Replacing 265's with 285's on a 2000 996

Hi Guys I am using my factory supplied GT3's on my car, and asked my OPC if it can handle new rear tyres being 285's as opposed to the current 265's without checking any paper work they said no, anyone have any expieriences to share? Specific to the 99 - 01 body? Denis

I recently replaced the 265's with 295/30's on the back of my 1998 996 C2, per the Porsche Technical Service Bulletin that is posted in the 996 Technical Articles forum (under the title "Approved Tyres"), which states such tyres can be fitted. They went on with no problems. But I am no expert - just recounting my experience. Cheers

Denis - there are a few more comments here: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=269851

Cheers richard interesting...so of all who replied with prefacelifts no one had any problems.....interesting I read the TSB and dont see on it where its ok to run 285's on pre 2001 cars? I see its ok for post 2001?

Dennis, I have a 2000 Mark 1 GT3 and I have 285's on the rear with no problems..... My OPC even asked me for advice about it, as they had a request from one of their customers. Charlie

I couldn't see either - well, not exactly. I read it that the two options for 18" wheels & tyres are: Front: 225x40 on 7.5J and Rear: 265x35 on 10J OR Front: 225x40 on 8J and Rear: 285x30 on 10J The TSB suggests that it MAY be necessary to roll the rear arches on a pre-facelift car. This implies that you can use 285 rears, but only with 8J front wheels. Perhaps using 8" fronts puts a little more rubber on the road, giving a better balance with 285 rears. Personally I don't find any lack of grip at the rear with 265's - tail-happy it is not. If it is for looks or improved wear, that's another matter.

Its actually for rim protection! an extra 20 mm of rubber on either side wont make much of a difference to me. I read it also that 285's on the rears can work only with rolling work done to the arches on the pre 2001, that means possible rub. Still clearly people here have done it, but then different offsets on wheels could be helping....

Gentlemen, I have had no problems with 295/30/18 on 2 cars that I have owned and both were pre 2001. No tyre rub or any other problems with the actual fitting onto the car and the look was fantastic and the rims were protected! On the downside and this is probably me and not the car! But I did feel if you really pushed the car round corners that it felt a little different and I put it down to flexing in the side wall of the 295 tyre as the rims were 10 inch and probably allowed the tyre to move even if ever so slightly. Then again it may have just been me and a bad bit of cornering... Regards Dean

Holy moley Skyline, you dont do things by half! well I assume, if you don't get a rub, no one's going to get a rub.

Good advice here, I am due a tyre change this week. Will either go for 285's or 295's - any difference?

allo will you let us know how it goes?

I have a booking for Saturday. I will go for the 295s Still deciding on which tyres to go for, search here I come.

Michelin Pilot Sports with N1 Rated, and rim protection, appear to be the favourites, fantastic wet and dry grip, very quiet, no side wall flexing and reasonably long lasting. the Pirelli P Zeros come in second, for grip, with faster wear, but way to much noise. My opinion anyway.

Skyline - would love to see a photo of your rear end (so to speak) as your car matches mine in terms of age.

Mark - There are some here: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/fb.asp?m=258372 As you can see, Steve has a customising streak (not a criticism, just respect!)

Today I had installed 285's on my C2. 1) rim protection 2) grip is improved 3) looks impressive [ ] I went for: 225x40 on 8J and Rear: 285x30 on 10J Pirelli P-Zeros - I got a very good deal on a set of 4, had them in the past, work well so no reason to change, will get some photos soon... Thanks for your help guys.