Boxster Tyre Time Again

[DRG]

Hi all,

My sticky but rapidly wearing Bridgestone SO2's on the front of the Boxster (205/50/17) are in need of replacement. I have not had much luck in finding SO2's to replace them which is a shame as;

1. The rears are nearly new.
2. They are a VERY good tyre.

Could any of you tell me what's in vogue these days for the Boxster before I splash out on a new set of rubber all round?

Thanks...

[GreigM]

My Boxster was supplied with michelin pilot sports all-round and am very impressed. They seem to give a good balance between feel and durability. I reckon mine will last 20K miles + , and that's including a couple of track days.

Don't have much of a point of reference, but can't complain about the grip and feel of the michelins at all.

[ninemeister]

The SO2 is still available in limited supply, do a phone around. We use Jeffreys High Performance Tyres in Warrington (sorry no number) who helped us to get the last set, but be sure to ask for N rated if you want to maintain "standards" (My opinion of N ratings is that it is a method for Porsche to screw us for an extra £10 per tyre via the tyre manufacturers just because the product is "approved", but there again I always have been a cynic!).

[hann77]

Ninemeister said "(My opinion of N ratings is that it is a method for Porsche to screw us for an extra £10 per tyre via the tyre manufacturers just because the product is "approved", but there again I always have been a cynic!)."

Just a bit cynical.

To be serious the N specs. are "supposed" to be maintained by the tyre manufacturer as the same originally approved spec. e.g. Compounds/Construction long after supply to the Original equipment has ceased (can vary depending on agreement between tyre manufacturer and customer). IMHO I would pay the extra anyway, its not worth compromising the performance of your car.

By the way to get an "approved" tyre spec. normally takes 2-3 years of development. To get the best performance possible.

Jack

[DRG]

Thanks for the replies people. I will try Jeffrey's tyres tomorrow.

The biggest problem with the 'Nx' rating scheme is that your local tyre garages, and even some of the more respected ones, haven't got a clue as to what it means. I had a very painful experience last time trying to get some SO2 PP's but the retailers kept wittering on about N numbers despite the fact that I kept telling them that it wasn't an N rated tyre and it didn't have a number. But it's a Porsche they must have an N number, no, the previous owner fitted non Porsche approved tyres! I just wanted some SO2 PP's to match the fronts but ended up getting SO2 N3's out of desperation. I hadn't realised I was still so bitter about this. Must get a life. Tirade ends .

[rumbletumble]

I managed 22K from my original Michelins road use only, switched to P Zeros and dont notice any difference.They were quite a bit cheaper, I got mine from Bracknell Tyres for about 500 for all four.

I hadnt come across N ratings before (first Porsche ), so I called Porsche GB as I thought the guys at the tyre plce were messing me about. Even the guy at Porsche GB couldnt explain the technical diference, just kept going on about not mixing N ratings on the same axle and non N ratd woudlnt be Porsche approved and might affect my Insurance....

[DRG]

Good going chaps - Jeffrey's tyres have got a pair of SO2 N4's at £140 each fitted. My rears are N3's but it shouldn't make too much difference. I will hopefully pop in after Tech9 have finished fettling to get them fitted.

Cheers,

Al.

[neon_fox]

rumbletumble said:

I managed 22K from my original Michelins road use only, switched to P Zeros and dont notice any difference.They were quite a bit cheaper, I got mine from Bracknell Tyres for about 500 for all four. I hadnt come across N ratings before (first Porsche ), so I called Porsche GB as I thought the guys at the tyre plce were messing me about. Even the guy at Porsche GB couldnt explain the technical diference, just kept going on about not mixing N ratings on the same axle and non N ratd woudlnt be Porsche approved and might affect my Insurance....

Arrrgghhh!!! Not the 'N' rated and insurance thread again! (summary: no, doesn't affect insurance) It may be worth noting that there are different N compounds, and an N0 compound from one manufacturer is _not_ the same as an N0 compound from a different manufacturer. But it goes without saying not to mix tyres on the same axle, when you replace one you replace the other, always, no exception.

Fox
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964C2 and very happy on non-N rated Kumho Ecsta Supra 712s