Riz

I don't track the car. I don't feel like spending the money on the Michelins/Pirelli's. Car only has about 4000 miles. Need to change tires because of their age. Need mainly for dry weather. Any suggestions from you guys?

ricster

You basically put 444 miles per year on the car, why even put tires on it? If its garaged which I am sure it is, UV light has probably not seen the car and I would run the tires a few more years. I bet the tread is like new right?

Riz

I just got a flat on right rear. I probably need to replace that tire so I was thinking to just change them all but you make sense. I will try and see if the tire can be patched/repaired.

plima

In a fit of anger with Michelin for not bringing out the Pilot Super Sport in our size (295-30x18) I bought a set of Hankook Ventus V12 evo K110 (for more than $700 less). If I were only going to drive a few miles on the street, these are OK and plenty cheap. They are no Michelin. The transient behavior feels like mush next to the PS2. Ultimate grip is pretty good.

LVDell

Better yet, why do you still have it? Breaks my heart to see these cars not driven.....street or track

Doesn't mean you shouldn't own it, just trying to understand only driving the car 4K miles in 10 years. Lack of time?

996FLT6

Jack up car take wheel to tire shop have them patch from inside mount it back on. With low mile car no need to change all the tires unless time to sell. Also u got pics? Or it ain't real with odom reading : ). Mike

ltcjmramos

I've used the Sumitomo HTR Z IIIs the last two sets. Stopped tracking back in '07, street and canyon driving only now. I put about 5,000 mi/yr now. The Sumis are more than adequate, IMO. However, having said that, I am tempted to move to the Hankooks as they have received high praise from others (incl LVDell as I recall).

LVDell

Love the Hankooks! Great value and a much better tire than the Sumis

993GT

FWIW I've found the opposite, the Sumi HTRZ3 to be a much better 'performing' tire than the Hankook V12's based on family BMW's. Better sidewall feel/stability, transition from grip, as well as higher overall grip. Of course this is only butt-dyno based...
Both excellent tires and can't go wrong, wish either made a 315 size for street use on my GT2. I'd say PS2's are about 10% better in every category overall, with wear perhaps being the one category where they do shine.

ltcjmramos

^maybe different characteristics GT3 to BMW?

LVDell

Bingo. The Sumis have a soffter sidewall and a slightly harder compound. You want that in the BMW. In the GT3, you do not want that soft sidewall, especially with the rear weight bias. The rear max load rating is 1477 versus 1653.

993GT

although they all share 'stiff' suspensions and 'performance' alignments, the cars definitely have different characteristics. I've found in my experiences that the V-shaped directional tires(which all seem to share the characteristics of having a high tread-void) give poor feel on cars with aggressive alignments/stiff suspensions/cars that have high chassis demands, where an asymmetrical and non-directional tires have better feel and less tramlining.

Also very good to note Dell's point on XL weight rating for the GT3 size. It could very well play a factor in feel and stability as well, although doesn't guarantee one tire will offer more stability than another( an example is many 'slicks' are given a LL/light load rating, but definitely do not lack stability or feel )

I say the OP will be more than happy with either tire.
Cheers,

Riz

I have this car, 3.8 rs, 4.0 rs, turbo S and a few others. I do drive them but there are only so many miles I can put on it. I love them all.

Riz

I guess another question is whether I can put another size on my stock rims to make it handle even better, or is it not worth it for street use. What are you guys running without rubbing or rolling the fenders? FWIW the Sumis are cheaper on Tire Rack right now.

tgavem

Tires do have an expiration date, after 9 years, you should replace all even if you are only cruising 60-80 mph. You would not want tire failure to ruin your beautiful car.
Most car companies recommend you replace tires every 6 years. The tire should have a stamp of when it was made. Ie 4803 means it was manufactured 48th week in 2003.