N spec tire rating
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: LA, CA
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
So here's the deal . . . .I am about to buy tires for my 986S that do not have an N spec rating for the side walls. The tire shop I have chosen has mentioned that I would have to sign a waiver in order to purchase these tires. Apparently, after further discussion this waiver is simply a hand written document that states the shop has mentioned these tires are not N spec tires and clears the shop from any liability. The shop is not being pushy about it, but just saying they need to do it. What I don't understand is why they have to clear their liability for a tire that is DOT approved.
Simply put, the N spec sidewall rating that Porsche has devised is essentially only given to a couple of tire manufacturers who have worked with Porsche through R&D. Therefore Porsche only allows these certain tires to be installed on their cars. Tirerack has an explanation posted on their website.
Bottom line, does anyone see any issues with siging a waiver to have non-N spec tires that are DOT approved installed?
Thanks,
CSbox03s
Simply put, the N spec sidewall rating that Porsche has devised is essentially only given to a couple of tire manufacturers who have worked with Porsche through R&D. Therefore Porsche only allows these certain tires to be installed on their cars. Tirerack has an explanation posted on their website.
Bottom line, does anyone see any issues with siging a waiver to have non-N spec tires that are DOT approved installed?
Thanks,
CSbox03s
Last edited by CSbox03s; 02-04-2009 at 04:49 PM.
#6
Drifting
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Another Ex pat Brit in SoCal
Posts: 2,442
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
2 Posts
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I laughed out loud when my local stealership gave me the disapproving stare for having tires fitted without the N rating. ![hiha](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/roflmao.gif)
Ordered tires from Tirerack and had my local indy Porsche shop fit and balance them - saved a fortune and very happy with the tires.
![hiha](https://rennlist.com/forums/graemlins/roflmao.gif)
Ordered tires from Tirerack and had my local indy Porsche shop fit and balance them - saved a fortune and very happy with the tires.
#7
Race Car
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Here we go again.............![popcorn](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/popcorn.gif)
buy N tires and forget about it. You are hampering the handling capabilities of the car if you dont buy N spec.
Just read the load ratings between an N spec and a non-N for the same exact tire.
BIG difference!
![popcorn](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/popcorn.gif)
buy N tires and forget about it. You are hampering the handling capabilities of the car if you dont buy N spec.
Just read the load ratings between an N spec and a non-N for the same exact tire.
BIG difference!
Trending Topics
#9
Race Car
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I was doing 90 MPH around a turn. Bored that the car was not at its limit, I decided to whip the wheel harder to disrupt the rear.
Boy, was I in for it! The rear started to come around and the tires were howling really loud. I almost **** myself.
It recovered (not as quickly as I wanted being used to forward engined cars) and I understood what the rear weight could do like the classic 911's when the rear comes out.
So, in that instance, I could of put the car in the guardrail at 90 MPH if I would of had non-N spec tires. Every little bit counts in safety
Jus' sayin'...............
![Cheers](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/smilies/beerchug.gif)
#11
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Hmm. This has always been an interesting debate for me to read about. Me personally, I have driven 996's with and without N spec tires (PS2's to be precise) and felt that the non N spec tires actually handled better. Granted the cars where set up differently, as mine (the one with non N spec tires) had a more aggressive alignment and both cars had modded suspension 1 with x74, GT3 bars and one with PSS9s, GT3 bars and control arms (mine). Overall grip in that autocross, mine felt better. I understand that my car had slightly wider tires and a better alignment which could contribute to the better grip but I wouldn't say that N spec tires will be the difference to loosing it or saving yourself in a drift. In fact, I found that feed back was just as good as was turn-in even though the N Spec tires have stiffer sidewalls.
Perhaps at the track the difference is more noticeable?
Perhaps at the track the difference is more noticeable?
#12
![Default](https://rennlist.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
In one of my Porsche books, they discussed N-spec and gave the rear weight bias as being the main factor here. i.e. most cars don't have 60% of their weight over the rear tires and thus the side walls have to be stiffened to support the extra weight.