Tyres on my 2000 996.

Hi, I've just brought my first Porsche, a silver 996 with full aero kit and running on 18" gt3 style alloys[ ] I been driving it for the last week in the not so pleasent weather and have not been too impressed with the Conti tyres fitted! They tramline when you hit the smalls bump/white line, they make a hell of a lot of noise and don't inspire a lot of confidence at speed....could be me getting used to the 911 though[ ] Now I done a search and the 2 usual options are pirelli P Zero's and the conti's, I have had these tyres on previous vehicles and have not been too impressed! I have found that Yoko T1R's and S's are very good tyres on my other cars and have also been impressed with Goodyear Eagle F1's, has anyone tried any of these on a 911? Cheers

Not interested in the Michelin Pilot Sport then? [ ]

Autocar had a 996 C2, albeit at 3.6 facelift model with the wider rear tyres, and they recommended Pirelli P-Zero Rossos (N3 or 4 I think). They claimed that they were a big improvement over the Michelins - quieter, more comfortable and improved handling. My C2 had Michelins so I switched to Pirellis and much prefer them. However, if you are changing brands, to get the full benefit, you really need a complete set - and have a four wheel geometry alignment by a specialist at the same time.

I've heard mixed reports about the Pilot Sport2, to be honest I've never tried them! What I'm trying to avoid is forking out for 4 new tyres and not being happy with them, like a set of SO3's which I had on my XJR and suffered for 5000 miles until fear for my life made me ditch them. Then last year I brought a Noble GTO3 with SO3's fitted and they were excellent.....different cars make tyres perform differently!! I think I'll go with the Yoko's T1-R's as I've found them to be a superb tyre on my EVO RS and my M3 I'll let you know how I get on. Cheers

In honesty have always found the Continentals to be fine on a range of different Pork, did also have a set of P-Zeros, must confess these did "subjectively" feel a little better than the conti's in a number of areas, but I don't think there was enough in it to warranty spending £5-600 on a new set! Suggest you do as your own post suggests & get used to the feel of the 911 before you start shelling out the cash!! One additional tip be sure that any replacement tyres are N rated, this means they have been tested & approved by Porsche, otherwise could affect insurance & the cars ultimate handling!

I have found that both on my 993 and 996 that I get increased "tramlining" on worn surfaces as the tyres wear past about half way. It has happened both with Conti's and P-Zeros. When they are new they are great, but the 'problem' gets worse with wear. Anyone else experience the same?

First thing I would do is get the car set up (ie geometry) by a good outfit, it can transform your car (especially a 993) if it is out.

On the subject of tyres but not directly linked to this thread, I drove over a nail on my driveway whilst spending a week off work DIYing!!!!! I foolishly tried to save myself money by ordering a tyre online thinking I had plenty of time to have the thing delivered so I could get it fitted in time to return to work. Wrong!!! the tyre never turned up so I had to go to Paragon to get another tyre. Today the online order turned up and I now have an extra rear tyre (P-Zero Assimetrico 265/35 ZR 18 N3) sitting in my garage which is where it will sit until the next rear needs replacing. However, If anyone out there gets stuck for this type of tyre and needs one in a rush I will be glad to sell it for what I paid (£175) When I rang the local tyre fitters in my area no one had these tyres on the shelf apart from Paragon so if someone does have the same problem - I got one I do like the P Zeros RB

I would second this, I had PS2 on my car from new and I was that unimpressed with them I replaced the lot with Pirelli rubber. Very happy with them. garyw

I had a full geometry set up on both the 993 and 996 immediately after having the new tyres fitted. We have some pretty cr*p road surfaces round here (following years of underinvestment) and I find that it is particularly noticeable on roads where there are 'grooves' which give a real tramline effect. I just notice it more with part-worn tyres than with new ones and wondered if anyone had noticed the same. I'd echo the comments about P-Zero Rossos. Noticeably more grip than Conti's.

Me too, I've recently had the P Zeros fitted (on the same wheels and car as yours) and am very happy with them.

Yup agree with you Richard.

The P Zero Rosso's seem to get the vote, wasn't too impressed with them on my old M5 but that is a different beast altogether!! The car had a full Geo done 2 months ago so should be set up Ok still! My next question is tyre size, at the moment the fronts are 225/40 and the rears 265/35. Can I increase these to say 235 and 275 or will this upset the cars balance? Cheers

You'll be limited by the 'N' spec sizes. Best to stick to the approved recommedations for your wheels.

I guess this is going to be a daft question......but what is N spec!!!

Hi Dom, you probably missed the mention in my earlier post......................"One additional tip be sure that any replacement tyres are N rated, this means they have been tested & approved by Porsche, otherwise could affect insurance & the cars ultimate handling!"

Cheers Grant, I'll remember to read the posts before I ask daft questions[ ][ ]! I have read about the Bridgestone SO2a on the 993 forum which people seem to like, how do I find out if these tyres are N rated? Cheers

also note there are different "N" ratings and these should be the same on the car also. This once again limits what size you can fit although to be fair they normally come as a set for the cars in the correct sizes. Rosso's are in N3 and N4 at the moment.. garyw