Michelin PS2 285 or PS4 265?

[Zoin]

I have a 996 with 285/30 18 rears. That size somewhat restricts my options so I've always used Michelin PS2.

New tyres are due now (irreparable puncture) and I've always wanted to try PSS or PS4 but that would mean going down to 265/35 18 rears.

Has anyone done this? For fast road use, would the superior compound/tread offset the narrower width?

Grateful for advice from anyone with experience or expert knowledge in this regard.

Thanks,
Zoin

[peterg1955]

Yep, I've done that change although I think you mean 275/35x18 PS4 for the rears rather than 265...

I had mine fitted while it was at Centre Gravity and checked with Chris Franklin to ensure he thought it was a good move and he agreed as the PS4 is a much more modern tyre than the PS2 design (I already knew how good they are from having them on my GT86 for almost a year, they were very good right through the winter as it's my daily car).

I've since done nearly 2000 miles in the 911 in all sorts of conditions and they feel really good, I still haven't managed to provoke any kind of slide and the PSM light has never come on despite plenty of early morning B road driving.

Edited by peterg1955 on Tuesday 29th August 15:24

[Chris Stott]

I have PS4's on the back of mine (265/35)... they feel pretty decent, but then the multiple pairs of PS2's I had before them felt pretty decent, as did the multiple sets of Conti's I ran before them.

No real difference in grip at road speeds as far as I can tell. Bit quieter than PS2's on concrete motorways.

[kev.RS]

265/35 is fine as that is same size as 3.4 then went to 285/30 on 3.6

[George Smiley]

Go with manufacturers spec. Or have fun come insurance claim (if unlucky)

[Zoin]

Thanks, all, for your replies.

I decided to go ahead with 265/35x18 PS4 but on calling the tyre fitter, he strongly advised again this, saying he'd come across instances of insurance companies refusing a claim due to non-standard tyre size and the old N-rating chestnut. He advised that I get approval from Porsche and clearance from my insurers before going ahead. He'd also want me to sign a disclaimer.

Would Porsche give written approval? I doubt it since 265/35 is only listed as a winter tyre size in the handbook.

Ultimately, I don't need the hassle or the risk so I've ordered 285/30 PS2 N3 yet again.

I have noticed that PS2 are more expensive than ever and not available at all the usual outlets, restricting my ability to shop around. Does this suggest they're being phased out by Michelin, in which case they'll presumably expand the size range of the newer lines to cover my car? I hope so; maybe I'll have the option of PS4S next time.

Thanks again,
Z

[Chris Stott]

Zoin said:

Thanks, all, for your replies.

I decided to go ahead with 265/35x18 PS4 but on calling the tyre fitter, he strongly advised again this, saying he'd come across instances of insurance companies refusing a claim due to non-standard tyre size and the old N-rating chestnut. He advised that I get approval from Porsche and clearance from my insurers before going ahead. He'd also want me to sign a disclaimer.

Would Porsche give written approval? I doubt it since 265/35 is only listed as a winter tyre size in the handbook.

Ultimately, I don't need the hassle or the risk so I've ordered 285/30 PS2 N3 yet again.

I have noticed that PS2 are more expensive than ever and not available at all the usual outlets, restricting my ability to shop around. Does this suggest they're being phased out by Michelin, in which case they'll presumably expand the size range of the newer lines to cover my car? I hope so; maybe I'll have the option of PS4S next time.

Thanks again,
Z

Blackcircles sent me an e-mail on this when I ordered my PS4's on-line. It's complete rubbish.

It might invalidate a Porsche warantee, but insurance companies won't invalidate your insurance because your tyres aren't N rated. And 265/35's are an official tyre size (at least for 996.1's)

'Sign a disclaimer'... WTF?

[Zoin]

Chris Stott said:

Blackcircles sent me an e-mail on this when I ordered my PS4's on-line. It's complete rubbish.

It might invalidate a Porsche warantee, but insurance companies won't invalidate your insurance because your tyres aren't N rated. And 265/35's are an official tyre size (at least for 996.1's)

'Sign a disclaimer'... WTF?

Yes, I agree it's all a bit silly and I do use 265/35 non-N winter tyres. The problem is that 265/35 is not an official size for my 996.2 except as a winter tyre.

I seriously doubt any insurance company would bother to check but with the tyre fitter demanding a disclaimer, I just don't have the appetite for even a small risk.

I could use a local independent fitter who wouldn't ask for a disclaimer but I'm a bit pushed for time. The 'slow' puncture is bad enough for the tyre to be going completely flat overnight every day and, it being my daily driver, I feel that's a bit dangerous.

[Zoin]

Just to add, the official sizes for a 996.2 on 18" rims are 285/30 and 295/30, the latter on 11" wide rims.

[IknowJoseph]

I've been in the same situation (minus the puncture), have been tempted by Cup 2s, but can't face spending out that much. Fresh PS2s always feel great to me, and work really well in the wet, so I've not moved on yet.

[STiG911]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Agree - there's nothing wrong with not using N rated tyres for a non-OPC warranty covered Porsche, but I'd be skeptical about dropping from 285 to 265 section tyres, that's quite a loss of footprint, imo.