Ade - C4 91

Hi all,

I'm trying to make a tyre choice for my C4 - it has Roock coil over suspension, a 21mm rear anti-roll bar and has been setup to RS specifications.

I currently have new Pirelli Rosso N3 tyres fitted and I'm finding them really unpleasant. In comparison to the N1 Continentals they replaced, they have very little front end grip, and feel vague and inaccurate. I noticed that these tyres have a TWI of 220 as opposed to 160 for the continentals - meaning they are quite a bit harder (and less grippy?).

I'm looking for maximum dry weather grip, crisp accurate turn and high stability (aren't we all?) wet weather consideration is secondary.

So far I've considered Yokohama AVS Sport, Toyo Proxy, Continental Sport Contact 2, Bridgestone SO-3 or Michelin Pilot Sport.

I know this topic has been discussed many times before and its very subjective, but some feed back on experiences with recent N tyres would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Ade

BrokeAss

I don't mean to sound snarky, but I'd really suggest that you hit the archives. You'll find a lot of information there. I'd also search the archives of Wheel & Tire forum here. ...and if your head isn't swimming with info-overload, head on over to the TireRack and investigate buyer feedback there.

You didn't say how you'd use your tires - weekends only, daily driving, track only, etc. From the sound of your suspension mods, it sounds like you're pretty serious about performance - so you'll love the Michelin Pilot Sport Cups! But they are a competition tire and will wear out quickly. If you've got the bankroll, and don't get caught in the rain - you'll stick like mad.

joey bagadonuts

Here's a good <a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=4;t=002463#000002" target="_blank">discussion</a> to start you off. It covers the "N" rating issue and other tire considerations.

I've tried the Pirelli P-Zero Asymmetrico's and the no-longer-available Bridgestone Potenza RE730's. The 730's were great all-around tires. The Pirelli's might be grippier, but they're also a lot noisier and stiffer. If I wanted a harsh ride, I'd mount my track tires.

I've heard good things about all the tires you're considering, so you really can't go wrong with whatever you choose.

0.02

Ade - C4 91

Thanks guys,

I have looked through 100's of archive postings (both 964 and 993) - that's where I started - but unfortunately there are very few posting on comparisons of the latest generation N tyres.

Joey - I found Pirellis terrible - so little grip and very little progression - but these are the N3 tyres and I believe they are harder than the earlier N2.

Thanks

Ade

Roygarth

Hi Ade

I've only ever had SO2's on my C4 so cannot comment on other tyres. What I do know is that at 160mph+ in France recently I only had one hand on wheel and it was rock steady! Very smooth road admittedly.

BR
Piers
1990 964 C4 Coupe
1996 993 RS

johnfm

Ade

I don't think the Toyo Proxes, which I have on my car BTW, are N rated.

How many miles are on your Pirellis?? Have you tried different tyre pressures etc? Is the alignment still OK?

Hope you find a solution.

Ade - C4 91

Hi John,

I've only done about 300 miles on the Pirellis - and have the option to change them. I haven't had a chance to lower the pressure - but will do so this weekend. Perhaps it's just too early to tell, but if I put too much mileage on them, I get to keep them.

The car has just been aligned by JZM after fitting new suspension and steeringm, so there are a number of variables a work here - but the real issue for me is dry adhesion which these tyres seem to be lacking.

One point that keeps coming up in various threads is that later N tyres just don't seem to be as good as earlier ones. Perhaps the manufacturers are hardening compounds and changing tread patterns for less noise and longer life at the expense of overall grip - or maybe they are just designed for 996's and don't work as well on 964's. I just want grip and stability.

How are your Toyos and what have you tried before?

Ade.

Christer

My Kumho Ecsta 712's are not N rated either but I really like them. Michelin Pilot Sports are supposed to be good if you want N-rated or obviously SO2's...

joey bagadonuts

This might seem heretical, but I don't believe "N" ratings should be a primary consideration unless you can find N0 tires, i.e. tires designed for our cars.

The latest generation of tires were designed for 996's which are completely different beasts. As mentioned, most comparisons between S01's and the like vs. the current crop of approved rubber suggests a dramatic change in compounds and design--changes made to optimize handling and comfort in later cars.

Finally, since most US track regulars use Hoosiers, Michelin Pilot Sport Cups and Kumho's, it does not appear that ultimate performance is predicated on an "N" rating. True, these are dry weather, race compounds, but the tires are not 911-specific--they work well on all cars.
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