Tyres...

Have searched through all 11 pages of the 996 forum but couldn't find a post on the thorny issue of tyres. However, I know there have been many... [ ] Currently I'm running N-rated tyres front and back, but the fronts are quite old Bridgestones (still got a lot of wear in them though) and the rears are Continental Sport Contacts (again, reasonable amount of wear left). What I want to do is get all 4 corners onto the same tyre manufacturer with N-rateds sometime between now and the end of the summer (in about a week then!). Ideally I'm looking for Michelins or Pirellis. Does anyone have any preferences/recommendations? Also, has anyone got any experience of the Michelin CrossClimate tyres? I know they're not N-rated (the horror!) but they could be a good fit given that I use my porker as a daily driver, so it does venture out in the wet stuff. Apologies for the rambling message, any pointers gratefully received.

Hi James, It might not be relevant, as I have yet to purchase any tyres for my 996, but on my A3, I swear by Mich Pilot Sports, for the extra edge and protection they give my wheels, and the grip and relative quiet. On my E36 325i, I had Pirelli PZeros which I also found great and alot of grip too. I hope to not be replacing the 996 for a while as they were new for me, but I believe they are bridgestones and are quiet. Ive yet to test their limits!

Hi James, i never got on with Pirelli in the wet and bridgestones always seemed quite a harsh / noisy ride and didnt last long. I struggled to find a decent N rated tyre, I ended up going with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4, which some of the range is N rated now I believe but the size I wanted hadn't been at that point. All I can say is its a superb tyre, grips in all weather and surfaces, wasn't mega expensive and had some great reviews. Even on michelins website it says this tyre has been developed in conjunction with manufacturers inc Porsche. Ive had them on for a while as a daily driver and now wouldn't look at anything else.

Thanks both, much appreciated. I've been leaning towards the Michelins from other threads etc so will give them a whirl when I get round to replacing the tyres.

James, Just realised and checked what I had on the 996. I have BS on the front, which I thought went all round, but it's Pilot Sports on the rear, yay! This does help give the rear a slightly nicer look now Ive paid more attention, as the excess rubber at the edge to protect your alloys, adds an extra element of beef, to the already wide tyres. Just IMO anyway

Hi James, I use Michelin PS2 - in my experience a decent combination of ride/ handling and performance. I have used them on 17" and 18". I have cross climate on my Golf and they are a great all year tyre but not sure about them on a 996. As D911ARK says, the PS have a shoulder that saves the rim. The only thing I would avoid is mixing makes front to rear, I had this - major brands - and the car wandered terribly.

Just a quick one James (from a Cayman S perspective), my car had mixed sets when I purchased it (Michelin Pilot Sports front, Bridgestone RE050's on the rear, all N rated I believe). This in itself caused no problems either on road or track, but recently I've replaced all with Michelin's, non N rated, and it's been a step up on all fronts. I can also vouch for PS4's (I'm on 18" wheels thus PS4S not an option).

Thanks all, very helpful and looks like a majority thumbs up for Michelin Pilot Sports on all corners ideally N rated, but not a disaster if not. Now to track some down...

I found best option to be buy from black circles and have delivered and fitted at ATS

My two penny worth, unless your car is under an extended Porsche warranty, save yourself some cash and DONT buy N rated! All the major manufacturers offer the exactly the same tyre in speed and load rating needed for our cars without the N rated Porsche tax! I have been using N and Non N at stupid speeds on the track and cannot discern any difference in the grip performance between both types of otherwise identical tyre. You will find they are identical in terms of compound, construction and performance, it is just that they haven't been "approved" by Zuffenhausen. Obviously, don't mix N and Non N on the same axle and life will be milk and honey.

Thanks all... Due to an unforeseen puncture on my rear - tyre that is, I've sorted out a new set of Michelin PS2 N-rateds for all 4 corners and getting them sorted tomorrow.

Sounds like a result! They are the Michelin recommended fit and to my mind, for a few fractions of pence per mile, are the simplest option.

James et al, what did you pay per corner, if you don't mind me asking? I have a slow puncture on nearside front and having just had them inspected, the internal tread is cracking and we've discovered they are 2011 tyres!!!!!! Plenty of tread left but maybe not that ideal to be running. ATS just quoted me 264 for N3 Mich Pilot Sports, for the pair. Non N3s, I think I found on black circles for 216 for the pair I have Mich PSport N3s on the rear and they are 2017, so at least I'll match now, just wondering if Im wasting £50 on the N3s, as Stuart is suggesting I may well be. Ta Mark

I bought Michelin PS2 N3 from Black Circles for £102 + VAT per corner for the fronts and £173 + VAT rears. 18" tyres. Included fitting etc.

I paid about £680 incl VAT for all 4 corners. The rears were about £200 incl VAT each (285/30 ZR18), so fronts would have been £140 incl VAT each (225/40 ZR18). For PS2 N3s, fully fitted, balanced etc.

Just checked my invoice and the 4 were £662 in March - the best deal around at the time.