H. Miller

There seems to be only 3 choices for replacement tires for the 18inch wheels on the 993 S models (in this case a 1998 C4S):
S-02(Bridgestone), Pilot Sport(Michelin), and PZero(Pirelli). I'm currently running the S-02 and all that I read says to replace with the same.
Any opinions out there? (Car will be used on track only a couple of times a year).

Terry Adams

I've had all three on mine at various times. Tires are costing me more per mile than oil changes and tune ups, even with street use only. At 58K, I'm replacing the rear 18" SO2 this Thursday with SO2 to match the fronts. To do otherwise is asking for trouble.

Steve in SLO

I have run P Zeros (didn't like much about them), and S-O2's, which I like--Good grip in dry and wet, although they become scary in the rain after the rears get somewhat worn down. I now have about 700 miles on a set of S-03s, and after initially not liking the feel, I am really starting to like them. They are relatively quiet and supple for touring, yet they seem to have good grip, although I have not tested them at the limit on the track yet. An added bonu$ is they have a 220 treadwear rating vs the S-02s 140 rating. That should save some money in rear tires. I have heard only good about the Pilot Sports, but have not driven them. Hope this helps.

Darryl

I've also used three types of tires on my C2S. Conti-Sport, PZero and now Bridgestone 730. Of the three, I like the Bridgestone 730 the best.

Robin 993DX

Used P-zero, Dunlap SP-8000 on 17s, and have used Continental Contisports and SO-2 on my 18s. Now SO-2 are my only choice.

Viken

You must remember that the same tire does not always perform the same in both 17" and 18" sizes. In your case (18's), I would classify the P-Zero as the ultimate dry performer. The S-02 as an average dry performer but a great rain tire. The Michelin Pilot Sport as the best of all worlds with little or no compromise in any given area.

Steve in SLO

Regarding Darryl's post: I don't believe the B'stone 730's are available in a 285/30-18. Too bad. They'd be a nice relatively low-cost option

Porsche911NYC

Switched to Michelin Pilot Sports; am very happy with them. Had the original Pirelli P-Zeros and got 14,000 miles out of them (including 2 track days).

hn

I,too, put 2 new Michelin Sport MXX3 (17") to match with the front two. These tires cost a bunch of money. The best price i've got was from TireRack. I plan to change all 4 to different brand in the future since my car is only for weekends use.

Viken

It is important the we don't confuse the Pilot Sport MXX3 (now discontinued) with the newer Pilot Sport SX. While both are excellent tires, there are some differences between them especially in the wet.

Anir

I noticed that the new Michelin Pilot Sport has a higher treadwear rating (220) than the previous MXX3 (140). Are the new Pilot Sports likely to be "compromise" tires - i.e. ones that sacrifice some ultimate dry road grip and feedback for improved wet weather handling? I believe the Bridgestone S-02 Pole Positions would fall into this category, as I suspect will the new S-03 PPs.

Technology may have changed the picture, but I have always found that tires with a higher treadwear rating are not as responsive.

I've had the Michelin MXX3s on a 1991 Infiniti Q45 and felt they were top notch. I currently have the S-02s (non-PP) on my 993TT and plan to try either P-zeros or the new Pilots the next time around. The S-02 wet weather traction is admirable, but I suspect that dry performance could be better.

I guess treadwear / longevity is important, but I'll take a great handling, softer tire any day if it makes my p-car behave more like a p-car. After all, what else is the children's inheritance for?

Jack

Anir:

I went from the SO-2's to the new Michelin Sports and feel the change was a significant improvement. Both dry and wet handling improved. The Michelins also hold up well under DE conditions. Give them a try next tire purchase, I think you'll be pleased.

Anir

Jack, I'll take your advice when my current S-02s wear out.

The Michelins sound promising. Come to think of it, a friend has a 1997 M3 with the MXX3's, and his car has always handled like a dream. If the new Pilots can offer excellent wet/dry handling, with longer tread life, what's not to like?

hn

Michelin Pilot Sx Mxx3 have one old and one new model even though the names are exactly the same (not much different in price). The old one is the original equipment for 993 and doesn't have the wheel protection groove, the new one does. So if you are buying less than 4, make sure they match.