997 turbo tyres

[Steve Jon]

I need to replace all 4 Bridgestone Potenza RE050a N0 tyres on my car. I am thinking of getting Michelin PS2s based on what I've read and experience of Michelins. Someone has suggested to me to consider Continental ContiSportContact3. Anyone had experience of these?

I've also been told that Pirellis tend to harden and crack after about 4 years so best to go with PS2s.

Opinions welcome!

[Trev450]

Michelin is without doubt the best option from those you've listed. Bridgestones are harder and are therefore more prone to cracking, but they also give less grip in colder weather. I don't have any experience of Continentals on a Porsche, but found them to 'go off' when past half worn when they were fitted as new to a Clio Cup I had.

[NBTBRV8]

Go PS2 for sure. If you aren't fussed about the N rating, then go with Michelin Super Sport.

[Cheib]

NBTBRV8 said:

Go PS2 for sure. If you aren't fussed about the N rating, then go with Michelin Super Sport.

I've read some people saying N rated is needed for warranty...if there's a transmission related issue
Porsche may not honour it if OEM spec tyres not fitted. No idea how realistic that fear is.

Can't remember where I read it but a bloke from Michelin posted in a thread that they are trying to get SS approved by Porsche which is apparently not easy...

[iantr]

I'm wary of brand focussed -ve comments like "Bridgestones are hard so prone to cracking" as all the major manufacturers use a wide variety of compounds and there can be material differences across their ranges. That said, I've always had good experiences with N-rated Michelins...

Availability might be an issue. I remember being disappointed by this when I needed new tyres for my 997.2 Turbo S. It was quite hard to find a full set without compromising on N-numbers front and rear or similar.

[NBTBRV8]

Cheib said:

I've read some people saying N rated is needed for warranty...if there's a transmission related issue
Porsche may not honour it if OEM spec tyres not fitted. No idea how realistic that fear is.

Can't remember where I read it but a bloke from Michelin posted in a thread that they are trying to get SS approved by Porsche which is apparently not easy...

That's why I said if the OP wasn't worried about N rating to go with SS.

[chrisABP]

Michelin Pilot Supersport's are being phased out and replaced with the new Pilot Sport 4's which I believe are far superior to the SS. Much better chance of the PS4 being N rated in the future as its right at the start of its life.

I use the Pilot Cup 2's which are superb (and N rated) but I have the luxury of a set of winters too...

[Steve Jon]

Thanks for all the views/advice so far - very helpful

[Ape50]

I'm in a similar position needing new tyres (due to a MOT fail) on a car under OPC warranty. I discussed with a dealer who said they would only reject a claim with non-approved tyres if you could link the fault to the tyres. Not very likely.

I tossed up PS2 vs PSS and ordered the latter as I don't see why I should have to fit dusty / 10 year old designs because Porsche can't be bothered to test new tyres on existing models. Not able to wait for PS4 but no guarantee they will approve them for my tyre size.

Bottom line I think life to too short to worry about what-ifs like this. I also swaped the battery for a Bosch.

[Porsche911R]

Steve Jon said:

I need to replace all 4 Bridgestone Potenza RE050a N0 tyres on my car. I am thinking of getting Michelin PS2s based on what I've read and experience of Michelins. Someone has suggested to me to consider Continental ContiSportContact3. Anyone had experience of these?

I've also been told that Pirellis tend to harden and crack after about 4 years so best to go with PS2s.

Opinions welcome!

are we in a time warp

PS2 and conti 3 are about 6 years old !

Pilot SS are the new PS2 and Conti are on the sport contact 6 now !!!

might not be N spec the SC6 but as always tested on a Porker and seems to win a lot of tyre tests atm
https://youtu.be/tFbXyeUf2rA

Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 is the latest kid on the block and again big talks from them
https://youtu.be/NzdKBe-UKto

Edited by Porsche911R on Tuesday 19th April 16:09

[Magic919]

The Super Sports are a bit tricky to get at the moment.

[Porsche911R]

chrisABP said:

Michelin Pilot Supersport's are being phased out and replaced with the new Pilot Sport 4's which I believe are far superior to the SS. Much better chance of the PS4 being N rated in the future as its right at the start of its life.

not sure if that's 100% true as the PS4 replaces the PS3 and still does not have the dry grip of the PSS and only available in smaller sizes still

There is a new PSS coming I was told to replace the PSS.

[TKH]

I recently switched to Bridgestone Potenza RE050A's they have coped brilliantly with 4 months of rain here in North West

lateral grip is excellent

so personally OP I would replace like for like

[chrisABP]

Porsche911R said:

chrisABP said:

Michelin Pilot Supersport's are being phased out and replaced with the new Pilot Sport 4's which I believe are far superior to the SS. Much better chance of the PS4 being N rated in the future as its right at the start of its life.

not sure if that's 100% true as the PS4 replaces the PS3 and still does not have the dry grip of the PSS and only available in smaller sizes still

There is a new PSS coming I was told to replace the PSS.

Fair point, reading the following article answers current SS supply issues, PS4 and its abilities and future N rating...

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/What-is-happe...

[krallicious]

I have Supersports and have had no problems with warrenty claims and they are mounted on non OEM wheels too.

I have just changed the rears after around 38,000 kms. This included 2 trackdays at Spa and 4 at the 'ring. They are still easy to get hold of so I don't know where some posters have been looking.

It is true that the Supersports are being phased out over the coming year or so but the direct replacement has not been released. The PS4 is similar but is more like a brother to the SS.

[krallicious]

Oopps. I was nearly right then. Lots of confusing information on the 'net. Thanks for the link. Worth noting that PS4 Porsche sizes don't seem to be available yet.

[9e 28]

Get MPS Cup 2. Really is the best tyre out there and very good in the wet too. Super sports and MPS crap by comparison and nothing in it cost wise if you order from tyreleader.co.uk

You should also upsize to 245 section at the front and 325 section at the rear. Wider front helps to manage understeer better on turbo. They will fit on OEM wheels.




No substitute...

[Digga]

Porsche911R said:

Steve Jon said:

Someone has suggested to me to consider Continental ContiSportContact3. Anyone had experience of these?

are we in a time warp

PS2 and conti 3 are about 6 years old !

FWIW my 996 turbo has Conti SC3s on. The fronts are 2012 vintage and, IMHO, seem somewhat hard and past their best - all four will be changed sometime soon. Only used mine on the roads so far, so not really got much idea of what they might be like on track.

FWIW, when I change, it will be Michelin for me, but **** knows what exact size or which type...

[W8PMC]

9e 28 said:

Get MPS Cup 2. Really is the best tyre out there and very good in the wet too. Super sports and MPS crap by comparison and nothing in it cost wise if you order from tyreleader.co.uk

You should also upsize to 245 section at the front and 325 section at the rear. Wider front helps to manage understeer better on turbo. They will fit on OEM wheels.




No substitute...

I took a close look at the Cup Sport 2's in Spa last Autumn & i'm 90% sure the difference between them & the MPSS is negligible & only the outer 15-20% of the tread pattern shows any difference to the MPSS. Tyre temps between the 2 when pushing hard was also no different, albeit on different cars so is only a guesstimate. My M5 on MPSS could easily see the fronts get up to 80 degrees C. I don't doubt the Cup Sport 2 is likely the better tyre & if it was available in OEM sizes for my car i'd defo be trying them on track, however i believe the look & performance difference between the 2 is small.

[9e 28]

W8PMC said:

9e 28 said:

Get MPS Cup 2. Really is the best tyre out there and very good in the wet too. Super sports and MPS crap by comparison and nothing in it cost wise if you order from tyreleader.co.uk

You should also upsize to 245 section at the front and 325 section at the rear. Wider front helps to manage understeer better on turbo. They will fit on OEM wheels.




No substitute...

I took a close look at the Cup Sport 2's in Spa last Autumn & i'm 90% sure the difference between them & the MPSS is negligible & only the outer 15-20% of the tread pattern shows any difference to the MPSS. Tyre temps between the 2 when pushing hard was also no different, albeit on different cars so is only a guesstimate. My M5 on MPSS could easily see the fronts get up to 80 degrees C. I don't doubt the Cup Sport 2 is likely the better tyre & if it was available in OEM sizes for my car i'd defo be trying them on track, however i believe the look & performance difference between the 2 is small.

If you lay on the turbo make it a condition it arrives on a set of Cup 2s or Tropheo Rs