Giantviper

So it looks to be time for new tires for my 1988 944 with 62,000 miles on it (Obviously the tires have much less mileage). The Car has 17" Sport Classic rims from a 996 on it. The Tires I had were the Yokohama AVS ES100. Since I only drive the car in the summer I am thinking of getting a summer performance type tire (looking for good handling). Other Handling Mods are Koni Yellow Adjustable Racing Shocks at all 4 corners.

My Tire Sizes are the following:
Rear: 255-40ZR-17
Front: 225-45ZR-17

I do not track the car but am looking for the best street performance tire for spirited street driving. What might you guys recommend?

I was thinking maybe a Bridgestone, Michelin, Pirelli or Continentals

Thank you in advance for all of your help

snb13

I recently put on BFG gforce sport comp 2's on mine. Good dry handling and great wet (I live in the midwest.) It's Tire Racks #1 tire in the ultra performance line.

KevinGross

The reviews in Grass Roots Motorsports are great sources of info. I also happen to be one of those strange people who likes Consumers Reports reviews for street applications... ymmv!

Arominus

What are the rim widths? I had 225/255 on my 17x7/9 996 10 spokes.

Tires? The absolute best is the re-71R. The rs-3 is also good and easier to live with on the street. If you want a little more wear but still sticky, I've been pretty happy with the dz102 so far this year as more of a street summer tire vs "autocross first and some street"

fasteddie313

Thats what I want to get for my car too.. Excellent reviews and very affordably priced on tire rack, like $90 each for my size tires..

mytrplseven

I had 17" wheels from a Cayman on my '87 944 N/A and after researching on Tire Rack, decided on the BFG G Force radials. We get a lot of downpours in Florida and they really handle the standing water. Handling was very good although a touch noisy. I didn't track the car so they were a good choice. On my new 951 project car I have 17" 911 wheels with wider rims so I chose Hankook (don't remember the model) but looks like the tread will be as effective as the BFG'S were. Car has been up on jackstands ever since it arrived from a barn find purchase in Illinois.

JacRyann

I'd suggest going with 17x10" all around to maximize grip with any tyre you select. Then use 255/40-17 on all four; improves front-end grip and reduces understeer. I like the Ecsta XS and Star Spec II in this size.

James Chimney

not sure of the size, but I have run the Potenza RE-11's and love them

J Berk

I have michelin sport pilots on 993 cup rims on my s2.

SloMo228

Has anyone tried the Cooper RS3-S tire? I haven't heard of anyone running it on the 944, but I have read reviews comparing it favorably to tires like the BFG Sport Comp-2 and Michelin Pilot Sport 2, which is pretty high praise.

The price is pretty good, and it comes with a 20,000 mile treadwear warranty, which is kind of unusual for a performance tire. Plus, they're pretty reasonably priced, coming in a little bit cheaper than the BFG Sport Comp-2. I have seen them on a buy 3 get the 4th free special at Pep Boys from time to time, as well. They'd be under $400 a set with that deal.

Scott at Team Harco

What size are we talking about here?

I am finding it much harder to find something I would actually want to drive on in any 15" size.

I was, and still am, happy with the BFG G-Force Sports in 225/50R15. Now I don't see them in that size any more.

I just looked for something in 215/60R15 and there are mostly no-season touring tires or Pirellis for more than the car is worth!

What's out there these days that are not track tires but still good as a high-performance summer tire at a fair price?

konakat

For 15", looking at 195/65 will give you more options. They are also almost identical in circumference, though you obviously lose a good bit of width.

Scott at Team Harco

I've got plenty of winter tires in that size. Not particularly interested in going that narrow for the summer months.

I'll take a look at what's out there - but I think the best size for our 15" wheels is 225/55R15. Good luck finding anything other than a competition tire in that size.

Arominus

You go 16" or your stuck with crap.

Scott at Team Harco

I agree. Unfortunately, I have a lot of sets of 15s. Maybe I'll just put rally tires and winter tires on them.

The only 16" wheels I have are the originals from my S2. They're all the wrong offset for the other cars. Guess I'll just use up what I have and see what's out there when I really need it.