Monroe, La
I am on my second set of the Bridgestone RE730's
I have read the reports of noise and I do not see or hear this ! For me, the 730 is the best bang for the buck for a Porsche.If money was no object
I'd have gone with the SO3's.The RE730's look really great on my 83SC !
I have read the reports of noise and I do not see or hear this ! For me, the 730 is the best bang for the buck for a Porsche.If money was no object
I'd have gone with the SO3's.The RE730's look really great on my 83SC !
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 7
From: Blacksburg, VA
I think the tires mentioned are good tires for the money. But some tires in those sizes cost over $200 each, while others cost less than $100. I suggest you do your research at <a href="http://www.tirerack.com" target="_blank">www.tirerack.com</a> and choose according to what kinds of compromises you prefer for yourself. All street tire choices are compromises involving such factors as grip, longevity, ride, noise, and price. I recommend that you narrow your tire type choices some, however. I'd be looking for "summer tires" in the maximum performance (higher prices) and ultra high performance (lower prices) categories. In my opinion, anything less than that and you won't be getting the full enjoyment you should be getting from driving your Porsche. In looking at their comparison tests, pay just as much attention to their text descriptions of the tires handling characteristics as to the numbers in the tables. If you can't decide which of several you'd be most pleased with, give them a call. They should be able to fit your preferences. They sell them all, so they don't much care which you choose. They'd rather have you happy with your tires so you'll call them back again next time.
I don't work for Tire Rack, but have been very satisfied in my dealings with them for well over a decade.
I don't work for Tire Rack, but have been very satisfied in my dealings with them for well over a decade.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,003
Likes: 2
From: Texas
I agree- the tirerack.com site is excellent. I recently ordered a set of Kuhmo Ecsta 712's from them although I haven't put them on yet.
When I was order the Kuhmos, I asked the salesman about the supposedly noisy RE730's. He said that the road noise that people were complaining of didn't occur right away; it typically surfaced after at least a few thousand miles. According to him, Bridgestone made some design changes that are supposed to address the noise issue, but he couldn't personally verify whether the changes solved the problem.
As far as tire recommendations, it would be easier to recommend something if you gave some info about how you intend to use the tires. You mentioned street use, but will you use them to autocross or for DE's? Do you have an extra set of rims for track tires?
When I was order the Kuhmos, I asked the salesman about the supposedly noisy RE730's. He said that the road noise that people were complaining of didn't occur right away; it typically surfaced after at least a few thousand miles. According to him, Bridgestone made some design changes that are supposed to address the noise issue, but he couldn't personally verify whether the changes solved the problem.
As far as tire recommendations, it would be easier to recommend something if you gave some info about how you intend to use the tires. You mentioned street use, but will you use them to autocross or for DE's? Do you have an extra set of rims for track tires?
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: Victoria, BC, Canada
I have Pirelli P7000 Supersports on my '82SC and love them; a reasonable compromise as I occasionally get caught in rain during the trips (up to 3000 km in 2 wks) I take the car on, and their wet grip is good.
You'll get a lot of opinions, this is just my 2 cents.
You'll get a lot of opinions, this is just my 2 cents.
AutoX
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: West Haven, CT
I agree with Stan. I used to have Dunlops...they were good. I recently got Pirelli P700 SuperSports and they are great when warmed up. They handle in curves like the Dunlops never did. I don't have much experience with other tires on a 911 but my vote goes for Pirelli. Also, Bridgestine pricing is kinda fixed...you can get staggered set of Pirelli's for 129. each for 16's. If you want an emailed copy of reciept from a tire store, I will email.(205/55ZR16 and 225/50ZR16)
Escapee
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,689
Likes: 1
From: No fixed address...
Be very careful with the Pirelli P7000 Supersports. I use them too. I like them for my purpose, that is, I like to cruise around comfortably with the roof open on a nice summer day. This type of driving rarely involes agressive behaviour. Pirelli P7000 Supersports are not the best in the twisties and I recommend a skidpad session if you are going to push those tires. They are nothing like an SO3 and if you are the agressive type, Pirelli P7000 Supersports are not the right tire. They represent good treadwear/$ value and are well balanced at speed. I put the P7000 (non-Supersport) on the back which helped prevent rear breakout.It is a stickier rubber and lower treadwear rating.
8th Gear
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Boulder, CO
Wore out the P7's. Bought the Kumho 712's in June due to the excellent response from others and stats on TireRack. I love them and would recommend them highly. They "were" inexpensive (don't know current pricing), great handling, very good in rain, and the sound level is low compared to the P7's (important since my SC is a cabriolet). I take on the mountains of Colorado daily and they are great. I like to drive really hard at times on the twisty roads and they eat up the road. I will buy again when the time comes. They have worn down faster than the P7's, but the Pirellis were when I lived in simple straight roads in Illinois.