What does "N2" mean for tyres?

[Harris_I]

I am about to have Michelin Pilot Sport Cups fitted to my 996 C2. However, not surprisingly the OPC says these are not one of their approved tyres and cannot specify what the "N" rating should be.

The local Michelin supplier reckons I need N2 - I have no idea what this means and don't want to make an expensive mistake.

Can someone enlighten me?

[warmfuzzies]

3rd generaion porsche approved fitment.

When Porsche do testing for approvement and pass the tyre off as ok to use on a car, they give it an "N" type approval, hence N0 N1 N2 etc. Everytime the tyre compound changes the type assignation changes.
The only concern is for what vehicle type they best work with.
For example and N2 type may not work on an older vehicle as well as it does a newer one. If the dates between approvals cross over vehicle types. From shall we say a 964 to a 996, they have differing characteristics, and hence the tyre approval would differ too.

kevin

[rubystone]

Yep, the N rating refers to the compound. I needed a new set of A008s for the rear of my RS - couldn't get N2 compound, called Yokohama UK who confirmed that there was no problem regarding compatability between N2 and N3 for those tyres. But to me the car didn't ever handle the same on those newer tyres - probably just subjective and more to do with the amount of grip an 80% worn set of Aoo8s gave one!

[Harris_I]

Thanks for your replies.

So I guess that means if the Cups have an N rating, that means Porsche have approved them, contrary to my OPC's advice.

On that basis, I will go ahead with the fitment as advised by the Michelin dealer.

[beaver]

Pilot Cups are NOT N rated. They are however a superb trackday tyre for Porsches, having been developed on the GT3. The wear rate is not good, I got 3 trackdays out of mine before the inner band of tread resembled the outer slick band. They are also very temperature and pressure dependent, 29lbs (hot) front and back is the optimum for a GT3, so probably the same for your 996.

[melv]

AFAIK, Pilot CUPS are NOT N-rated -however Pilot SPORTS are!!

You SHOULD NOT mix different N-numbers from front to back -if u wish to -consult manufacturer first, some are OK to mix.

All this info from Michelin rep Steve Dolby.

If u have any specific queries, contact me thru profile 4 his e-mail address.

Melv

[Harris_I]

Thanks again. Makes me feel more comfortable knowing they have been used extensively on GT3s and I certainly don't intend to mix tyres.

I know about the wear rate, but since I will be using them on autocross days (sprints), they hopefully won't be shredded after 3 sessions.