garrett376

I searched the archives and could not come up with any info on the tires I have.

I have 17" wheels on my C4, with 205/50 (or 55? - can't remember) and 255/45's; Yokohamas front and back with A-008P's on the front and ES100's on the rear.

My car has such a load of tire noise, it's wearing on me! So, here are my questions! My front tires are shot - the A-008P's. I need some new ones. The rear ES100's look new with lots of tread, replaced about a year ago and have about 8000 miles on them. I don't like how noisy the ES100's are (and likely the worn out front tires) - I looked on the archives but nobody has mentioned they liked or disliked these tires so I don't know if I should get the same type.

Should I get ES100's for the front to match the set, or go with a different, possibly better brand? I want a good handling tire (won't see the track) that will last a while, has good dry traction (almost no rain in San Diego, CA), and not so noisy. Any recommendations for the replacement of the fronts, then the backs at a later date??

Thanks so much!!

Adrian

Deasr Garret,
You should not mix and match tyres. You either put on the front the same as the rear as long as the rear are more than 60% new or you replace them all with a new brand.
I loved the N rated Yokohama A008Ps but I am not familiar at all with the rear tyre you are using.
Ciao,
Adrian
964C4

Greg_L

Garret, i've heard the ES100's are pretty decent tyre in the dry. I believe michelin, bridgestone and good years's sport tyres would last a little longer though.
A008's are a super grippy tyre but so soft they only last about 5 minutes !

garrett376

Thanks for the input Adrian - I just needed a little "push" to match up the tires. I had a feeling that was best to have the same in the front and rears.

Greg - that's probably why the 008-P's are worn out already since they're so soft!

Thanks!! It's off to the tire store very soon!! I think some Yokohama AVS ES100's will end up on front...

joey bagadonuts

Please let us know how you like them. I am very seriously considering a set of ES100's myself. Last summer, an M3 driver demonstrated their grip for me at the track while I chased him for several laps. Very impressive! The Tire Rack feedback is fairly positive and their price ($450/set) appears to make them a no-brainer.

There were a few comments about their noise, however, but it wasn't a common complaint. If you really want to improve driving comfort, Garrett, I think there are better choices: SO3's, Goodyear F1 GSD3, Michelin Pilot Sports or Conti's.

garrett376

Hi Joey, thanks for the comments.

At under 15mph, it sounds like my tires are made of lopsided stones - like a Flintstone's car! At speed I never really noticed any noise, but last night I was whizzing home at about 75mph and did notice that the tires do make some noise but not bad at all. It's silent inside compared to my 65 911! I tried to be sure I could tell if it was the rear tires or not; I did this by turning my head sideways (only for a moment of course!) and it did seem that the noise came more prominently from the rear of the car.

Because the 008's on the front are really worn, I'd think the noise would be from them, but it does seem to be from the back. It's not bad - afterall, this is a convertible and with the top down, who cares about tire noise - that's the least of the noise problems!!!

Grip-wise, I have yet to put the tires to the test - sometimes I take some fast corners, but all in all, this car (which weighs 3600 pounds!!!!!!!!!!! holy hippo!) pushes like no other - certainly not the tossable oversteer I'm used to with my 65 911. Maybe I'll go with wider 225's on the front. That seems to be a good recommendation.

PC2

7500 miles on my ES100's and I have to say they are very noisy. Tire wear are not too bad. Tires grip very well when dry, but steering respond is a bit slow. Overall, best bang for the buck next to Kumhos.