quickboxster

I really like the stock 17's on my 987 and don't mind the sidewall at all but it's been going on 6 months now that I haven't been able to find the stock rear Michelins, or any other performance tire for that matter.
I realize now I'm going to have to buy some 18's for track day use but for the street I'd really like to stick with the 17's.
Reached out to Michelin USA this week and they said production claims that Tire Rack should see some rear size in the next few weeks but I see now I may have to buy at least one extra set to keep on the shelf for the winter months because I'm not running snow tires just because I ran my rears down for heaven's sake.

harveyf

I feel your pain. I waited 6-8 months for rear tires (18s). I think Michelins are worth the wait but it is tough not really knowing when the backorders will clear. I used Tire Rack, as I figured they have a better "place in line" with Michelin versus some local dealer.

Not totally germaine to your post but a few years ago I talked to a Michelin engineer working out of their SC facility. This was before Covid. He said with shipping costs for tires coming from Asia, they were able to produce tires domestically in SC and be cost competitive with the Asians. I imagine that is doubly true now so that really puts them in the catbirds seat.

ekam

The 17" tire sizes on 987 have always been odd sizes. No point to fight it but to upgrade to 18" which are way more common and there's still enough sidewall unlike the smaller 18" tires on the 986.

Bxstr

You may want to talk with your dealer as well, they'll typically price match Tire Rack and most dealers that I know of use DealerTire and not Tire Rack, so they may have some inventory.

plafondles

What Bxstr said. I replaced all four tires last month. TireRack, Discount, Costco, ect did not have the Michelin PS4S I was looking for. I called my dealer than they had all four tires to my surprise.

quickboxster

Today the dealer told me the rear size won't be available until July. Because of "petroleum shortages"....

harveyf

Well, I'm not in the tire manufacturing biz but that sounds pretty lame. I think the main problem is that the tire sizes we want are not in high demand. It costs money to re-align the manufacturing process. I suspect they only gear up to make these unusual tire sizes once or twice a year. That would explain how they could predict July.

quickboxster

About a week ago Michelin social media people told me that production told them Tire Rack should have some in about 2 weeks so we'll see.

I really want to keep these 17s for street use, really love the look of the car with them.

quickboxster

Finally, I am no longer sad, a full set was delivered today. Now wondering if I should order a second set.

Ordered them from TireRack, they showed up as available about a week ago. I kept checking local sites that continually showed out of stock for the 17" rears so I just decided to grab a set just in case. I don't need to mount them yet and if the locals get them available then I'll buy a set from them, have them mounted and keep this set on hand. I guess I'll need a set on hand at all times because if a rear is ever slashed or something I'd be screwed and would probably have to buy a set of 18" wheels and tires just to keep rolling.

flatsixsymphony

Wow. Yeah - I've recommended the Michelins to others and love them. But given the shortages, now I'm wondering if it is time to explore other brands. Great point about checking with the dealer. The PS4S are just so grippy...I don't want to accept any substitute!

Shark Attack

i have 19's and just had to do rears. I went from 265/55-19 and put in 255/55-19. These were about $100 cheaper per tire. And they are only 1 millimeter narrower than stock. I know you have 17's but try looking for a slightly different width

hueyhoolihan

i think that's 1 centimeter difference. i could be wrong. still, IMO, not significant.