Brett - 1996 C4

After nearly getting caught out in snow here in Seattle the last couple of years with my 18" wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sports, I've decided to pick up a dedicated set of winter wheels and tires for the upcoming season.

I was originally thinking of getting a used set of 17" Porsche Cup II wheels (7 & 9" widths). However, I'm finding that there are no winter tires that fit these, at least in the rear (255/40). Or that's what Tire Rack informs me.
Pirellis are available for the fronts (205/50), but not the rear, and it looks like a similar situation from other manufacturers.

Any suggestions here? I can find something that fits in the 18", but it seems ridiculous to run 18" snow tires (not to mention more expensive).

JimPA

I have 18" wheels for the summer and 17" aftermarket turbo twists for winter. After nine seasons on a set of Michelin Pilot Alpins, the 255/40 rear size was NLA at replacement time. For the last two winters I've had Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D:

Front 7.5J x 17 ET52 205/50 x 17 V rated
Rear 9J x 17 ET15 245/40 x 17 V rated

They're fine and I've never had traction worries with either brand. The front of the car has always felt light in snow so I drive accordingly. My car is a C2S and the winter wheels don't need spacers.

abiazis

I have 17 inch for summer and 18 inch for winter that came from my 2003 C4S that I have used for 3 years on the 993.......I know you are supposed to go smaller, but the 18s work really fine......

I have Pirelli 240 Snow sports which may be on closeout and they lasted 8 winter seasons (Nov-March) or about 20,000 before I had to replace the rears before last year's winter season.......

I had used Dunlop SP Winter Sport 3D on a BMW and think they provide a bit better traction, but not a deal breaker if the Pirellis are more affordable.......most of the winter tires are very similar in performance, so I have gone with best price........

I always place a 50 lb sack of salt in the front trunk to assist with traction....

johzev

Brett:

I have a set of oem 17 cup II's mounted with Blizzaks. Used on one 2000 mile road trip. PM me if you are interested.

BradB

+1 on the Dunlop Wintersports. Before I have a traction problem, though, I have a clearance problem. My car is on PSS9's and the center mound of snow in the driving lane can quickly build up higher than my low car. Luckily the bottom is smooth...like a tobaggan! I save the Audi S4 for winter now.

DJF1

Nokian WR's are perfect for the PNW weather. They also come in all flavors on 17" with a correct 255 in the rear that is also Porsche approved with the N0 designation.
I used a set on my old cabrio on 17's , 225's in the front 255 in the rear. Great tire.

Brett - 1996 C4

Hi guys:

Thanks for all the responses! Based on your responses (and wheel offers), I think I can find something that works. It kind of mystifies me, though, that all the tire manufacturers seem to be discontinuing the spec tires for the 17" wheels, at least for the rears. I guess they figure there is more profit in the 18"+ sizes.

bcameron59

now using Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25
fronts: 205/50R17
rears: 255/40R17

This time I bought 4 rear tires in case this series is discontinued. Like most of us, the rears wear out about twice as fast as the fronts. Last set (Yokohama AVS Winter) was discontinued when I went to get a 2nd set of rears.

Seem to work, main problem is getting stuck behind the doofuses that don't have proper winter tires.