mathfuzzy

Quick question to the group.

I'm picking up my 993 next Friday from Southern California and driving it back home to the Bay Area. It is still wearing its original tires, which I'm going to replace before the drive. The original tires are visually in as-new condition - no chunking or cracking... but they're 17 years old and I'm quite sure as hard as rocks. Plus not likely to be safe for a romp up HWY 1.

The question is, should I keep the original tires and stick them in storage?

My default is 'no.'. They're wear items - like wiper blades - and not something that adds value to even an 'investment grade' car. But am I wrong?

race911

17 years? I think you want new tires mounted prior to your taking delivery. It's in no way a question of whether they are "hard."

davesnothere

Put it this way - have you ever seen an ad touting "original tires" as a selling point?

- Dave

mathfuzzy

Yeah, just to be clear, I'm picking it up and immediately driving a couple of miles to have new tires mounted. No question about "if" it needs new tires.

Silver Surfer

What tires were original to the 993? TireRack.com says they were Bridgestone S02.

NC TRACKRAT

Yes, I have. Granted, you only want to go off a trailer and then back on but concours owners will pay dearly for original tires. '65 GT350 original Goodyear Bluedot 7.75x15 tires, depending on condition, will easily bring $1,500 or more a piece, a little less for the '66 6.95x14 Goodyear Bluestreaks. Ask folks like RoadScholars what original tires will do for a Porsche in a concours.

mathfuzzy

On my '97 Targa they were Pirelli PZeros. If I remember right, S-02's didn't even exist in 1997. I believe this car has Michelin's. I'm replacing them with Bridgestone S-04's.

Silver Surfer

I have to replace too. I have S04s. I was thinking about replacing with OE S02As. Any reason to prefer the S04s?

mathfuzzy

I just went with the newer tire. Plus I just installed S04's on my wife's GTI and really like them.

davesnothere

Fair point.

- Dave

il pirata

Yes…as mentioned above for concours cars. Whether is makes sense to keep, sell, or toss depends on the condition.

Obviously you do not want to drive on the original tires other than from a trailer to the display area and back.

NYC993

How is this even possible considering rears are done in 10k-15k miles? How many miles on the car?

mathfuzzy

Good question.

4k!

(and sorry to be active without pictures. I realize this is a forum party foul. Will rectify as quickly as possible)

x50type

1995 Carrera 4 came with Continental Sport Contact.
F 205/50ZR - 17
R 255/40ZR - 17

996scott

4K? All i can say is WOW!