Pirelli P Zero to Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 62
Likes: 2
From: Florida
Still a bit early for me to form an opinion on rear tire traction since the PS4s are new on my car, but it FEELS like I got better rear tire traction in launch control with Pirelli than the Michelins. Ride and noise however seem better with PS4 than the Pirelli. Overall, I'm happier with the PS4s.
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 62
Likes: 2
From: Florida
Well, definitely appears I didn't get the sharpest Michelin rep. Her latest email sounds a lot like "There is no difference between and N spec and a non-N spec tire............except for the differences". So here is her latest response when I called her out on the original reply I posted above:
In your first email you asked to me to tell you the the difference in the NO and the standard tire. The N0, N1,N2 and N3 means that they are accepted by Porsche to be an OE tire for their makes of vehicles. There is no difference between the tires other than those with N rating have been sent to Porsche to be put on vehicles as they leave the factory.
In your first email you asked to me to tell you the the difference in the NO and the standard tire. The N0, N1,N2 and N3 means that they are accepted by Porsche to be an OE tire for their makes of vehicles. There is no difference between the tires other than those with N rating have been sent to Porsche to be put on vehicles as they leave the factory.
If we are asking about tire specs I can tell u that they are slightly different in width an depth.
If we can assist you further, please respond to this email or call us at 866-866-6605 (toll-free) between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. EST Monday through Friday, or 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.
We appreciate your business and thank you for choosing Michelin.
Sincerely,
Kelsei
Consumer Care Department
Certified Michelin Product Expert
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 357
Apologies if this is covered elsewhere in this lengthy thread, but does it matter at all that these tires are not N-spec? I've never found a satisfactory answer to what the differences are between N-spec and regular versions of a given tire in general, and the PS4S in particular. I want to switch to these Michelins, but the PS4S is not available as an N-spec in my tire size for the rears (I have 295s back there now). So I've been considering just getting these. I assume it doesn't really make a difference. But do you or anyone else know?
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,797
Likes: 602
Apologies if this is covered elsewhere in this lengthy thread, but does it matter at all that these tires are not N-spec? I've never found a satisfactory answer to what the differences are between N-spec and regular versions of a given tire in general, and the PS4S in particular. I want to switch to these Michelins, but the PS4S is not available as an N-spec in my tire size for the rears (I have 295s back there now). So I've been considering just getting these. I assume it doesn't really make a difference. But do you or anyone else know?
Here come all of the expert opinions...
IMO, there is really no difference, I wouldn't worry about it. My conclusion coming from input from someone who works for Michelin.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 357
Advanced
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 62
Likes: 2
From: Florida
I'm guessing ride and noise are going to be very similar based on the minute specification differences noted above. I'm like you........not tracking the car. I do drive it like an idiot on the road, and the tires are absolutely fine for that. .
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 386
Likes: 19
From: Netherlands
Porsche N-Spec Tires Explained
Design and Testing
Porsche designs and manufacturers some of the highest performance vehicles in the world. Because of the essential role that tires play in vehicle performance, Porsche has integrated tires in the design process throughout vehicle development. Porsche original equipment tires must successfully pass the tire company’s laboratory tests, road tests and race track evaluations to confirm that prototype tires meet Porsche’s noise, hydroplaning, handling and high-speed durability requirements. Only upon successful completion of these tests, will tires be released for production.Branded as N-Spec
Production tires that have passed all of the tests and received Porsche’s engineering department’s release can be branded with an N-specification. The N-specification brandings include: N-0 (N-zero), N-1, N-2, N-3, N-4, N-5 or N-6. These markings on a tire’s sidewall clearly and permanently identify them as approved by Porsche for their vehicles. The N-0 marking is assigned to the first approved version of a tire design. As that design is refined externally or internally, the later significant evolutions will result in a new generation of the tire to be branded with N-1, N-2, N-3, etc., in succession. When a completely new tire design is approved, it receives the N-0 branding and the succession begins again.Mixing N-Spec Tires
Use only tire types tested by Porsche. Only tires with the same manufacturer and with the same specification code (e.g. “N0”, “N1” …) should be mounted on the vehicle. Tires should be replaced no less than in pairs on one axle at a time. Only tires of the same tire make and type must be used. Since many Porsche vehicles are fitted with different sized tires on their front and rear axles, this requires matching the tire brand, tire name and N-specification front to rear. While the tire manufacturers may also build other tires featuring the same name, size and speed rating as the N-specification tires for non-Porsche applications, these tires may not be branded with the Porsche N-specification because they do not share the same internal construction and/or tread compound ingredients as the N-specification tires.Replacing N-Spec Tires
If a vehicle was originally delivered with N-specification tires that have been discontinued and are no longer available, it is recommended to replace all four tires to a higher numeric N-specification design appropriate for that vehicle. In case of tire damage such as cuts, punctures, cracks or sidewall bulges that cause a single tire to be replaced for safety reasons, the remaining matching tire on that axle must not exceed 30 percent wear. If the remaining tire has more than 30 percent wear from new, it should also be replaced. This rule applies to all four tires on all wheel drive vehicles. Handling inconsistencies may result if this is not done.https://www.porsche.com/internationa...e/parts/tyres/
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 357
Updating my earlier post, Michelin now offers my 2013 C2S’s 295 rears as N-spec. Cost differential is very modest - about $25/tire more. That made the decision a no-brainer, and I put them on my car. Very pleased with the result. Quieter than the P-Zeros ever were, and the ride and handling are terrific.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 357
New York City, US. You can get them from Tirerack. In my case, I told my dealer about it and he got them. They should be available where you are. The reason why they are now available, I was told, is because they are OEM on the Cayman GTS this year, which uses that size rears and Michelin OEMs that car.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 386
Likes: 19
From: Netherlands
https://www.michelin.de/auto/tyres/m...ilot-sport-4-s