Advice on tyres for a 944
Discussion
I need a couple of rear tyres for my 944 to replace the worn (and odd) pair I've currently got.
What tyres would you recommend?
Also, I rang Formula 1 tyre centre and the guy said that I should only use a class N tyre as it's what Porsche recommend and my insurance would be void without them (the tyre he then tried to sell me was about £20 more each - Pirelli P6000). I've never heard of this and don't really want to have to replace all four tyres.
Any one got any advice on this?
It might be useful to know what size rim you want the tyres for 
If it's for a 7x15" rim on a lux I can't really help except to say I had 215/60/15 (IIRC) P6000's on my old 2.7 (on all four corners) and they lasted well, were consistent & gave a good, quiet ride. Grip in the wet was pretty low but I can't directly compare them to another tyre because I never changed them while I had the car.
Buying 'N' rated tyres is a good indication that the tyre exceeds a minimum quality standard (ie any 'N' rated tyre will be suitable) but the 'N' rating was introduced after about 1990 so it's relevance to the 944 is limited, non rated tyres may be fine.
Personally I've always gone for 'N' rated, known brand (ie I've heard of them) tyres, I currently have Michelin pilot sports on mine (N2) but only because I got them cheap from Costco (they're okay).
The number after then N is not a performance rating or anything, it refers to the number of times the tyre manufacturer has updated the design. The first 'generation' is N0, then N1 etc.
Of more importance is that if you get directional tyres you either have unidirectional or assymetric on all four corners, or at worst you have uni's on the front & assy's on the rear of a RWD car. If you get assy's (I tend to) you can rotate the wheels ie you can swap the left & right tyres (or front-back if all four rims are the same size) and the outside edge is always on the outside. With assy's you can't swap them left-to-right because the tread would be backwards.
The most important reason for having all four the same is a simple one - your 944 is much more likely to be driven enthusiastically than a normal car so the balance of the car & how it behaves on the limit is more likely to be an issue. It's a good idea but it's not essential.
If it's for a 7x15" rim on a lux I can't really help except to say I had 215/60/15 (IIRC) P6000's on my old 2.7 (on all four corners) and they lasted well, were consistent & gave a good, quiet ride. Grip in the wet was pretty low but I can't directly compare them to another tyre because I never changed them while I had the car.
Buying 'N' rated tyres is a good indication that the tyre exceeds a minimum quality standard (ie any 'N' rated tyre will be suitable) but the 'N' rating was introduced after about 1990 so it's relevance to the 944 is limited, non rated tyres may be fine.
Personally I've always gone for 'N' rated, known brand (ie I've heard of them) tyres, I currently have Michelin pilot sports on mine (N2) but only because I got them cheap from Costco (they're okay).
The number after then N is not a performance rating or anything, it refers to the number of times the tyre manufacturer has updated the design. The first 'generation' is N0, then N1 etc.
Of more importance is that if you get directional tyres you either have unidirectional or assymetric on all four corners, or at worst you have uni's on the front & assy's on the rear of a RWD car. If you get assy's (I tend to) you can rotate the wheels ie you can swap the left & right tyres (or front-back if all four rims are the same size) and the outside edge is always on the outside. With assy's you can't swap them left-to-right because the tread would be backwards.
The most important reason for having all four the same is a simple one - your 944 is much more likely to be driven enthusiastically than a normal car so the balance of the car & how it behaves on the limit is more likely to be an issue. It's a good idea but it's not essential.
My dad recently had pirelli p6000s fitted to his S2 and he says they're not as good as the last set (contisports i believe) he rekons the side walls are too soft. i haven't driven it since it's had new tyres so couldn't say myself.
I agree with Riverside though, if you're only replacing the rears, make sure they match the fronts so that the balance of the car isn't affected.
matt
I agree with Riverside though, if you're only replacing the rears, make sure they match the fronts so that the balance of the car isn't affected.
matt
I have P6000s on my lux and they seem quite tall profile to me, but I think that is a compromise to allow a more comfartable ride at low speed / on uneven surfaces (and there are a lot of those 'round my neck of the woods )
I have been advised that the P6000s are the right tyre for the job though.
Just my 2cents.
Adam
) I have been advised that the P6000s are the right tyre for the job though.
Just my 2cents.
Adam
I don't think you will get the best out of the car on these tyres. They last for ever and thats because the compound is quite hard. If you want to get the best out of the car, you probably want something with a bit more grip Pzeros, Michelin Pilot, Brigstone SO2 or simlar
P6000s were the approved jag tyre for some time on the XJs so they are hardly ideal for your 944. That said they will do a decent job and last for ever if you want to avoid the price and wear rates of the grippy rubber
P6000s were the approved jag tyre for some time on the XJs so they are hardly ideal for your 944. That said they will do a decent job and last for ever if you want to avoid the price and wear rates of the grippy rubber
colesy21 said:
I need a couple of rear tyres for my 944 to replace the worn (and odd) pair I've currently got.
What tyres would you recommend?
Also, I rang Formula 1 tyre centre and the guy said that I should only use a class N tyre as it's what Porsche recommend and my insurance would be void without them
Any one got any advice on this?
Tyre choice = Toyo T1-R or the best approach is a tyre to match your front tyres else better of replacing all 4. If you have 16" rims you can get a Bridgestone N rated tyre (SO-2?) originally fitted to the boxster if having an N makes you feel better.
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff