fpena944

My car is on break right now as I'm working on replacing the spark plugs (I got 4 done, gotta do the last two tonight!).

As I was under the car I realized that the driver's side rear tire is down to the cords on the inside AND it has a nail in it. So after much research and primarily based on price, I went with the Sumitomo HTR Z III tires. Even though my front Michelin's are still in great shape I will replace the whole set (anyone want used Michelin 18" tires?).

I'll probably get them installed on Thursday then report back what I think of them.

Oh and thanks Tire Rack for the great price on these things! Imagine that, four tires for the price of 1.5 PS2's!

soverystout

You got the HTR Z IIIs right? I think the IIs lack the load handling capability for a 996.

Most guys go for the IIIs when it comes to the 996.

ivangene

hope you meant III's

fpena944

Yeah edited my post and the title!

Chris996

2002 C2

ivangene

the HTZR III's are a great tire/value

I enjoyed mine

solosailor

UPS just pulled up with my new Hankooks V12, considered the Sumi-III as well since they were also on the inexpensive side. $610 total for the 4 @ Discount Tire Online including shipping for the kooks.

I was down to the belt as well on one of my fronts PZeros..... got 20-22k out of the PZeros on the rear. Can't wait for the grip to be back later today !

rajeshr

I think you'll be extremely happy with the Hankook's. I am surprised how good they are (both wet and dry) especially considering their low price.

rudy1024

I'll probably be ready for rears in a few months for mine... Wow, the rears really do wear out faster than the front and getting rears once a year is probably pretty accurate. Fortunately the ZIIIs have a great price...

Rudy

fpena944

Tire wear on these cars is deceiving since the outer 2/3rds of the tire looks relatively fine but the inner 1/3 wear much more quickly.

If I hadn't been under the car I would have still assumed my rears had some life remaining in them.

I hope these can last at least a year so I can chalk this up as just an annual expense.

Marc Gelefsky

Seriously? My rear Conti's are near the end of their life after 8K miles.
No track or autoX, Just street use and no abuse.

ivangene

Translation:

more turning - harder turning - more turning - harder turning


your next set wont do that

If you do not like that plan the alternative is less negative camber in the rear - you should have a relationship with your alingment guy and stop in about every 2-3 months for a quick "look" then the next time he aligns your car he will know how to set it up for you - unless you are willing to make changes based on what he sees, then he can adjust what he sees in your tire wear to your alignment

Barn996

I bought Sumi IIIs for my rear tires and think they handle very well, although I'm not a track junky. I wanted to see how they would handle and wear, and so far I am happy with them.

pat056

I bought the III's for the 996 last year. I have 10,000 miles on them and this includes 2 DE's (VIR and CMP). I had the rear tires flipped to put the inside wear point to the outside. Once we dismounted the tire, I could barely tell which was the inside and which the outside. I won't be surprised to get 20,000 miles out of the rears. Conti's were lucky to get 10,000 miles of streeet driving only.

himself

Keep in mind that the 3's are asymetrical and the 2's are directional. You can flip the 2s and get extra life, but you can't with the 3's.

-td