964X33

I'm looking to re-shod and can get PS2 N2 spec at a much better price than the N3 spec. Is there a major difference in performance between the two specs?

Anyone think I should be getting something else?

Road use for my C4 is reducing but my track day attendance is increasing.

KiwiSean

I can't comment on the Michelins, I've never used them on any car but I just went through getting new tires in NZ (assume that's where you're from). I wanted Bridgestone RE11s but there just aren't any there for 18s and they couldn't tell me when they'd be coming in! They'd be my first choice though.

Ended up going for Adrenalin RE002s as many guys are using them for wets and I am very happy with them, heat up well, good traction in the wet, pretty quiet on our crappy roads. Can't comment on wear because I've not had them long but I'm not too worried about that.

The reason I'm talking Bridgestone is that if you're a PCNZ member you get very good discounts through Firestone.

Hope that's of some use.

crg53

If you buy N2 spec tires, my concern would be how old are they? You can check the date on the sidewall next to the DOT rating. I would not buy a tire that is more than a year old.
My 2 cents.

DAVISRILEY

And the fact that the reason you can get the n2's cheaper is they are discontinued. Say you end up damaging one in a bit, you may not be able to get another n2 to replace it. I ran into that once on a set of bridgestones, had to throw away 3 good tires because I couldn't match one.

964X33

Thanks, all good feedback.
Sean - I have just got RE002s on my A4 Quattro, agree they're an excellent tyre but hadn't thought they were quite up to speed for the Porsche; who knows though, the range of choice gives me headaches. I see from the NZ thread you got an RS spec race car you're softening for Targa. Which one did you get? There's been a few Turbos and C2 Manuals pop up lately which is unusual. Maybe see you at Hampton Downs soon, the twilight sessions are a great way to end a week.

KiwiSean

I worked them hard through the Hunuas and over the Coromandels and they were all good. If some guys are using them as wets for the Bridgestone series then they must be ok. Wish we had RE11s in NZ though! They might have them in 17s though?

I got the red one that was on there for ages, for a great price! It's with Steve at Europacific now and won't be ready until mid-March. Hopefully HD is still doing the open sessions then. If not, I'll definitely get in touch and we can meet up for a run or something.

Shamus964

for an occasional track day tire I think a couple you might consider would be these two the uber-sticky Dunlop Direzza Star Spec and the Hankook RS3. I would categorize either of these as noticeably stickier than a PS2 and that's saying something. the purpose of these two tires is to win autocross events and to do HPDE days. They are as close to an 'r' compound as one can get in a street tire.

From what I've read that the Dunlop is better on wet roads - but either are astounding in the dry. They're both very reasonable too which is good because they'll wear out quicker

vasculardoc

Agree on the direzza star spec - the other one to consider is Yokohama advan - good track day tyre.

964X33

Thanks for the Direzza, Hankook and Yoko options; will investigate further. It begs the old chestnut of Porsche approved or not and my main reason for thinking N rated was it reduces my range of options. I see from other threads everyone has these same headaches.

Sean: I had a dreaming eye on that one. Will PM you to get in touch and hear what you've got planned. Your plan to soften a race car sounds smarter than hardening a road car. Be great to catch you at a TD but doubt I'd be in your mirrors for long...

sml

check pricing on tirerack.com
allow about US$250 for 5day fedex to NZ.
email .. miles@tirerack.com for a quote (no affiliation).

boxsey911

The most annoying thing about the specs is that the N3 is a very different tread pattern to the previous N2. I had the N2s fitted all round. When I came to change the rears (the fronts had plenty of life left) it was no longer possible to get the N2s. Only N3s were available.

964X33

Any rennlisters from NZ or Oz imported their own tyres from tirerack? Any fish hooks with GST or duty?