N rated tyres

[AC79xxx]

I need a new set of rear boots before I disappear on a 2 week jolly to Italy.

Searching around for prices I've noticed that there are 3 different types of Sport Contacts; non N rated, N1 and N2 with the cost difference of about £6 between the cheapest and the most expensive.

I'll be matching the fronts as they're only half worn but what's the difference between them? Are they different compounds or is the construction different?

[clubsport]

N1,N2 etc relates to different generations of the same tyre....you should check the N number of your fronts and match to the backs. Some garages often make a note on the invoice if you choose not to match N numbers front to back, ob viously disassociating themselves of any liability/ a bit extreme i feel.

[Pete Cros]

Porsche N ratings explained.

The one thing you shouldn't do is mix N rates.

http://p-car.com/technical/tires.htm

[sprior]

Pete Cros said:

http://p-car.com/technical/tires.htm

I used to really rate my Conti's, but the short description given in the link as 'comfort' is a real off putter.

[AC79xxx]

Pete Cros said:

The one thing you shouldn't do is mix N rates.

Why is this?

There's N1's on the car at the moment and the fronts are only half worn.

As the N1's are no longer made are there any issues with putting N2's on the rear?

[agent006]

All the N numbers mean is that porsche think the tyres are good enough for their precious designs. They test certain tyres and make sure they're u[ to the same standards as teh car, hence an SP10e will never have an N rating. A tyre gets a higher N number when the manfacturer revises the design. Hence Contisport 2s having a higher N number than the original contisports.
Generally, if they're black round and made of rubber (and cost more than £60 a piece) they'll be OK. There are some really rather good tyres that aren't N rated (Eagle F1, Proxes t1s, AVS sport etc.).

Thus mixing N numbers means you're mixing tyre designs which isn't a great thing if you're a fan of predicatable handling. If you must mix, put the higher N number on the back, as logic dictates it will be a better tyre. That's assuming you're not an oversteer demon.