donsacto

All:

I'm going to be buying a set of 18" Turbo twists from a 96 TT to replace my 17's on my C2S. The tires are the original tires that came from the car, they are P-Zeros. The fronts have tread left and the rears probably need replacing soon. Should I be concerened with the age of the tire 8+ years and replace them? If so, anyone have recommendations for a replacement tire? The car is for street use (dry performance). I like the Michelin PS2 but they dont make a 285 tire, only a 265 and 295. The wheels are 18x8 and 18x10 Any suggestions?????

Thanks,
Don

Mark in Baltimore

Don,

Eight year old tires are pretty damn old. Are there any cracks on the sidewalls? I'd toss them for certain. Even if there's no visible aging, the rubber has gone through so many heat cycles that it's probably harder than it should be and terrible in the rain. The rubber is the only thing touching the road; you want it to be as sticky as possible, within reason. Don't compromise yourself, others around you and your beloved P-car by running on these vintage tires for too long.

donsacto

I dont know if the tires have cracks in them or not, I'll find out tomorrow. The previous owner replaced the wheels and tires when he bought the car from the first owner so the tires have been in storage since.

Mark in Baltimore

Don,

Okay, I thought you said the tires are "8+ years" old.

Terry Adams

Jauder and I have each run the PS2 in 235F/295R size and been very happy with the results.

Anir

Don,

If you're looking primarily for dry warm-weather performance and don't mind the shorter life-span of an R-compound tire, I would recommend the Dunlop Supersport . I'm very happy with their performance and the recent bargain pricing at Tire Rack

amfp

Check the date stamp on the tires rather than guessing perhaps the age. If it was me and did not know how tires were stored and they were about 5 years old I would buy need tires.

jrgordonsenior

Absolutely too dangerous to drive. When I bought my 98 Cab 3 years ago it had the factory P-Zero's on it with 17k miles. A front blew 3 weeks later for no visable reason. I replaced the rest the same day with S03's.
JRG

BobbyB

Don,
Replace the tires. Tire rubber last about 4 yrs driven or stored. After that the properties change extremely fast and you will not know the real condition of the tire although they may look perfect. Good luck.

donsacto

All:

Thanks!! I replace the tires for sure, now deciding which one's I've narrowed it down to S02A, S03 or PS2. Only the bridgestone's come in OE sizes, the PS2 only come in a 265 or 295 tire and cost more than the Bridgesone's.

Thanks!

donsacto

Terry:

Is your car suspension lowered??

Don

jrgordonsenior

I went with the S02A's on my new 18's and like them a lot. Go with 235's up front if you can....
JRG

Terry Adams

Don: Yes lowered about 1.25" It's also an S, which gives me a little more clearance at the back only than a narrow body. No rubbing problems.

donsacto

TerryL

Mine is an S also, eventually like to go with your the same suspension setup you have, ROW M030 & Bilsteins.

Viken

Go for either the Pilot Sport Rib or the S-02A.