theplings

In stock tires sizes for our cars it seems there are only a handful of options that are N rated. The latest evolution of Michelin tires, super sports and 4S are not N rated while the older PS2 that came on our cars is available and N rated.

Wondering everyone's opinion if it's absolutely necessary to run N spec tires or not.

Thanks!

bondjockey

DaveCarrera4

Mr. Turtles

No not needed. I ran a couple sets of PS and then PS4 on a Cayman and 991S, fantastic tires. If you're looking for ultimate grip in a street legal tire the MPSC2 is better but the the PS4 was great and can double for track/street duty.

4ocious

No requirement, buy the best performance tire available. I have like-new N-spec "stones" and will swap them out this spring for PS4's.

autobonrun

Read this article below from Tire Rack. Not all N ratings are equal anyway (N0 can be different from N1 or N2 for example). With that said, for various reasons that I consider reasonable (note I say that I consider reasonable), I don't search for N rated tires for my Porsches and haven't for 34 years. On one hand they say the N rated tires have been specifically tested for the specific requirements of a Porsche. I guarantee you that the requirements of a GT4's tires are different from my SC and manufacturers don't go back and test every past Porsche model with their latest version, be it N4, N5, etc. ; so how is it specifically tested with the older cars. Doesn't make sense to me. Also, it doesn't mean non N-spec tires are unsafe, it could mean they haven't been tested by Porsche, or it didn't pass one part of their test; maybe the noise level was 2 dB higher than spec. There are other national safety standards tires must meet so I just don't depend on Porsche to make that determination, and I'm unwilling to pay extra for it. I admit that I was surprised to learn that even within the same tire model, like Michelin PS2's, the internal construction and tread compound can differ from N-spec to non-Nspec. I thought the N-spec was purely a testing issue. This means you shouldn't mix N spec and non N spec tires; they also recommed that if you go N spec, it's the same iteration (e.g. all N0, all N1, etc.). This question has come up for years and there are some entertaining discussions on it.

Anyway, this is just my opinion.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret...&affiliate=HK8

atcbi5

makoshark72

Nope..

512bb

Nope. Just run the same compound front to back and right to left :-)

ok-cami

nzskater

Road: MPS4S
Track: MPSC2

Both great tyres.

jcnesq

I have never worried about having N spec tires. A little off topic, but recently I had to replace my rears (ended up replacing all four). Local high-end wheel dealer (not a Porsche specific dealer) recommended the new Conti's. I said I had never been a fan of Conti's, he assured me the new generation is a whole new ballgame, and I went with them. Highly rated on Tire Rack,, price was great, very happy with them. Worth checking out when you are shopping tires.

TBarrow

I purchased N-Spec tires just because of my extended warranty. They were in line with what the non-n-spec tires were going for price wise. The warranty states it must be maintained according to Porsche Standards and I just took it to the tires as well. I just do it so that there is no way I can have a question if a drive train service is required. It was strictly peace of mind for me.

autobonrun

This is the only good reason I've ever heard for using N spec tires; to maintain warranty requirements. Because I promise you if a drivetrain warranty claim arises during warranty, Porsche would use this as a reason not to pay. Seems like cheap insurance during the warranty period. Since I've never bought a Porsche new, this reason never crossed my mind.

theplings

I ordered a set of of Michelin 4s, I don't have a Porsche warranty to worry about and it seems like the 4s are their latest and greatest street tire.