Non N Rated Tire & Transmission Failure?

Any truth to this? I was getting a price on some Mich PS2's from my mechanic and he said that he heard non N-rated tires have caused transmission failures in a few cases. I can't believe I'd have a problem with the PS2's since they come on the GT3. I can't possibly believe this but just thought I'd get your thoughts on this Urban Legend.

I do not think that there is any truth to this. The only thing I can think of is that if you have a C4 and put different size than stock it can screw it up.

I questioned my dealer service rep about the possibility of PS2s for the Carrera, and he said the tire wasn't N-rated by Porsche for my car and there could be a warranty issue if the car suffered a defect that could be attributed to the unapproved tire. TrackJunke's scenario is about the only one I could imagine also...........

Anyone that tells you a non N rated tire will ruin your car is blowing BS up your nose. N rating is a tire that is approved by porsche. You could put on tires from pepboys and it will not ruin your car, it won't handle well though. N rating is a recomendation you can put on any quality tire as long as you stay with in a certain size.

Find a different "mechanic" Order your PS2s (if that's what you decide you want on your car) from Tire Rack or other reputable source.

Yes, you should know better than to doubt your mechanic. Using non N-spec tires on your Porsche could kill you.

Are Hoosiers N-rated? Not the new quick-cording ones, but the 03s?

I have 03's on the front. Are they N rated?

No, hoosiers are not N rated. Only the tires that come from the factory are N rated. I think there are 4 diferent tires and they are rated N0 to N4

BTW....this is my 'Wheel' mechanic only. He does my tire mounting and balancing and sometimes I buy tires from him. I may take the death risk and buy non N-Rated Mich PS2's. Boy...I live on the friggin' edge.

What's an 03? I thought you 02's? Didn't you offer Randall one 02 for free?

Really? You mean each N is a different brand?

I have an old 02' from the rear for Randall. Fronts are Bridgestone Potenza S 03 I don't think Randall is needing the old s 02. Do you?

Yes, IIRC. They were discussed in detail in a Christophorus not too long ago.

What is IIRC? You mean this? 17" tires: Bridgestone S-02A N4 Conti Sport Contact N2 Michelin Pilot Sport N2 Pirelli PZero Rosso N3 18" tires: Bridgestone S-02A N3 Conti Sport Contact N2 Michelin Pilot Sport N1 Pirelli PZero Rosso N4

Yes, yes. He is in dire need of that tire. But, you need to find a way to shrink it down to a 16" size. You think you know a shop that can do it?

I would think its only a matter of grafting some sidewall onto the 18's.....then you could fit the 16 rim on the 18 tire. Maybe wheel "enhancement" could do this?

Well crap. How am I supposed to get four of the same n rated tires out of this list? I mean, none of the damn numbers even match up. This madness has gone on long enough. I'm gettin' a vette. They don't have these tranny problems due to tire ratings.

Well, I was under the impression that they don't need to match-up. I thought it was OK to get one of each as long as they are all approved by Porsche. No?

No. You're wrong (as usual). Its okay to get one of each different brand - but then the n numbers have to match. Or, you have to get 4 of the same brand - but then the n numbers can't match. Sheesh, I thought you were the know-it-all in these parts.

E.J. are you saying the numbers must match? or the brands must match? ps when are you gonna become a paying member? You have over 2000 posts!

I don't think you are supposed to mix N ratings. and you can't mix brands because then, the N ratings wouldn't match. Wait a minute, the Conti and Michelin 17 inchers BOTH have N2 rating?

Viken IIRC, IIRC = If I recall correctly. So in geek speak that last sentace translates as IIRC, IIRC = IIRC. Phil I don't think Wheel Enhancement would take that job. To get that kind of work done, you need to go to a dealer.

Then how do they explain snowtires? Im sure they aren't N rated but Porsche dealers sure push Blizzaks. Bobby

Well, I guess the dealer doesn't care about your transmission? BTW, the winter tires Porsche approves are N-specification.

Oh, I thought it was some sort of a Porsche speak.

Viken I believe in Porsche speak, IIRC = Initiating Immense Revolving Charges

Ok, let me see if I've got this straight: 1) "Only tires that come from the factory are N rated." Does this mean tires that come from any factory, or only the Porsche Factory? If it's the former, then that would mean that all tires are N rated, and if it's the latter, then that means that Porsche is now making tires? 2) "There are 4 different tires and the are rated N0 to N4." Hmm... So, that would be: N0, N1, N2, N3, N4... wait a minute! That's five tires! Or, maybe you meant that each tires has a different N-rating? The right front tire is N0, left front is N1, right rear is N2, left rear is N3, and the spare must be N4? Someone please help me understand. I'm not going to be able to sleep tonight with this on my mind...

Hmmm. I've used my N4 twice now... once for an N3 blow out and once for a non-N cording issue. What about axle math? Don't the N-rating totals need to be equal for both front and rear axles? LF N0 + RF N4 LR N3 + RR N1 No tranny probs here...

What happens with the tires if you have a short geared transmission? Would N rating still be Ok?

Guess I better not drive anymore.

I get a lot of emails which offer products which are guaranteed to add two inches. Would this work to make 18 inch wheels out of 16's? Also I hear for the C-GT Porsche is going to "Yes" spec tires. Some folks were upset when they saw that their new cars came on NO spec tires.

Transmission failure? Man, that is funnn...NEY! I ran non N rated tires on my last P car, and in speaking with my dealer regarding the risks of doing this and the possibility of voiding my warranty, he told me that should i have an accident in and above say...160mph...because the tire blew out...my warranty would most likely be toast. (And so would I if I had an accident at that speed) I like the Yoko AVS Sports...hard to find them N rated anymore. I just won't drive consistantly 170mph anymore...geez! The sacrifices we make!

Yes Why is it that every non paying member here gets assaulted for not paying the rennlist fee? I mean, is it not enough that I give of my time to help out the noobies (like you Phil) with their problems? Is it not enough that I spent a solid year fighting with PCNA and NHTSA to get the wiring harness recall to go through so about 50,000 993 owners (the recall IS worldwide now) didn't have to drop a few thousand dollars at their local dealer? I mean hell, I still get 5 emails a week about the harness recall - and I answer every one of them. You all should nominate me for lifetime member, not viscously attack me for not paying for a membership. I mean, why does anyone have to pay? Isn't the internet supposed to be free to everyone?

your right E. J. That was a very low character assault. oh yeah, I'm about to change my wiring harness. I am doing it myself, I just cannot stand car dealers. Should I cut the red wire? and then connect it to the green wire?

E.J........you're nominated Also a 993 owner, your harness work and all other contributions have served the 'community' well........many thanks! Who's on you're case anyway? Now.............. I think we should all pitch in and buy E.J. that Vette he's always wanted.

Matching up numbers is like corner balancing your car. As long as the sum of the values on opposite corners match the other diagonal, you're okay. In my case, I have a Hoosier 03 on the RF, and an S02 on the LR. 02+03=5. LF is a Michelin N1, and RR is a Pirelli N4. 1+4=5. 5=5, so it's all good. Now, since one of the four is a rain tire, and another is a slick (I can't remember which ones), I compensate for this by running 45 PSI in the rear and 23.7 psi in the front. See, it's easy if you just put a little thought into it. Just hope JimBob doesn't come along & embarrass me by 'splainin' it better than me.

Oh my.....this is one of the funniest threads I've read in a long time! Thanks guys!

Robert - I like your ingenious corner balance theory. Instead of playing with the ride height, I'm going to follow your lead. If Ihave too much weight on one corner, I'll put a street tire there and use a slick on the light side. I'll make sure the diagonal numbers add up correctly. Should I go for higher numbers? For example a Hoosier S04 and a Bridgestone S03 on the diagonal add up to 7. Is a 7 better than a 5 or gawd forbid a 0? Will HWFMR have seminars on this? Enquiring minds want to know ...