Breakthru

So my back 2 tires are worn out. Looking to replace the rears, also Michelin, but slightly different model.

Anyone have issues replacing just the rears and not all four?

Thanks in advance!

RAudi Driver

I think adjustments can be made to the suspension to account for the different characteristics of the tires.

ngng

realistically you aren't going to notice a difference. if your fronts have aged out (6+ yrs old), i would replace them.

RAudi Driver

What are on the car now and what are you going to put on the rears.

Breakthru

On the car currently are Michelin Pilot Sport Factory.

Was thinking of replacing the rears with Pilot Sport 4S. Would have gone Super Sport, but they're not in stock at Tire Rack.

smceo

I just replaced all 4 - our shipment is en route! Upsized a bit as well. The peace of mind is worth it

RAudi Driver

If they are Pilot sports, then they have to be timed out by now. I don't think those have been sold in years.

If they are for that RS I see in your Avatar, then don't cheap out on her. Get new tires all the way around, and as much as you can, try to make sure they are N spec tires.

JS

Replace all 4 with the PS4S.

Breakthru

Thanks gang. Going to replace all 4 with the PS4S! My friend who I purchased the RS from said he bought the tires when he first bought the car, and that was 10 years ago. Time to replace em!

ngng

if you live in the bay and don't drive in the rain there are better tires than the ps4s

my first 911

I didn't realize there were different Specs available for the same model tire. What are the differences?

RAudi Driver

N spec tire was designed with and made for the Porsche. Its' a different tire in more than one way. Things like as different tread pattern, compounds, tread depth all come into play when you compare/contrast the differences between. N Spec and non Spec.

I can't tell you the differences between the N spec Cup and non N spec cup except that the non N spec has a beaded rim protector. Something I'm not a fan of.

When available, get the N spec!

Breakthru

OK, just did a ton of research on this. The Michelin PS4S is not N Spec, but is recommended by Tire Rack as suitable replacement tires. They also carry the N Spec Pilot Cup 2 for about double the price [$3k] which is recommended if you're going to track your RS, but still drive it on the streets with this wheel/tire setup.

I won't be tracking my car [not until I get those coolant lines pinned], and i'm probably going to get aftermarket wheels in a year or less. So til then, these should be more than adequate.

Thanks for the info though @RAudi Driver !

ngng

no need for n-spec. porsche tax.

RAudi Driver

Wait up, Tire Rack is quoting you $3,000 for a set of N Spec Cups? That's not correct. N Spec Cup 2's, in a 997 GT3 RS sizes, cost $1,622.26 and $1552.26 after the rebate.

I just got a pair and they are great. If you don't drive in wet conditions or in temps 45 degrees or below, I would get a set.

NGNG, I thought the same thing also that the N spec is just a tax on the tire to get a Porsche designation. However, after getting my first set of non N spec, then a set of N specs and seeing the physical differences, I could only wonder if there were also some other differences that couldn't been seen with the naked eye. That sent me down a rabbit hole and one article that I read got me and has convinced me that the N Spec, M0 Spec and any other spec tire is actually a different tire than their non designated counterpart.

8 Pages of a designated Michelin tire on Moto IQ:
https://motoiq.com/not-all-michelin-...ated-the-same/

4 Cup 2's in a shopping Cart at Tire Rack: