981 20" tyres - Michelin or Goodyear?

[Cabsi]

I know there is another thread running on a very similar topic, but I though it was worth asking a specific question.

I have 20" PZero N0's and I'm not happy with them. They seem to have extremely stiff sidewalls and even though they are only half worn, I'm seriously thinking about changing to the Goodyear F1 N0's as the reviews seem to suggest a significantly better driving experience.

My question is - has anyone any first hand experience of the new Michelin PS4S N0's on a 981? I'm particularly interested in the ability of the tyre to provide the flowing driving experience I know these cars can provide.

If anyone has moved from the F1's to the PS4S then even better! Thanks.

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ClarkeyDiem said:

Cabsi, whilst a bit cheeky, I have 4 Michelin Pilot Super Sports for sale in the 20" tyre section on PH at a reasonable price. There are not N rated: however if you wanted to "try" Michelins, this might be a way to dip your toe...

Thanks - appreciate the thought, but want to keep the N rating due to my OPC warranty.

[Cabsi]

Ummm. This is very strange - I'm pretty sure they were listed on the Michelin site a couple of weeks ago - but the Porsche version isn't there now.

However, Tyre Shopper lists the fronts in N0 but not the backs...

https://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk/tyres/235-35-20

Thanks for all the other comments. Guess we've all got our own views on the best tyres!

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Porsche911R said:

I think the views come from people who have never had anything but p zero so anything is better lol

I have ran every thing on my Porkers, Conti, p zero, Bridgestones, Googyear F1, Dunlop race maxx, MPSS , PS4S and the cup 2, Michelin are the clear winners by a long shot hence why every ring record is on "Michelin" and most super cars even the tail happy BMW ran MPSS to tame them, the CGT a car which would bite you ended up with MPSS also the only tyre to work on the car !
Most of the Hyper cars ran MPSS and new Ferrari are coming out with PS4S on them.

So while views might be like belly buttons, the fact is "Michelin" are the best tyres backed up time and time again in every review, only EVO never rate "Michelin" as they never put a PS4S or MPSS on their tests lol they are paid buy Conti imo to avoid those 2 tyres in every car tyre test I can remember.

While the new P1 zero N1 might be a good tyre, it's about the only one I have not used, I would not risk buying one going by their history.
people also look at tyre reviews and then state that vs an old model which Porsche fit not the new releases.

I run 2 cars on PS4S and 2 on CUP 2's, I have also ran at >6 sets of MPSS , they transformed my V8 BMW.

when it comes to tyres "Michelin" seem to have it licked, they have now and back 10+ years ago they did with the PS2 of which I must have ran 10+ sets.

Continental Sport Contact 6 seem to get good reviews but I don't trust the paid for adverts and have had bad Conti before.

to end on a tyre review quote
"The new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S betters the Michelin Pilot Super Sport in every measurable category, and looks to extend its dominance over its rivals in the maximum performance tyre sector."

Edited by Porsche911R on Tuesday 5th September 10:41

Thank you 911R - you clearly have more experience of Porsche tyres than me!

I do want N Rated tyres, and my only experience of Michelins was on my 987.2 CS. They were Pilot Sport 2 N2's and they seemed to have very stiff sidewalls leading to poor NVH in the cabin. They lasted well and the steering response and grip were very good, but the road noise and constant fidgeting was an issue for me.

I realise that everyone has different requirements from a tyre, so you're right, everyone will have their own opinion. I don't track my car, so I'd gladly give up 10% on steering response and grip if the tyre allowed the chassis to 'breath' or 'flow' with the crappy roads we have to put up with in the UK.

Tyres have such a big impact on the enjoyment we get from our cars, and I'm not a millionaire, so I just wish there was a better way of making sure we're making the right choice.

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ginettajoe said:

Before setting off on a 5000 mile trip around Europe in May, I changed from P Zero's to Goodyear Eagle F1's, the P Zeros had 5+ mm of tread! The difference was dramatic, much quieter, much smoother, the ride was transformed, and more importantly, I don't have a hint of "shuffle" even on full lock!! Fuel consumption was excellent, returning between 33 and 40+ mpg! The car is a 981 3.4 S Boxter, with 20" wheels, and PASM. The mileage I have covered now on the tyres, is in excess of 7000 miles, and the fronts still measure 7MM and the rears, 6.5MM of tread remaining!!! Fabulous tyres!!!

Thank you ginettajoe. It sounds like we have similar requirements when it comes to tyre choice! And my car has PASM as well (which I only use in comfort mode).

BCR5784 mentions that the F1's are more prone to understeer - have you found that in the wet or dry?

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bcr5784 said:

I'd echo that - you really wouldn't recognise them as the same brand of tyre if it wasn't written on the sidewall. I've tried N0 Goodyears too - better steering feel but too much understeer for my liking.

Thank you bcr5784. How would you compare the PZero N1's and N0 Goodyears for NVH characteristics?

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Thanks everyone. I think the choice has been made.

I'm having a full Geo done tomorrow, and will see whether that enables me to live with the Pirellis. If not (and I suspect not), I will then be looking for the best deal on the Goodyears.

[Cabsi]

Just to report back - coincidentally my rear toe out was outside spec... but overall measurements weren't too bad.

I now have more negative front camber (now outside spec) which has given me more turn in urgency, whilst the rear feels more planted. So its starting to come together.

I'll live with this for a couple of weeks before I decide on the tyres. Thanks again.