Tyres - RS/GT3

[pistolp]

I need to replace the Cups on my 4.0 and 996 RS, what would you recommend replacing them with? I want something that's more of an all rounder. I find the Cups too compromised for wet roads and especially any standing water.

[V8KSN]

Michelin Pilot Super Sports (if the car is not in warranty)

If it IS still under a Porsche warranty, just ask a Porsche dealer to supply and fit them for you

[pistolp]

Ok thanks that's interesting. I've got them on another RS of mine, I posted this before but think they look odd. I think its the sharp edge/square profile and level of tread. Do you know what I mean?

Have you got a pic of them on yours? Thanks for your help

[LaSource]

Options for the 996 RS:
Yokohama AD08 or AD08R
Pirelli Trofeo or Trofeo R

Both the above have a wider usage window than Cups esp in non R flavour. They are also good for track use.

[PorkaFly]

I think you asked about this recently and I responded then, but until the new Cup2s arrive in 997 19" sizes the only tyre I will put on my 7.2RS is the MPSS - for reasons you cite above. The rears (325) used only to be available from the US )where I got mine), but don't know if that's still the case, however all other sizes are available in UK. I've had them on both 7.2 GT3s and whilst I get them from various sources, I always have them fitted by OPC (centrelocks) to my in-warranty cars, and never entertain the N-rated question. I'm paying for them to fit tyres to their "form over function" centrelock wheels, not asking or paying for their permission to fit them! I know they're safer for our roads...and conversation usually ends at that point. They are of course compromised on track over Cups, but I can live with that as wear rate and non-deformation is quite phenomenal, and thus a reasonable upside.

PF

Edited by PorkaFly on Saturday 15th February 23:56

[BMCG]

Tirerack's fitment engine for a 2008 GT3 RS.1...throws up 21 possibilities...granted as Porka points out not all available this side of the pond....but ensuing at least widen the canvass...i've listed my choices...

N Rated:
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A N0
Bridgestone Potenza RE050A N1
Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 N2
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup+ N1
Pirelli P Zero N2
Pirelli P Zero Rosso N1
Pirelli P Zero Corsa System N1 (A favourite of mine)

and once you've wandered off the N1 reservation:
Michelin Pilot Super Sport
Dunlop Sport Maxx Race
Continental ConfiForceContact
Bridgestone Potenza RE-11

[pistolp]

Thanks a lot that's really helpful. I have asked before but I'm a bit confused as I'm getting conflicting advice from here and another source. Getting there now though.

J

[shavenhaven]

i'd be tempted to look at Corsa's (if you can get them?) - i had them on a 7.2 gt3 and they wore very well.

[Far Cough]

pistolp said:

Ok thanks that's interesting. I've got them on another RS of mine, I posted this before but think they look odd. I think its the sharp edge/square profile and level of tread. Do you know what I mean?

Have you got a pic of them on yours? Thanks for your help

I thought the same when I fitted mine but I put it down to a slightly squarer shoulder on the MPSS and combined with a decent amount of tread when new , the big tread block adds to that "squareness". If that makes sense.....

[pistolp]

Makes perfect sense. Have you got a picture?

[Steve Rance]

I'd go for a Corsa. Good road manners - comparatively - and nice on the circuit. On your 996 you will need to run them at 2.0 bar and not 2.1 bar that you should be running your cups at for optimium. They will be almost as quick on the lap ( within a second) but will not be as sure footed as the cup so expect to do more wheel work. The Toyo's are not a great track tyre if you are quick - ask a lot of your tyres. They dont like weight ( great in a 993 Clubbie but not great on a 996RS) and will go off quickly on the circuit. i cant get ore that 2 flying laps out of them before they go off - and they do GO OFF.

Ultimately for the circuit, the cup is still the best tyre but as an all rounder, the Corsa has the edge in wet conditions

[LaSource]

I thought the Corsa was now out of production and replaced by the Trofeo??

[PorkaFly]

Steve Rance said:

I'd go for a Corsa. Good road manners - comparatively - and nice on the circuit. On your 996 you will need to run them at 2.0 bar and not 2.1 bar that you should be running your cups at for optimium. They will be almost as quick on the lap ( within a second) but will not be as sure footed as the cup so expect to do more wheel work. The Toyo's are not a great track tyre if you are quick - ask a lot of your tyres. They dont like weight ( great in a 993 Clubbie but not great on a 996RS) and will go off quickly on the circuit. i cant get ore that 2 flying laps out of them before they go off - and they do GO OFF.

Ultimately for the circuit, the cup is still the best tyre but as an all rounder, the Corsa has the edge in wet conditions

If you can get Corsa's this is good advice and satisfies the n-rating warranty folks, but I switched to the MPSS in 2011 as I could never source Corsa's which were OEM tyre on my first 7.2 GT3. They don't last as long as MPSS but I would go for these over MPSS if available.

I'm hoping though that the promised 19" n-rated version of Cup2 will be out soon and then MPSS will become moot.

PF

[BMCG]

PorkaFly said:

I'm hoping though that the promised 19" n-rated version of Cup2 will be out soon and then MPSS will become moot.

PF

If Michelin holds true to their forecast....the MPSC 2 for 7.2 RS fitment...should be available in April...

[Dblue]

Steve Rance said:

I'd go for a Corsa. Good road manners - comparatively - and nice on the circuit. On your 996 you will need to run them at 2.0 bar and not 2.1 bar that you should be running your cups at for optimium. They will be almost as quick on the lap ( within a second) but will not be as sure footed as the cup so expect to do more wheel work. The Toyo's are not a great track tyre if you are quick - ask a lot of your tyres. They dont like weight ( great in a 993 Clubbie but not great on a 996RS) and will go off quickly on the circuit. i cant get ore that 2 flying laps out of them before they go off - and they do GO OFF.

Ultimately for the circuit, the cup is still the best tyre but as an all rounder, the Corsa has the edge in wet conditions

Its more than an edge Steve, Cups start with 4.5 - 5mm tread new and just about cope on a wet road but within 2000 miles ( Less than a euro trip for example ) the rears will be half worn and positively dangerous in certain conditions. Corsa much much better as a road tyre but I'd fit MPSS regardless, best all rounder currently made IMHO.

[PorkaFly]

BMCG said:

PorkaFly said:

I'm hoping though that the promised 19" n-rated version of Cup2 will be out soon and then MPSS will become moot.

PF

If Michelin holds true to their forecast....the MPSC 2 for 7.2 RS fitment...should be available in April...

Fingers-crossed...I won't need them until end of season/year as just put a new set of MPSS on, but will be very happy when they do appear. Michelin say they are not having the "issue" they had with MPSS with Porsche, and are completely confident that as Cup2 was accepted for n-rating on 991 GT3 it would be on previous versions, but it don't know if this has been done already or is pending. But I do know they are very keen to support previous versions of GT3 (18" & 19") and become the n-rated track/every day tyre of choice, and see a real opportunity as a result. They've definitely been listening and are keen to up their game and are now getting the support from France to do so.

PF

[johnycarrera]

Shame they don't do supersorts in the correct 18 inch size for your 996 and my 993.
I'm just sticking with the cups and I'll continue to take it easy in extreme wet conditions.
Just ordered new fronts from Pneus online, they were 170 quid each delivered for 235 45 18, went up from 225 to see if it improved turn in much, very slight difference but could be noticing it because they're new

[pistolp]

Hi Steve - is the Pirelli more versatile? I want an all year round tyre really? You say it has the edge but to be honest I'd like a bigger step/improvement if possible. Thanks though.

PF is the new MPSC2 supposed of better than the outgoing tyre in wet conditions? I take it they've worked on that hence its a development of the predecessor.

[arcamalpha]

Currently asking my OPC to fit Cup2s to my 997 GT3. Will report back on what they say!

[shavenhaven]

Cup 2's have a deeper tread so will be better than Cup 1's, but it's still a track tyre - never going to be as good as the Corsa / SS / Pilot etc etc in the wet / damp / cold.