My Spyder's tires are nearing 5 years old now and while plenty of life remaining I'd like to treat it to a fresh set. The car otherwise is so reliable and 'cheap' to run I feel like I owe her something. Any how, when browsing Tirerack for our 235/265 tire size I'm presented with a few options. Price is near enough on all of them to not make a difference so just curious what folks have installed and how you like them?

The options I see are:
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S (mercedes spec and then same tire seemingly in a generic spec being $100 more)
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (N2 Porsche spec)
Pirelli PZero (N2 Porsche spec)

I'm really just torn between the two Michelin options. My head says the 4S is the newer tire and more suited to my casual road usage (no track) but the PS2 is the 'Porsche' approved tire. What do you all prefer?

One of my TPMS is finally running low on battery as well (after 12 years!) so I'll take the tire change opportunity to replace all of those at the same time.

 

I'd go with either the generic spec PS4S or Conti Extreme Contact Sport 02. Check out the following review:

 

I'm partial to Michelin, PS4S are good tires.
You'll be OK w/o the N-spec, I ran these same tires on my 991 S and they were good.

 

Also partial to Michelin, so leaning that way for sure and specifically the PS4S. I thought I'd heard someone really lambast the PS4S for soft sidewall feel or something but could be wrong.

 

hahaha... I don't think it is soft at all, but it's also not rock hard like the RE71R.

FWIW, a bit of 'squish' and compliance in a tire is a good thing. I run the NT01 Nitto on my 997RS, its an older tire (100 treadwear) in 18" with a big fat thick sidewall. I love the feel when the car takes a set and the 'feel' of the car in the corner.

I used to run the same tire on my 964, they were worn, so I replaced with the RE71R and well, I hate them. They are very stiff sidewall, they are very very direct, and give the car an overly direct and 'darty' feel. They have great grip.

I wouldn't run the PS4S on track if you are an advanced pace driver, as they tend to not take excessive heat well if your alignment is more tuned for street (ie not enough negative camber riding on the edges)... they chunk. For that run the cup2.

I feel strongly Michelin gets that sidewall stiffness 'right' for Porsche

 

PS4S sounds perfect to me.

 

There’s also the tried and true PS2’s if you want to stick with the OE.

I just installed the Conti 02’s on my 964, they’re not broken in yet so I can’t comment but initial feel is excellent.

 

Great timing, I’m also shopping for tires.

FWIW, Tire Rack does not have any stock of rear PS2’s, and no indication of lead time. If we want to stay with Michelin, and I do, looks like PS4S is the only way to go right now.

DaveGee

 

I've been a fan of the Cup2 240s. They won't have the longevity of the PS4S, but they're a very quick tire with great steering feel and response

 

My first Spyder came from the UK with Bridgestone N rated tires.

I didn’t like them and reshod the car with Michelin PS4S. They have been brilliant in all weather back road driving in temperate New Zealand.

I have just replaced them with a new set of PS4S as well as purchasing another set for my Spyder, being rebuilt.

I have also ordered Michelin PS2 N3 for my 964 C4, to replace Hankook Ventus tyres. I’m now a Michelin fanboy

 

UPDATE: PS2’s front and rear in N2 spec are now both listed as available on Tire Rack. Pricing is same as PS4S.

So between the two, pros/cons?

DaveGee

 

To me, the PS2 is the 'older tech' tire. Nice having the N2 rating with that tire but from what others have said the PS4S seems like the way to go.

 

My rationale is that the car steering is already sharp and suspension is solid. PS4S provide all weather grip and the sidewalls don’t detract from driving. My 964 would benefit from being sharper so I want the N rating. Also PS4S is not available in 17”. I’m sure PS4 are good but I paid a little extra for N rating.

 

PS4s. I've had them on all my Spyders and IMO they are simply the best for the Gen-1 Spyder.

 

No complaints with ps4s here