Which 18" tires for my 996.2 with M030 and X51??

I've read a few threads about tire options for my new-to-me 996.2 NB coupe. I'm putting back on a set of 18" Carrera II Lightweight wheels (which it came with according to the option code sticker). As I read the threads about tire sizes, I'm concerned about whether the M030 code means I have a 10mm lower suspension than normal; and what the effect of messing with the recommended tire sizes will then be on those 18" rims. I'm planning on doing some AX and DE days, but not exclusively - also want to just run it and enjoy it - maybe 3-5k miles per year. So given that, should I stick with the four or so options that Tire Rack appears to offer in the recommended sizes, or could I mix things up a bit as I've read in other threads, going with different sized fronts and rears, and not run into any rubbing issues? Sure would like to figure this out quickly - we've got track days coming up! Thanks for any advice. Tom 2003 996 X51 Coupe

I'm not sure this will help, but my 996.1 is running lightweight 18" turbo twists (OEM) and I am on H&R springs with 15MM spacers on the rear running a 285/35/18 tire without even a hint of rubbing anywhere. I wish I would have put on 295's.

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Also have M030 on a 996.2. Yes it does ride a little lower. Put Dunlop Direzzas on late last year, 225/40 in front, 285/30 in back. Very happy with them so far. Love to see your car on track w/ X51! Come on out to one of the GGR DEs this year.

For street and rain tires, I run MPSS 285 rear, 235 front and the car is lowered. On the stock wheels, I run Hoosiers, 295 rear, 245 fronts, with no rubbing at all. I did have the fenders rolled, just in case, but no issues with sizing whatsoever. GL

I ran MPSS 235 and 295 with a X74 suspension...it was lowered by 1.75" and never had an issue. A bit OT but today I recieved a set of MPSS 235 and 305's x 19 for my 997. Gawd those are big!

Country911 - I didn't know Michelin made the Pilot Super Sport in a 285. If so, could you share details on where you got them? Thanks! Mike

Thanks, all, for the input. Really helpful. Any experience/insights on how the Direzzas (presumably the Star Spec version) compare to the MPSS's in terms of: a) road noise b) stiction and handling c) durability (Direzzas showing treadwear of 200 vs. 300 for the MPSS). This is great! (love this forum). Thanks, Tom

2000 Carrera with ROW M030 Dunlop Direzza Z2 is the way to go! I consistently finish near the top in area PCA autocrosses on the Dunlops, ahead of good drivers with more car and R-comps. I've also used Direzzas for DE for the last four years, first the Z1's now the Z2's. About as much grip as you'll get in a street tire. They also "talk to you" to let you know when you're at the limit. The tires are certainly fine on the street, and they're fine in the rain. I've even run a few track sessions in rain on the Dunlops. Maybe this summer I'll try some R-comps, as I recently bought a trailer to tow to the track. For now, I say the Direzzas are the best all-around tire. And the price is good, too.

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A) I've never used a decibel meter. I guess they're about the same as the various Bridgestones and Yokohamas I've had in the past. I certainly would not say I find them to be loud. B) see my previous post. C) I've replaced my previous two sets of Direzzas annually. One year includes four or five track weekends, maybe ten autocrosses, and enough driving on the street for a total of about 4K miles. As I get faster in the 911, maybe they won't last as long? Never had the Michelins.

I run GT3 wheels on NT01s 245/305 for DE and autocross. Dedicated track 996 lowered to 4.5" at the Porsche measurement points. The car is new to me but have used the the same wheel tire combo on the 996tt and it works well.

Thanks, again, to everyone for their input. Looking like the Direzza Star Specs is going to be baby's new shoes.

My Direzza's replaced MPSS. Was warned about noise (by Tire Rack) but don't notice at all. I think they'll last about 1/2 as long. The grip is definitely better.

@ bcrdukes: could be my bad? I will go out to the garage and check...............

Road noise? What is that? I can't hear the road over the sound of my fisterD's, the wind and the Flat behind me. You guys crack me up. LOL

@bcrdukes: Hey Mike: went into the garage and looked under the cover, yep, 285/35 ZR 18's. Got them from tirerack. GL

Thank you for the follow up. Much appreciated!

Just completed track day #5 on the Direzza Star Spec IIs at Laguna Seca. Other four were all at Sonoma/Sears Point Raceway. As I said earlier, I'm loving these tires - very grippy. I haven't had the courage to turn off the PSM - and may not ever, even though I'd love to experience the car sliding more. There are just too many walls to deal with, especially at Sears. Every day I've been there several people have found walls, in some cases in a major way (for instance, a 997 GT3 nearly ripped off his rear wheel going in backwards at the exit of T6; a Nissan GT-R completely written off in T10). Anyway, I'm starting to wonder about suspension and camber settings. The T8 esses at Sonoma, in particular, throw my car around to the point where I have to nearly coast through them in order to make it. Car feels firm in the paddock when you push on the front fender to compress suspension, but man does it squish around in those esses. Also, I'm not sure how well these tires are wearing. After five track days, 4-5 sessions each day, and a few hundred miles of regular driving they're starting to look a little rounded at the edges; and a bit less grippy in the hard turns. Running them at 32psi cold all around seems to get me pretty close to 40psi hot on all corners. I had to bleed air after every session last weekend as the day warmed up; and my speed improved on a new-to-me track. Here's a video of my second session with an instructor next to me. Eventually got down into 1:52s. Great fun - the corkscrew is fun, but not really that tricky compared to other turns on this track.

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With you in the car, you're probably around 3400lbs... M030 is just too soft to not squish a lot with all of that weight!