Tire Replacement Questions

I'm in the process of purchasing a '99 C2 and have few tire questions. The left rear tire has a bulge in the sidewall and needs to be replaced. The front tires are Pirelli P Zero Neros with about 5k miles and 9mm tread remaining. The rear tires are Pirelli P Zero Rosso 285/30 ZR18 with about 6mm tread remaining. As stated, I need to replace one rear tire. Should I find 1 to match the current rear tire or replace both rear tires with a set that matches the front? Also, per tirerack.com, the recommended tire size for the rear is 265/35-18. Will that fit on the same wheel as the 285/30-18 that is on there now? Thanks!!

There shouldn't be a problem with having the Neros in the front and the Rossos in the back. I personally prefer the Rossos, and in fact they will be the replacement for the Bridgestones that I am currently running on my C4

I found a nice used pirelli on ebay ...around $55 inc shipping. Don't fast drive with a bulge in the sidewall - very dangerous. SInce you have 6mm left on the other one (and it is also used ) this might be best option. My '02 also has 265/35-18's on - this was standard fitment on '99 to '01 I believe - and an all-season or "comfort" option on the '02 C2 (targa in my case). If you already have 285/30's you can run those two (that was the performance option on the '02 and beyond). I'm actually happy with the 265/35 - car does not lack rear grip - if anything understeer is the problem - and ride might be a little better with the 35 series. If you are going for serious track use maybe the answer is different - but for everyday road use - the 265's work well. I just wore through my pirelli's and switched to Sumitomo HTR Z3 - which many on this board have done - but don't mix tires on the same axle ...stick with exactly the same type/model/size etc. (some would argue match pairs front and rear as well)

Thanks for the feedback. This is for everyday use, not on a track. I looked at EBay to replace the current 285/30 and didn't see anything but there are a few 265/35s. Please post the link if you see a 285/30 available. Have people in general had decent results with used tires? I've never considered that before.

Just to verify (I know very little about tire fitting) : 265/35-18 tires will fit on the wheels that currently have 285/30-18 tires installed?

285's will fit fine. You should match all four tires if you can. That includes like models not just brands. Rosso and Neros are not the same tire. Both axles should be the same. I'd do Sumitomo HTR Z III tires now. Fresh rubber makes a world of difference. Great tires, well reviewed here, and inexpensive. 225/40R18 SU HTR Z 3 XL 131.00 285/30R18 SU HTR Z 3 XL 176.00 $614 minus a $60 rebate. Please give us a call to order. You can use the link above to order or call me. I'm happy to help!

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Wow that is a good deal!! I had very good luck with Sumi's

Tire rack has lots of tires on sale. I've had very good luck with tire rack and order almost all my tires from them. My local indi and pcar dealer both recommend ordering from tire rack for the best price. I have Contental contisport 2 and I like them very much and I think I will try the new Extreme contact DW next.

Yank, A couple important notes for you: IF the 18" rims you have on your potential '99 C2 purchase are in fact the Porsche factory optional rims then yes, the 285's will probably fit just fine. However, 285's were not the tire size originally offered by Porsche for that rim. The 265 width is the proper size. If the car has factory rims, then the rim width for the front was 7.5 and the rear was 9.0. If they are factory rims, the rim width is cast into the wheel itself right next to the air valve stem. It will simply read 7.5, e.g. There is another number cast into the rim, something in the 40-60 range, which refers to the offset of the wheel. If your rims are wider than the sizes stated above on either the front or the back, then check the chart on Tire Rack's website for the proper fitting. In 1999, all 996 C2's came standard with 17" diameter wheels. 18" wheels were an option. And many cars have aftermarket wheels, which have varying offsets from the factory spec. As to brand and model, I stand firmly with those who recommended to use the exact same brand, model, and N-spec on all four tires. And I agree that if this car has a hodge-podge of tires, that they should all be changed at the same time. And I strongly recommend a proper 4-wheel alignment when you do so in order to maximize your tire investment.

Can't speak for the 99' model, but my 2000 C2 has factory option 18" rims, the fronts are 8" wide and rears are 10" wide, 285 width tires should fit just fine as there is plenty of room available, even the well respected local Porsche independent shop say the same thing, I've got 275 width rear tires now only because the tires I wanted are not available in 285 width.

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chain yanker you should definetly tap into your secret vault containing the $50K & spring for a least 1 NEW tire.

I just opened that tap and sprung for 4 new Sumitomo HTR Z III's. Thanks Damon!

Smart move. Just remember to also do the four wheel alignment when you mount those.

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Damon rules.

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+1 I have Tire Rack ship to Discount Tire where I live and they just do the mounting balancing (and sweet warranty). TR has the best prices and biggest selection. Now, I just need a tire mounter/balancer in the garage and I can go directly from Tire Rack to my house...

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Hey, we're always looking for more installers to add to our recommended installer program! Thanks for the kind words guys. Always glad to help.

Just took the car out for a blast with my new sumitomos ... wow what a difference to the old worn p zeros .. ride is smooth& quiet;; steering feel is amazing and handling along skyline/35 was a blast. Btw - highly recommend borelli motorsports in San Jose .. I think they order from tirerack and did a nice job to mount / balance. No more vibrations at triple digits .....