Aircooled Dave

Time for some new rubber.

I currently have PS2s on the car on 1996 TT "Turbo Twists".
Front: 225/30/18, 8x18 et50
Rear: 295/30/18, 11x18 et45

Overall the PS2 and TT rims are a great combo. I do have a few complaints though.

1. PS2 are super expensive. In some cases 2x the price of alternatives as we all know. Yes they perform well and perhaps better than cheaper alternatives, but i'm not racing so paying 2x more for 5% more performance isn't a priority. Porschephile disclaimer here....This is not a matter of being cheap, it's simply a matter of getting the best value.
   
2. They wear pretty quickly. Rated as a 220 UTQG, but after 2 sets I have to think they're more like a 180 or similar. I have no way to measure this scientifically, just my gut feel.
   
3. Once they're worn down to the bars, they wear REALLY fast. Something to keep an eye out for if you have them. This literally can be just a few hundred miles or less.
   
4. 225/295 combo seems to push a bit in the C4S. I know the AWD is playing a role here, but I'm hoping I can tune it out a little with a bit more grip in the front to help balance things out.

So all that said I'm thinking of moving to a new setup using the same TT rims with Sumitomo HTR Z III tires.
Front: 235/40/18 on 8x18
Rear: 295/30/18 on 11x18

It's an older tire design, but seems to have rather favorable reviews although I don't know anyone personally who has them. Sizes are >2% difference F/R with the larger setup vs >1% difference on stock size so this should be negligible to both ABS and VC AWD. Assuming size and fit are OK, I think there are several benefits here that outweigh any tradeoffs. Fit doesn't look like it's an issue even with my lowered RS stance on PSS10s. I think ultimate grip may be somewhat compromised, but with a wider front contact patch up front any difference might be imperceptible except under extreme acceleration. The higher wear rating of 300 vs 220 should yield 20-30% better mileage and the cost is much cheaper at <$600 per set. If they're a little quieter I'll consider that a bonus.

I've read some posts on here about people with these tires, but hoping for some current real world experience from anyone who has these, especially on a C4S/TT.

For anyone else who is looking, the Sumi's are on slight sale @ Tirerack right now. Total for 235/40 and 295/30 is $550 for a set of 4 prior to shipping/tax. You can save ~$50 per set depending on size.

Quadcammer

have them in that size combo, and pretty pleased with them. I've gotten good wear out of them (20k+ on the front, 10k+ on the rear). They may not have the ultimate stick of a ps2 or similar, but they have good grip, they're quiet and they do well in most conditions (rain, dry, very light snow, etc).

I'll be buying another set when these are done.

ilko

I ran those exact sizes of Sumi HTR Z IIIs on my old C4S. For the price I was very pleased. I only put about 4K miles on them before I sold the car, but they drove great, grip was very good, I have no complaints. I'd buy them again.

NYC993

Does 235/295 combo instead of 225/285 fit on C4S with no problem? Or better off using stock sizes?

Aircooled Dave

Great feedback. Thanks. Should have them on the car in another week or so.

ilko

I ran those tires on 8.5 and 11 inch wide wheels, but you could run them on the stock 8s and 10s for a larger contact patch.

NYC993

Thanks, will keep that in mind.

cgfen

consider the hankook v12s in
245 - 35 X 18
and
295 - 30 X 18
sizing

several of us prefer them over the sumis
"softer ride"
better grip
less "greasy" during AX / DE events
all
IMO

have fun

JZ98-993

I've got a set of each, after taking the sumi's to the track you can definitely see where the cost savings come in play. Not even pushing the limits the car was way under tired, that being said if you are just looking for 100% street with spirited driving they are fine. I find the ride quality isn't bad, but not even close to the PS2's or the new pzero's I've had on. Actually, I was very happy with the new pzero and they just started making them in the 295/30 and have a good price/performance ratio

Biggest thing that bothers me is the 295 sumi's stretch way too much on an 11inch wheel and look anemic compared to the ps2's. My 2 cents