Tyres

Saw a 996 yesterday had Rossos on front N4 and Contisport N2 on rear is this ok ,though both sets had to be same rating ? Brian

They are supposed to be, and ideally the same brand as well, although it doesn't mean the car is primed to explode or anything like that Good negotiating point though ...

This is usually the case with individuals changing the manufacturer of their tyres i.e. change tyres on each axle as they wear out... Read this, it will explain the N rating bit: http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=26

I understand about the same tyres on the same axle but was wondering about the N4 /N2 on the car though all had to be the same speed rating

The Porsche N rating isnt related to speed a tyre's speed rating, thats T or Z rating etc. My understanding is that as each revision of a manufacturers tyre model (e.g. Michelin Pilot Sport) is approved, then the N rating is increased accordingly with that tyre. So N0, N1, N2, N3....

I have differing P zeros on my 2000 C4 - Rosso's N4 on the front. Asimetrico N3 on the rear. The car went through the last service and extended warranty for another 12 months in this configuration without a peep from the OPC.

Ditto, as mentioned in paragraph 5 in the link I posted. It is worth reading that webpage again.

Must read the whole story in future[ ] ..I see it answers my question ,anyway I did not buy the car not as it said on the label a 520 mile wasted journey

How wide!?

265's !!!! thanks, that what I get for not reading a draft

Has anyone had their tires siped, as done in the northwest of USA

I'd never heard of siping your tires but it sounds intriguing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siping http://www.sipers.com But I suspect if it was that good the manufactures would do as standard to all tires

Aren't they the same as 'Cut slicks' you see on track cars?

I need to replace all 4 tyres on my C4S (will be using Bracknell tyres no doubt) and wondered what the views are on tyre choice. I have generally replaced 'like for like' with Continental Sport Contacts, but need to change all 4 so would like views on what to go for - I dont track the car, just 'quick' road use - was considering P Zero Rosso's - but are there any views or alternative suggestions please (Michelin, Bridgestone etc etc)? Thanks!

I know of 2 996 drivers (enthusiastic road drivers) who haven't managed much more than 5k out of recent Pirellis - the compound has gone very soft for some reason. They have both switched to Michelin and reporting much better wear, slightly inferior low speed ride but better wet and dry handling

Thanks for that, any other thoughts - for instance would people opt for Michelin over Continental?

Saw the new Michelin Pilot Sport Cup at Eynesham Hall. How sexy are they..... [ ] Twin compound tyre and almost slick on the outside edge. Now come in street legal version rated N0. Doesn't look like they have a great deal of tread on so probably won't last many miles.....

Hi there I would go for Continentals. They aren't quite as grippy as Pirelli (not far off though) but last longer and are far quieter. (I've found the Pirellis roar like crazy on certain tarmac). The Contis are also about the cheapest 'proper' option. As a little more rear grip and traction can never be a bad thing, why not go for the 285s? They also look better on the rims than the 265s. I always think that 265s look a little 'stretched' as if the rims are just that bit too wide for the tyre! Regards 17" wheels, only my opinion, but I think they look too small on a 996. The 18" Carrera alloy looks the business though and is also very light.

Hi, My only other comments on the 18" Carreras is if you are trying to go for long life, then Michelin Pilot Sports are probably the best, but also the most expensive. I wouldn't consider the 265 width for one very important issue, if you do rub a curb, you'll hit the alloy and not the tyre, my 285's on the rear (Michelin PS's) have a nice rim protector (as do the fronts). [ ]

Don't forget that Brian's is a pre-facelift car, and there may be an issue with 285's on the rear. The rear arches are rolled on the later cars. Anyone have 285 rears on a 2001 without mods to the arches?

Thank's for the info so far keep it comming the more comments the better ,the Dunlops that are on the car have rim protecters ,I though a lot had the option of this on certain makes of tyres more interested on the ride with the 285 to be honest would possibly stick with the 265 as there would be no issues clearence etc ,and I looked on a couple of tyre sites and the 285 where a lot dearer . Thanks Brian

I've got 18" Carrera's with 285/30 rears on my MY2002 C4 & as pwafer says, the Pilot Sports are much quieter than Pirelli's - mine still have tons of life left after 5,000 miles. Can't really compare on comfort, but I have never had any adverse comments & one friend reckons the C4 has a better ride than a BMW X5!

I changed from Pirellis to Contis last week - 225/40/18 and 285/30/18 - and after 200 miles all I can say is that tyre noise is much reduced on concrete and almost absent on good Tarmac. In the torrential rain on Sunday, the Contis felt different to the Pirellis and clearly didn't leave definite tracks on the road in the way the old (totally shot) tyres did but braking was a lot bettter - maybe a product of greater tread depth. The Contis don't have the sipes (?) that the Pirellis do so maybe clear water in a different way as, I believe, aquaplaning (avoidance of) is a big thing in Germany. Also, the Contis produce far less tramlining which is an issue in these sizes. You may well have to wait for Michelins for the rear as everywhere I tried couldn't say when they would have them.

Steve, are they standard 10J ET65 offset?

I had GT3 sports design (you know, the 2 part ones with the allen keys that always start to flake off the laquer where they flex) running 225/40x18 and 285/30x18 on a 1999 C4 and again on a 2000C4, both with sports suspension, no problem with clearance on either using pirelli or michelins. However I thought that I had read somewhere that the front wheel offset is different between running 265 or 285 on the rear (although the front tyre sizes are the same at 225/40x18). There should be different numbers on the front wheel, cannot remember what they were though. On the tyre front I have contis on my 996tt and they are c..p compaired to the michelins in the wet. When due for change I will go the michelin route (if I can get them..295/30x18).

Slight thread drift here, so apologies, but I have the same (i.e. GT3) so I was wondering what you did about the flaking lacquer problem?

My recently acquired 2000 model 996 has 17" wheels. Very, very impressed with ride quality - especially with the broken roads of Suffolk. I got totally fed up with my previous motor for harsh ride quality and spoke to Peter Morgan about the 911 options before going ahead. My question was specifically whether 993 or 996 would give a better ride and his answer was that it should be a question of 17" or 18" instead. 17" = more compliant and having driven a few, I have to agree. So +ve is more compliant ride and cheaper types -ve is doesn't look so flash. Just my 2p worth.

I have 295's on the rear of my 1999 C2 cab and have no problems other than a little flexing at very fast corners... well that's my excuse anyway! I have no spacers and have had no problems at all. The protection for the rims is much better too! Dean

Costco have an offer on on michelin tyres at the momnet. Buy 4 18" + above and save £50! [ ]

I've used Bracknell in the past. They are the cheapest in the area, but get there early and be prepared to wait. They are ALWAYS busy. They look a bit rough-and-ready, but they were very careful with the wheels when they changed mine. I used Event Tyres last time (right next door to you!) for my new Michelins, as they came to me at work and there was no faffing around.

Thanks for the advice. Costco are by far the cheapest for Michelin (particularly with the £50 off deal) but Bracknell are significantly less than Event (could probably have negotiated a discount if I hadn't moved - now in Wokingham, was literally next door!!) so it looks like Contis this time round.

Just replaced mine with Costco' Michelins after Pirellie and Conti's. Have to say the difference IS noticeable. Handling seems sharper and the grip is superb. Certainly won't be putting more Pirellis back on and a good improvement over Conti's too.

Yes, completely normal. The rears are wider, therefore to maintain (roughly) the same sidewall height (and thus stiffness), the aspect ratio need to be lower. If you were running 285 rears, they would be 285/30

Thankyou. I will no longer be paranoid next time I drive it!

Did all four with 18" Conti's from Bracknell Tyres a few months ago. £500 all in.

In Bournemouth myself. Try Micheldever Tyres which is just north of Winchester, or Pro-tyre in Poole (part of the same group of companies and less distance to travel too).

Yes. Should be same brand and N rating. Must be N rating - have heard (in theory at least), there could be insurance issues if you're not using manufacturer specified tyres. N rated ones aren't any more expensive than non N rated ones of same type, it just limits your choice. I have put on Michelin Pilot Sports that I'm very pleased with and others have recommended those too - good balance between comfort / noise / performance and longevity. Mine were 580 all in for 4, but that was for 17" rims.

700 all round is a bad deal, I got charged that at the local OPC last year so you can get a lot cheaper. I am paying 350 this weekend for 2 rears so I reckon 600 or less for all 4 is about right. I am having Contis fitted to my 18's.

Colin, I've had various brands and settled on Michelin Pilot sports N1 rated, I think Costco have a 20% discount on 4 tyres until 12th May. PS - did get my hand in my pocket and picking it up in a fortnight[ ] see you soon

Will look forward to seeing the new one at the next meeting!

I used to have the Porche recommended Michelins all round on my 996 just changed to Pirelli P Zeros all round, changes the car a lot!

You certainly shouldn't mix brands, shouldn't mix types and, if you're on the Porsche warranty, you shouldn't even mix N ratings - even if it eventually means you have to change all four.

changed in a good way, or a bad way? best, des.

Patch, If Richards tips don't pay off, try this website http://www.tyreplus.co.uk . About six months ago I was searching for a deal for my C4S and after searching the interweb I come up with this site. They were the cheapest and by entering your location they will tell you who can fit them nearest to you. You get a quote, print out the quote which is good for 7 days and then just take to the fitters identified near you in the scheme who will fit them for that price. If you do use them do what I did, call the fitters first and tell them you are coming along with the quote for your tyres. In all probability they won't have them on site and if so they will need to ordered. It gives the fitters the heads up and they get them for you (in my case 24 hrs) and you don't waste your time driving there only to find they aint in stock and you have to go back when there in. I had Michelins Pilot sports fitted at all the corners for a tenner over 800 quid. (225/40 ZR 18 & 295/30 ZR 18) RB

Look up Event Tyres on the web - they will come to you and still offer a very competitive price, and are very good. Don't mix brands front and rear. Don't get Pirellis. Contis are OK and last well Michelin are better but pricier

Thanks to RB and Richard - I'll be checking them out tomorrow along with Richard's suggestions. Do you think Pilots are worth the extra? All the best Des

I think they have the edge on the others. IMO P-Zero N4's are the grippyest, and they wore well on mine, but I found that after a few thousand miles they tramlined badly. I think Assimetricos are the noisy ones and wear quickly, but I have no experience of them. Continentals are a good all-rounder but they definitely don't grip as well as P-Zeros or Michelins. If I had to replace all four, I'd spend the extra and get Michelins. Just my 2p's worth. By the way, Event Tyres main "depot" is at Remenham, near Henley, so close to Cookham. I used them once, but I found 3T were cheaper.

Just ordered the P Zero's, at £338 fitted etc. Thanks for the info guys.

Wouldn't be too sure about KWIK FIT. They had the best deal when i replaced all 4 tyres on my 98' C2. However, upon further investigation they had damaged the lacquer on one of the wheels considerably. Couldn't prove it but have since refurbished. In future i think i would be safer having photographic evidence if i really had to use them again.

Gone for Pilots all round for £800 at Maidenhead Tyre and Exhaust. Pirellis Asimetricos would be £80 less. 3T were £80 more. PZero Rosso's difficult to track down apparently. And Reading OPC only... £1200 - a truly astonishing "we don't give a stuff" price !!!! Des

Actually they are Pirelli P Zero Rosso's, £200 rears and £150 fronts (+vat). Surprisingly they are quieter on the motorway and make the car feel very stable at speed. Had to take the car back to be rebalanced though, slight vibration at around 70mph, they added 10g to one front wheel only and its perfectly smooth now. The P Zeros don't have the protective lip around that edge of the tyre that the Michelins had.

My brother took his 911 into a tyre firm as he noticed cracks between the treads on his conti's they told him this only happens with conti's and recommended changing them to pirelli or mich. As the tyres had a date stamp of 2005 he is not impressed. I have always found pirelli's to be quieter while still giving good grip and mileage, mich are best mileage but noisy.

I lived next door to them for five years (literally - my avatar shows my car there!) and they were competitive but I always found it was worth driving to Bracknell Tyre and Exhaust. Don't know how he does it but I put four 18" N-rated Contis on mine about a year ago for £500.

KNN, the P Zero's I had fitted do have the protective lip.

Ok there is something in the way of a lip but its nowhere near as pronounced as the Michelins. The Pirellis look good though and as I said in an earlier post are a lot quieter.

Bridgestone RE050A's have a thick rim protector - at least they do on the sizes on mine! http://www.tyres-pneus-online.co.uk/car-tyres-BRIDGESTONE/POTENZA,RE,050,A/265,35,R18,93,Y,%281Z%29.html

Continental SportContact2s have very good rim protection compared to the others - Michelin, Pirelli

Ahh that's it, I have just replaced the rear Continental SportContact2 s with a pair of Pirelli's ,the front are still Continental SportContact2 s.

i did that , if you are 4wd prepare for bad handling ! sorry for that , but i ended up changing the fronts to pirelli's to get the car back to normal ! another £400 75pno

Check out Alloy Gators @alloygators.com, saw them in Evo magazine, £37.50 + VAT for 4 off, fits up to and inc. 21" alloys.looks a bargain compared to new alloys or a repair. No i am not on the payrole, they just look the answer to a problem. 996 Cabriolet C2

Yes, you have the correct tyre sizes. Here we go again............. I found that the Conti SC2s on the rear of my Turbo wore out alarmingly quickly (2 pairs at 3000 miles per pair), but others have said they were fine for wear. I switched to Yokohama Advan Sport V103s, which were great, but they aren't N rated (if that bothers you). Michelins are usually the best all-rounders, but the most expensive. (Awaits other recommendations).

Thanks a lot Richard. What's your views on Bridgestone?

Bridgestones are about the only N rated tyre I haven't tried, so I have no personal experience, I'm afraid.

In Adrian Streather's book "Porsche 996, The Essential Companion", he recommends 225/40ZR18 & 285/30ZR18. As for tyre choice, N rated tyres are recommended. Bridgestone S-02A N3, Conti SC2 N2, Michelin Pilot Sport N0 and N1 are all described as "designed for dynamic driving". He rates the Conti and the Michelin as excellent. He doesn't care for Pirelli PZero N2 & N3, and states Pirelli N3 are not suitable for AWD 996. I run Conti on my C4 Cab. I had Pirelli and Conti on my old 986 Boxster S and thought the Pirelli didn't wear particularly well compared to the Conti.

If Streather recommends 285s for the rear of a C4S, then he is wrong.

Thanks all, appreciate the feedback.

Hi Seb, As Richard has confirmed, you have correct sizes..... I have N2 Contis on my '04 4S & have found them to be excellent for both traction & wear! Currently have covered approx 16k+ miles with them & nowhere near wear indicators[ ] hth Paul

Thanks Paul. Are they SC2's? I had these on my 993 and they were ok but I am told Bridgestone's will last longer. Not sure.

Bridgestones and Firestones make great Flower pots on travelers sites.

[ ][ ]

Never noticed personally, cannot afford to visit & expensive to park[ ]

Brilliant!

Hi Guys I too am looking at buying new rear tyres this weekend..Looks like I'll stick to the Continentals and avoid the flower pots. Thanks for the heads up. Malc

Hi I'm running bridgestones all corners. I've changed the rears after 12000 and the fronts recently at 15000, there was still life in the fronts but all cracked in the treads so moved them on. Have not had any handling issues and great in the wet. Fronts 130.00 and rears were 220 each. Cheers[ ]

Thanks Mike, can I ask what Bridgestone were they?

I run Pirellis on my C2 996 and have done for the last 6 years. In all honesty, the wear has varied depending on where I live. Whilst driving on roads in Surrey they only got approx 4k per set of rears. However, since moving to the midlands I seem to get twice that. I have come to the conclusion that the roads vary a lot in smoothness. Another factor is stop and start. Im led to believe tyres will wear quicker if you are constantly in stop/start traffic as opposed to long runs. I'm also led to believe tyre pressures also make a significant difference with many of us using pressures 4psi below the recommended pressure. Anyway, thats my ten penneth worth. When it comes to deciding I think we all have our favourites. However, Pirellis can be hard to get at times.

Hi Seb, Yes, SC 2'S from Event Tyres when purchased Will definitely go for Contis again, very pleased with them. Rgds Paul

My 996C4S came with Pirelli Rosso N4 fitted front, nearly new, & Pirelli N1 fitted rear slightly cracked so had Pirelli N4 fitted on rear done 13K miles on them since with 4-5mm left on them all with the way round which I am a bit surprised with. Had them on my 993 but wear rate not good but changed to Contis which were much better.