I've read through all the posts I could find but wanted some fresh impressions about the current tire choices for my 997S.

The car came with Pirellis, which I didn't like at first but which actually seemed to improve in handling and noise as they wore. The rears need to be replaced so I'm considering more of the same, or a full set of Michelins or Bridgestones.

Any opinions would be appreciated.

 

I am not real sure which ones to get either, but will probably buy rears only. A local Porsche guy told me to go with the PS2.

 

I've had the Pzeros, and now the PS2's. I actually think I liked the Pirelli tires a bit better, but I can't document an improvement in handling or noise/comfort. They are both great tires. I'm actually thinking about going to Bridgestones the next go-round simply because I chew through tires on the track at a fairly high rate, and the Bridgestones are a lot cheaper.

 

time for you to get a set of 18" wheels and track tires and swap out before track days.

 

Michelins....much stickier than the pirellis my car came with.

 

Had Pirellis and then bought PS2's. Michelin tires are far superior. I actually got over 17K miles on all four on my 996.

 

Huh. Everybody touts the PS2 over the Pirelli. What is data behind these opinions - ever - except for seat of the pants opinion? I think there is a big Michelin placebo effect. The best lap time for any car on street tires at the Porsche Parade autocross was done on OEM Pirellis on a bone stock 997. So - there isn't anything inferior about the Pirellis as far as results at that event with many competitors.

I've run on both OEM Pirellis and Michelins, not back to back, but had similar results in autocross over the course of a year. I would not pay significantly more for one than the other. And if any of you ever wants to get completely rid of oversteer, just purchase yourself a set of Bridgestone RE01-R's in 245/35/19 for the front wheels, and you'll see how far ahead the top autocross street tires are from the likes of the OEM choices.

If the PS2 has a better ride than the other OEM choices, or gets lots more miles in street use, that's one thing, but I'm calling out you PS2 boosters to provide some objective data to back up your claims. If you found the PS2 so much grippier, did you stop to think that you're comparing the new PS2 to the worn-out and very heat cycled tire that you replaced? A new Pirelli would feel a lot better than an old Pirelli.

I think the Porsche OEM tires all have such high performance that any would be sufficient to provide more than enough performance for the street to meet 98% of owners' expectations. Thus I'd encourage people to give serious consideration to the reasonably priced Continental and Bridgestone OEM tires.

 

I have had conti's on my S-4 - No thanks. Bridgestones on my A-3 Great tires I wouldn't hesitate to try them on the 997.

Pirrellis vs PS2 -The Pirellis are good handling tires in fact I thought they were a little more precise. The negatives - the Pirellis flat spot overnight PS-2s do not. They are noisy compared to new PS-2's after 5,000 miles the PS-2s are still quiet compared to the Pirellis. The ride seems to be slightly better on the PS-2s.

Bottom line on my next purchase I will strongly consider a set of Bridgestones but I will always buy the PS2 over the Pirelli.

 

Pirelli makes a great tire as does bridgestone. Tried them both and use the bridgestone for street. On the track my subjective opinion (with no facts to back it up) is that Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires are great. Just bought another set.

 

I get this question every day, and from my experience the PS2 is preferred over pirelli without question.

Mark

 

A big +1 on this. As I previously posted, I've had both Pirellis and Michelins on my car. Very hard to tell which I prefer. I track the car regularly, but my driving ability has changed so much over the past year, that it's hard to compare the Pirellis I had to the Michelins I have now. Also, when you change from one tire to another, you're trading in a set of worn out tires, for brand new ones that always ride better and are quieter. Unless you've driven on the track and compiled lap times to compare (or are an exceptionally talented and experienced driver, which I'm not and I doubt most of us in this thread are), I don't think it is very easy to objectively know which you prefer. There is some test data out there that suggests that the PS2s are superior. They might be. But I doubt that most of us can honestly tell.

 

I think you can research both on the Tire Rack. I did that whenever I bought tires for the BMW. You can look at the reviews and ratings and get a pretty good idea. I am new to the Porsche world, but I bought a lot of Bridgestone Pole Positions until I discovered PS2's. Now it would be hard to go back. Seem stickier wet and dry with comparable wear.

But I would go back if Tire Rack recommended the newer Bridgestone or Pirellis. I think they know what is up, are very professional, and they carry everything. Last time I was there they had their own test track. They are oriented to the enthusiast customer and I believe they tell the truth about their own experience.

 

which bridgestone tires are you guys talking about? i'm trying to google around to find out what the right model is for my 997 and can't find any clear answer. thanks!

btw - i'd be using them for a good, all around general purpose driving tire, no track time.

 

Bridgestone RE050A's which are Porsche "N" rated in the sizes we use.

Deanski

 

Different strokes......

If I had to choose among OE tires, I would probably go Bridgestone unless I was a more "hard-core" driver, in which case the PS2 may be a touch better. Unless both are pushed to 80%+ of their capability (liscense and registration, please....), most average users can only really tell subtle differences. Those minute differences make the difference to some people. I say Bridgestone over PS2 primarily because they take expansion joints better. I'm one of those guys who happens to be about comfort over performance. I hate tires that "ping" over joints on the highway, and in my testing experience (yes we get to use the track) Michelins happen to do that more than Bridgestones do.

Again, different strokes......

Bottom line both (heck, any of the OE tires) are very good. Based on your post, the one thing NOT to do is mix the tires on the car. If you mix tires on these cars you may as well drive a Corolla.

Hope this helps. Feel free to call me if I can answer anything else.