Tire choice for street
10-26-2018, 04:07 PM
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Tire choice for street
I need to pick up some street tires to fit '04 996 GT3 rims - and was wondering what people recommend. Not intended for track use (I have separate track rims and rubber). They will go on a fair weather pleasure car used mostly on twisty two lane blacktop/secondary roads.
Full disclosure, they are going on a C2, not a GT3, but they are factory GT3 rims on a car with x74 suspension and GT3 lower control arms.
Full disclosure, they are going on a C2, not a GT3, but they are factory GT3 rims on a car with x74 suspension and GT3 lower control arms.
10-26-2018, 06:59 PM
#2
Nordschleife Master
If you want to stick with stock GT3 size.. 235/40/18 295/30/18, options are fairly limited.
Sumitomo HTR Z III come out to $575 + install from TireRack.
Michelin Pilot Sport 2 can be had for $1215 + install from TireRack. Act fast because the $70 rebate ends on 31 OCT. I just bought the stock sizes from Costco, $1258 installed... $70 coupon ends on 28 OCT. Between Costco and TireRack, cost is basically equal with installation. I opted to goto Costco due to the included Road Hazard program... i live 2 minutes away from one.
Your other option is to use a 285/35/18 or a 295/35/18 for the rear. I would go with Michelin Super Sports if that's the case.
Sumitomo HTR Z III come out to $575 + install from TireRack.
Michelin Pilot Sport 2 can be had for $1215 + install from TireRack. Act fast because the $70 rebate ends on 31 OCT. I just bought the stock sizes from Costco, $1258 installed... $70 coupon ends on 28 OCT. Between Costco and TireRack, cost is basically equal with installation. I opted to goto Costco due to the included Road Hazard program... i live 2 minutes away from one.
Your other option is to use a 285/35/18 or a 295/35/18 for the rear. I would go with Michelin Super Sports if that's the case.
10-27-2018, 09:28 AM
#3
Drifting
Thread Starter
Thank you!
I have the Sumitomo’s on the car now (came on the car on turbo twist rims) and they grip fine and handle well, but are noisy when cold. Once warmed up they are fine, not amazing performance, but okay. I’m surprised how inexpensive they are!
How are the Michelins? Is the compound any softer? Are they loud prior to warming up? Are they worth the additional expense? That price range is what I was anticipting for replacement rubber, very fair considering the sizes.
I have the Sumitomo’s on the car now (came on the car on turbo twist rims) and they grip fine and handle well, but are noisy when cold. Once warmed up they are fine, not amazing performance, but okay. I’m surprised how inexpensive they are!
How are the Michelins? Is the compound any softer? Are they loud prior to warming up? Are they worth the additional expense? That price range is what I was anticipting for replacement rubber, very fair considering the sizes.
10-28-2018, 09:08 AM
#4
Rennlist Member
I have tried many brands after 128,000 miles.
Sumitomos are my number 2 pick. Not squirmy like Hankook and Kumho, and good tread wear, too.
Michelin PS2s are still a superior street tire. Not only are they a better tire in dry handling, but much better in the rain. They do wear a little faster than Sumitomo.
However, that means PS2s are a safer tire—in my opinion. The question comes down to whether the extra $710 for the Michelins is worth it to you.
My problem has been availability of the PS2s, but every time I get a pair on the car it is a noticeable improvement in performance from the moment I leave the tire shop to the day I return. Yes, they are quieter, too.
Sumitomos are my number 2 pick. Not squirmy like Hankook and Kumho, and good tread wear, too.
Michelin PS2s are still a superior street tire. Not only are they a better tire in dry handling, but much better in the rain. They do wear a little faster than Sumitomo.
However, that means PS2s are a safer tire—in my opinion. The question comes down to whether the extra $710 for the Michelins is worth it to you.
My problem has been availability of the PS2s, but every time I get a pair on the car it is a noticeable improvement in performance from the moment I leave the tire shop to the day I return. Yes, they are quieter, too.
10-28-2018, 09:31 AM
#5
latest Pzero Rosso also makes for a very good street tire, the latest compound is wickedly sticky for dry/wet..melt at track but great on street
10-28-2018, 02:10 PM
#6
Nordschleife Master
Marv, what kind of mileage do you get out of the rear for the Michelin and Sumitomo?
The previous owner of my car was getting about 10-12k miles out of the PS2's, all street driven. The fronts are 5 years old and starting to dry rot. The rears are still at 30-40% but unfortunately are worn badly on the inside due to excessive toe... getting a new set of four was an easy decision.
The previous owner of my car was getting about 10-12k miles out of the PS2's, all street driven. The fronts are 5 years old and starting to dry rot. The rears are still at 30-40% but unfortunately are worn badly on the inside due to excessive toe... getting a new set of four was an easy decision.
10-28-2018, 09:58 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
Marv, what kind of mileage do you get out of the rear for the Michelin and Sumitomo?
The previous owner of my car was getting about 10-12k miles out of the PS2's, all street driven. The fronts are 5 years old and starting to dry rot. The rears are still at 30-40% but unfortunately are worn badly on the inside due to excessive toe... getting a new set of four was an easy decision.
The previous owner of my car was getting about 10-12k miles out of the PS2's, all street driven. The fronts are 5 years old and starting to dry rot. The rears are still at 30-40% but unfortunately are worn badly on the inside due to excessive toe... getting a new set of four was an easy decision.
The fronts last about 24K miles, so I replace the rears every year.
Lately I have been putting less mileage on the car since picking up an older Cayenne. The Sumitomos still have some meat left in the rear. It appears to wear less than the PS2s, but I can't be definitive about it until the tread's gone.
The car sees mostly street miles and some auto crossing.
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10-28-2018, 10:58 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
I have Sumis mounted on the GT3 stock rims, more as sacrificial tires than anything - not wanting to waste rubber since I drive primarily to and from the track.
If I wanted really good street tires, I'd probably pick something else, but of course sizing is an issue. It's not just stickiness - it's comfort, noise, stiffer sidewall, quality control, etc. etc.
The Michelin Super Sport is excellent, put on a set this summer on wet track wheels. Requires running a tall 305/35 rear tire, which is 100% fine both on street and track. It increases rear height/rake, but you can adjust that out if you want to or just leave as is. Looking for a 295/30 really hems you in. The 305/30 SS is a fantastic tire, and significantly better than that more expensive PS2.
Conti Extreme Contact Sport would have been just as good and even less expensive, but they pulled the larger rear GT3 size from their list when I last checked this summer. Not sure if that will change. I spoke to the rep at the Rennsport Reunion and he said a lot of folks are asking for wider 18 inch.
Best,
Matt
If I wanted really good street tires, I'd probably pick something else, but of course sizing is an issue. It's not just stickiness - it's comfort, noise, stiffer sidewall, quality control, etc. etc.
The Michelin Super Sport is excellent, put on a set this summer on wet track wheels. Requires running a tall 305/35 rear tire, which is 100% fine both on street and track. It increases rear height/rake, but you can adjust that out if you want to or just leave as is. Looking for a 295/30 really hems you in. The 305/30 SS is a fantastic tire, and significantly better than that more expensive PS2.
Conti Extreme Contact Sport would have been just as good and even less expensive, but they pulled the larger rear GT3 size from their list when I last checked this summer. Not sure if that will change. I spoke to the rep at the Rennsport Reunion and he said a lot of folks are asking for wider 18 inch.
Best,
Matt
10-29-2018, 12:02 AM
#9
Nordschleife Master
PS2's mounted today. Rears were starting to show belt, just in time! Corner balance / alignment on Wednesday... looking forward to finally putting some miles on it.
10-29-2018, 09:22 AM
#11
Race Car
Like most here, I have sumitumo's on there for my street tires now because my criteria was 1) holds air, 2) has tread and 3) not dry rotted. Given those criteria I've been more than happy with the sumitumo's and would do them again in a heartbeat.
That said, if I still did a lot of miles on the street and had enjoyable roads around me I'd pick whatever Michelin's latest and greatest sport street tires is that fits (not cup's). I haven't shopped them in awhile so IDK if they make the right size in the sport 4s or super sports or whatever it is they run now for a dedicated street tire. My car came with PS2's on it and I really loved them, even tracked the car on them a couple of times and was pleasantly surprised with their performance but in the end my need for a great street tire is no longer required on this car so it got a cheaper solution.
We have pilot super sports on our Turbo S currently and absolutely love them. Couldn't speak more highly of a street tire.
That said, if I still did a lot of miles on the street and had enjoyable roads around me I'd pick whatever Michelin's latest and greatest sport street tires is that fits (not cup's). I haven't shopped them in awhile so IDK if they make the right size in the sport 4s or super sports or whatever it is they run now for a dedicated street tire. My car came with PS2's on it and I really loved them, even tracked the car on them a couple of times and was pleasantly surprised with their performance but in the end my need for a great street tire is no longer required on this car so it got a cheaper solution.
We have pilot super sports on our Turbo S currently and absolutely love them. Couldn't speak more highly of a street tire.
10-29-2018, 02:01 PM
#12
Drifting
Thread Starter
Thanks for the great input and guidance. I think I'll try the Michelin PS2s this time. That price difference is worth it to me for better performance.
10-29-2018, 02:58 PM
#13
Rennlist Member
I hve the PS4s on mine. Happy with them so far. Dont think you can go wrong with either PS2s or PS4s.
10-29-2018, 07:20 PM
#15
Rennlist Member
A PS4S or even the outgoing SuperSport is a big step up from the old PS2. You just need to look at the picture of the tread design to see why, never mind the modern compound, more grip, better wear etc.
Last I checked, PS4S are not available >285 - so not an option for now, we'll see if/when it gets added.
The SuperSport available in 295/35 - taller but totally functional esp. when considering it's a much better tire and a lot cheaper.
Nothing wrong with the PS2 - it's just a 10 year old design and overpriced.
Matt
Last I checked, PS4S are not available >285 - so not an option for now, we'll see if/when it gets added.
The SuperSport available in 295/35 - taller but totally functional esp. when considering it's a much better tire and a lot cheaper.
Nothing wrong with the PS2 - it's just a 10 year old design and overpriced.
Matt