ROCMAN993

I'm new here. Just got a 1998 993 cabriolet. Window sticker says front: 205/55 zr17; rear: 245/45 zr 17. But what's on the car are front: 225/40 zr18 rear: 265/35 zr18.

I want to replace the tires as they are shot. Should I go back to 17" wheels? If I stick with the 18"s, what size tires? Also, any suggestions as to tire make/model. How about Michelin pilot sport ribs? Any help would be appreciated.

bart1

That 18 size combo is good. Many on here, including myself, like the Sumitomo HTRZIII for a low cost street tire.

My993C2

I have 225/40 zr18 N3s (front) and 265/35 zr18 N3s (rear) on my '97 993 Carrera 2 Coupe.

So it is the same as yours ...

kjr914

If you do a google search for "tire size calculator" or similiar, you can find websites that allow you to input your orig size and various new sizes to see if you can get a "close enough" circumference to the original.

I've run the Michelins and now am running the Hankook Ventus V12 evo, which are a bit cheaper, but seem to be a pretty good replacement. I'm not noticing any more road noise. The Sumitomo's get good reviews here. A quick search will bring up info on a million tire threads. Here's one for the Hankooks:
https://rennlist.com/forums/993-foru...pressions.html

JDS

Go phat and get the 285/30's out back...

Got pics to share???

Stealth 993

As said you are fine with that tire size, & if you want 17's, I'll trade you mine for your 18's?

The stock 17's are 205/255.

PS2's are AWESOME all round tires, but expensive. If you want 75% of that tire for 60% LESS, get the Sumi HTZIII.

Kika

I had the PS2s when I put MY02s (18s) on my car, which is a daily driver, no track. They are very good tires, when I replaced the rears, I put the HTR ZIIIs on, 285/30 no rubbing, and fine on the street, absolutely no issues.

The PS2s are a fine tire, but cost a lot more than the HTR ZIIIs, so it depends on your needs/use.

Avoid the HTR ZIIs they are terrible, I had those on my 911SC, very scary, OK in the dry, but in the wet, very ugly.

I am running 225 in the front and 285 in the rear on 18s. I also have M030/HD suspension, and I find the ride firm, but comfortable, at least my wife will ride in the 993, she wouldn't ride in the SC.

ROCMAN993

Thanks for all the guidance. No pics yet. Too much rain here in Long Island.

Any thoughts on the Continental Extreme Contact DWs?

Falcondrivr

I've run Khumo SPT, Michelin PS2, ContiSport Contact2, and now Dunlop Dirizza Z1 Star Specs. The Star Specs are the least expensive, and best tire of that group. Wet or dry they grip well. 225/40/18 & 275/35/18. $850 for all 4 delivered from Tire Rack.
Last month I beat the current and 9 time national autocross champion (Danny Shields) in his Boxter at our local PCA autox. It was the tires, not me....

Stealth 993

I would love to try the Dirizza's, but they don't make a 205/255 in 17in.

trophy

They do a 215 / 255 though.....

Stealth 993

Don't need more understeer! It would also be illegal in my Auto-X class.

trophy

Oh well, was worth a shot. I have run them for a couple of seasons and they are great tire at a great price.

cgfen

and Trophy wrote
"They do a 215 / 255 though..... "

Stealth, good to see that you regularly exercise your car(s) by AXing.
I too would like to try Direzzas, but they don't make wide enough rears for my taste. We settled on Hankook Ventus 12 something-or-other in 245 - 35 and 295 - 30 sizing for our 4S "spec" class.

Sorry, but i've gotta ask, how does going to a slightly wider front tire affect your car such that you get more understeer?

cheers

Craig

Stealth 993

Tire sizing is the basis for car handling. If you put more tire up front, you get more grip, this will cause OVERSTEER, I misspoke, as it's early I didn't have my coffee yet.

Same as if you went with a smaller rear tire. You can play with this a bit, by changing your tire pressures. Usually you will feel the difference when you push the car, & best done in a controlled area.

I've Auto-xed my car since I got it, usually place @ the top of my class. Last year we had 22 cars in my class. My real competition is a 2005 Boster, & my friend in his 96 993. So far I'm undefeated this year, having won the last 3 races.