Hradec

It's time to buy tires, old tires from previous owner were totally wrong sizes, probably burned out the viscous clutch. Old fronts zero Nero 255/40/18
old rears continue extrm contact 285/30/18

I have stock wheels 18x8 18X11

what are you guys running?

seems like the most expensive solution gives me the least amount of difference , mich pilot sport ps2
295/30/18
225/40/18

also my parts guy at Loeber Porsche was looking for tsb for tire differences front and rear, he printed a bunch if stuff for me, but none seemed to be what I needed.
thanks
Glenn
PS
might do some more DE, mostly want a tire that rides nice, handles nice in wet and dry.
don't drive the car in winter.
no all season tires available in the rear size

pongobaz

Previous set was Bridgestone S02A (N spec) and just switched to Michelin PS2 (N3) always in stock size. Michelins are quieter and more compliant than the Bridgestones ever were. I wouldn't mess with trying different sizes as the AWD system doesn't take kindly to variations in rolling diameter front to rear.

craig001

I would go with the Michelins myself. I have had a slew of p-cars through the years and sun on a variety of tires. Currently I have P-zero Neros on my C4S. They ok. On the Kinesis Rims I bought and are still usable. Many folks are running the Sumitomo HTZ-III's are pleased with the cost vs. performance. I had HTZ-II's on my old 944S2 and was not happy with them. I will say that Michelins suck when the temps are in the 40's if you plan on driving year round on one set of tires this might be something to consider. IIRC my stock sizes are 235/40/18 and 295/30/18. I ran 305s on 19"997T rims in the rear without problems but I thought I read somewhere that Porsche rolled the fenders at the factory on the C4S model. Someone with a better memory will correct I am sure.

AWDGuy

michelin PSS's here

FRUNKenstein

A lot of people run Sumi HTR ZIII. $524 for a set on Tirerack.com vs. $1,377 for the PS2. Not quite as good a tire as the Michelins, but my 996tt came with a new set installed by the previous owner and I have no complaints about the Sumis. I see generally good reviews on them.

Hradec

Thanks for the detailed responses, much appreciated.
looks like I will stay with stock sizes.
torn between Michelin ps2 that are n3 rated
and the sumitomos.
it's crazy that I can nearly buy 3 sets of sumis
compared to Michelin.
I will be doing some Porsche club DE, might be a bit more affordable to trash a set of sumis vs much.

track experience and weather experience with these 2 tires?

thanks

Glenn
villa park , Illinois
2003 c4s

strathconaman

I had Super Sports, and not in stock sizes. They were OK, but not the wow factor that I was expecting. I recently bought a set of wheels that came with PZeros in stock sizes. I have decided that I don't know more than Porsche, and that stock sizes are the way to go.

I have also learned that tire pressure is probably as important as tire compound and construction for how the tires feel, both in terms of comfort and performance.

bobbyho

I've been running the Yokohama AD08R for my last two sets. It's a great DE tire, but the ratings in the wet aren't so good. If you want a tire that will do it all, I'd go with everyone's recommendation on the Michelins

Esfoad

I'm running Continental DW's right now and I'm happy. Balanced perfectly, smooth ride and they grip really well.

mrzoop

I've just put the Sumi's on mine. Tire choice depends mostly on driving style. I suspect that I will not 'wear' these out before they 'age out', as I don't put many miles on my cars. For the occasional spirited adventure with some county roads and 2 lane weekends, Sumi's are just what I needed.

FRUNKenstein

I haven't tracked my 996tt - and just one autocross so far, so not much help there. But, of all of the factors involved in producing my times around the course, I didn't feel like it was my tires that limited performance (it was the guy behind the wheel that was the weak link).

As for weather, I drive my car probably once per week during the winter on the Sumis, but only in the cold, not the snow. And I take it really easy when the temps get below 40 degrees. I've driven a few times in the rain in the Sumis and they did just fine. I didn't notice any hydroplaning or squirrelly behavior.

I'm certain that the PS2s are a better tire based on reviews. But not 3x better. Maybe the way to go is to buy a set of the HTR ZIIIs and try them. Then, if you don't like them, use them for track tires a couple of times and use them up & save the PS2s. Even with delivery and mounting and balancing, you'd only be out a little over $700.

TonyTwoBags

285 width Pirelli Pzeros are great at hydroplaning above 70mph. C2 here, but my experience may translate. Planning to go with Michellin PS2s next go round, unless a cheaper alternative grabs my eye. The dry grip on the Pirellis is fantastic, btw.

garrett376

On my 03 C4S, the sumitomo tires (vs. the pirellis I had on before) would cause the PSM to kick in on a turn I took every day on my usual drive to work. With pirellis, it NEVER happened; with the Sumi's it was easy to get the PSM to kick in. I don't know if it was the softer sidewalls, or some slight difference in the rolling diameter, but I was surprised and disappointed that it did that. I thought after more miles it would go away, but even after a number of years, I could predictably make PSM kick in on this same turn/corner.

On my street-only 03 996tt I run Yoko AD08R's in stock sizes and they are fantastic! Fortunately I don't roll in traffic often but they do make a funny rumbling vibration rolling at 6 or so mph. Otherwise great tire. If you're gonna do track driving, tires make a HUGE difference, much bigger than on street and these AD08's would be a good choice.

Volkert

I like this site to compare tires: https://tiresize.com/tires/Porsche/9...Carrera-Coupe/

I run 225/40/18 and 285/30/18 Michelin PS2 on my 98 Carrera. Great tires, also in the wet.

AnthonyGS

Any of you guys ever heard of Bridgestone? I've always really liked theirvtires for the money. The current s04s are quite nice. Need value? It's hard to beat Hankook when looking for budget oriented performance. The real thing you need in a performance tire is predictability! Lots of grip without predictability is dangerous.

And remember new Sumis are better than dry rotted old michelins.

Michelins are great but they aren't for everyone.