After reading everyone's comments here and on the tire rack site, I decided to order the Potenza S-02a tires. I'll report back after I have them installed this weekend. Thanks for much input I decided to get Porsche OE models.

 

make sure you get about 100 miles on em before you start to evaluate.... I currently have those tires and just love em! - will be buying another set soon.

 

I'd love to hear your comments. I'm about a month away from ordering these and it would be nice to hear more positive (hopefully) feedback about them...

 

I made an appointment for installation on Monday at my local german car repair shop. I let you know next week.

 

my previous set was pirelli - not a very good tire... sticky but slides a lot... the SO2-A has a great sidewall which provides excellent steering feedback and precision around the corners... and talk about stick... wooooaaaaa

the pirelli's use to flatspot but the S02-A do not... they did once when I let the car sit for 3 weeks and within 10 min of driving they went back to round... Pirelli's permanently stayed out of round leading to vibrations above 100 mph

when I changed to S02-A I experienced what the 996 was capable of.

 

Pete, what year/model do you have? I have pirellis now and haven't been impressed - you're getting me excited about the s02's....

 

99C2 6-speed with 17" rims... if you have the 18" rims on the car it will be a little better in terms of handling and response... all I can say is even with the 17" rims the car handles amazing... they are THAT good. I'd never touch Pirelli again. I've had them for 10,000 miles so far and I think I can squeeze out another 1,500-3,000 miles - I drive aggressively.

Maybe about 15% tread left - this is where you have the most fun in the corners

Lots of people also like the Pilot Sport RIB - but the only complaint from many is the soft sidewall... I think you'll be quite happy with the S02-A.

 

I just put a set of S02As on - see my post about X74. Can't tell you much yet about tires - too new,etc. and I'm also on a new suspension. Anyway, they look great!

 

Best tire I have ever had on my Porsche. Mine are designated N4 however.

 

I believe the 17" are N3 and the 18" are n4... and yes they are a fantastic tire..!

 

Just put a DE weekend and about 500 miles on my new set of S02A's. Very nice on steet and track (for me, a track novice). They look good, too.

 

Hi Pete...

I just double checked. My tires are 17's and they are designated N4. The porsche bulletin also shows 17's SO-2A's as N4. They are absolutely great tires like you say!!...

Thx...

Jim

 

Hey Jim,

yes your right... I was mistaken they are N4; glad you like them...! for me it was a breath of fresh air after the pirelli experience.

Pete

 

Just got them put on last saturday. Initially feel a lot better and quiter then the Pirellis that came off.

 

I'm about ready to get a new set. How do the S-02 A's compare with the SO-3 Pole Position. Did you look at that tire.

Thanks,
Dave