animull

When I purchased my '03 c2, I purchased the optional 18" (5 star) rims equipped with P-Zeros sized at: Front 225/40-18 & Rear 285/30-18.

I'm looking at new tires and wondering if anyone knows or has experience with using a 265/35-18 for the rear in lieu of the 285/30s?

Will this fitment work or cause any issues I should be aware of?

Loren

The 265/35 will work fine as it was the standard rear tire prior to MY02.
Why would you downsize? Your car has a good balance with 8" wheel in the front and 10" in the rear so those are the best summer tires approved by Porsche.

1999Porsche911

What you have on now is not the best combo anyway. Your backend is too much lower compared to the front 265/35 is what I run and they are fine

PorschePRH

I went the other way to a 285/35 on the rear and a 235/40 on the front. It's a little taller than the 265/35 on the rear, but percetage wise within range.

This gave me some other tire choices, but I was worried how it would look. I bought a set of Sumitomo's from Tirerack that are very reasonable priced and similarly rated to the much more expensive tires in the daily driving categories (close but not has highly rated for track use, but I don't track the car).

The end result: Super happy! The tires are smooth riding, quieter than the Conti's, and I couldn't believe how much better the car looks with the bigger tires. It really helps to visually integrate the tires/wheels with the fender. I was surprised. To me the 285/30's make the tire/wheel look too small for the fender arch.

animull

Although handling with the stock configuration is brilliant, I use this car as my daily driver and the PZeros have been painfully noisy and hard. So, my intention in looking at alternative sizes is to reduce tire noise and increase comfort. Also, wouldn't mind finding a tire that wears a bit longer! It seems the number of tires available in the 225/40/18 & 285/30/18 combo are also somewhat limiting.

1999Porsche911

Go with the Potenza RE750's. Quite and great traction, wet and dry.

animull

Thanks - the RE750 is high on my list however, appears it does not come in a 285/30/18. That is why I'm looking for insight on alternative size configurations...

Ray S

You have a tire problem not a size problem. The Pirelli P Zero's are just plain noisy! I've got them on my C2, but I'm putting on Michelin Pilot's after the Zero's wear out (I've got them on my Boxster and I love them).

1999Porsche911

Oh, I thought you wanted to go to the 265/35/18 and that is why I recommended the Re750's. Right now, having the 225/40 on he front and the 285/30 on the back, you car is 1/2 inch lower in the back compared to the spec, as related to the front height. Remember, with the engine in the back, the car is designed to be higher in the back end in order to transfer weight to the front. Stock height difference in about 1/4 inch taller back tires than front.

animull

Interesting. So why does Porsche factory set their cars up this way when you purchase new? And, what would you recommend I buy?

1999Porsche911

My mistake. On the earlier models, what I said applied. I forgot the rear tire change when they went with the 3.6 engine. I have been thinking of going with a 285/30 in the back and 245/35 in the front on mine, so I'll be looking for a tire other than the RE750 too. I wish they made that size, because I have never driven on a better tire. I hate expierimenting with new tires when you are happy with what you have. Maybe the RE050A?

animull

Appreciate the clarification. The RE750 and the Pilot Sport PS2 appear to be great tires. Unfortunately, neither of them are available in my fitment...

every day

I didn't like the p-zeros either so I went with potenza s02a's and have been very happy with them.

225/40-18 in front and 285/30-18 in rear were my stock sizes and i stayed with that...

Tbred911

how do the RE750's compare to the SO2-A? - the RE750 seem to be a popular tire at much less price than the S02-A... price not being a factor... which is better?

1999Porsche911

I have driven both and like the RE750 much better for street driving. Better traction, wet and dry. No balance problems either.