Tires: Any better options than Michelin PS2 for my 2006 Boxster S?

[Sammy]

Goodyear F1's are a great tire and cheaper than the PS2's. I have used them for a few autocrosses and were much better than the old Pilot Sports I replaced them with (could be because the PS's were at the end of their life so don't take this as a definitive claim that they are not as good as the F1's). I think my F1's end up being a couple hundred dollars less than the PS2's and I am extremely happy with them. I have used them for a few autocrosses (before I invested in dedicated track tires) and drove the Tail of the Dragon in both wet and dry.

[racer_d]

What is it about the PS2s you didn't like? The mileage you got out of them? Performance characteristics?

I believe Porsche certifies more than one brand as OEM. Perhaps Continental or Pirelli? Maybe even Yokohama?

Going 10mm wider would like not be noticable if you find a brand that doesn't come in the OEM Porsche sizes.

I wouldn't casually overlook wet weather performance either, nothing worse then getting caught out in a suprise rain storm, or on a trip, and wish you hadn't skimped out.

[kyle986driver]

I hear the PS2s are great tires, although ive never used them. I have used Kumho ecstaMXs and now hankook ventus rs2's for autocross..both were very good tires

[Topless]

Tires are always a compromise and no tire does everything well. Think about how you plan to use the car next year and use that as a basis to make your tire choice. All tires get pretty lousy at end of life so it's not useful to compare a new tire with one that has been on the car for 2 years.

Here is my 2cents from the cars I have driven. Currently on PS2's:

PS2's- Very good wet or dry, quiet, low rolling resistance (better gas mileage), lousy in snow and ice, very good track tire in street stock class, wear quickly, big$$.

Bridgestone Potensa RE050 Pole Position- nice tire. very similar all around to PS2's, moderate$$.

Bridgestone RE01R- Great s/s track tire, very good wet or dry, useless in snow and ice, a little stiff and noisy around town, wears quickly, moderate$$.

Falken Azenis 615- very good dry, less predictable wet, useless in snow and ice , very good S/S track tire but a little greasy on a hot day, noisy around town, wear quickly, low$$.

Yokohama Advan Neova- Great S/S track tire, great wet or dry, lousy in snow, a little stickier than PS2's but a little noisier also, wear quickly big big $$.

Toyo RA-1- Great spec class track tire (944,986), great dry, good wet, useless in snow, kinda stiff and loud around town, wear quickly, moderate $$.

Those are the ones I know. There are 100's of others. If you are willing to give up a little dry performance there are a handful of all season tires that will work much better in ice and snow and last twice as long. good hunting!

[blinkwatt]

Originally Posted by Topless

Falken Azenis- very good dry, less predictable wet, useless in snow and ice , very good S/S track tire but a little greasy on a hot day, noisy around town, wear quickly, low$$.

Which model Azenis,ST-115 or RT-615?

[Topless]

RT-615. They were mounted on a friends 82 911sc. I think he is on Bridgestones now.

[FTD]

Here's my story. I bought my Box with worn Pzeros. Even though the fronts were still good, I decided I didn't like the Pzeros. I researched and researched and eventually went with the Micheline PS2s. Turns out maybe I despised the Pzeros because they had become square. Anyway, the Michelins are very fine but they are also VERY expensive. Plus I started tracking and man, did that really kill some fun - wearing out the $$$$$$ tread.
So, I found a set of beat up but still round 17" wheels for track. I put some $400 Nexens on them. What's a Nexen? Beats me - but it works and it fit in my budget. Once I wear the Michelins down the plan is to put the Nexens on my everyday 18" and some slicks on the 17". I have taken the Nexens to the N Ga mountains on a rainy day and to the track and I am confident they will be just fine for everyday all weather tires. They cost 1/3 as much as the Michelins, and then I can spend more on the slicks. In fact, a set of Nexens and a very good set of slicks will come out to the price of the Michelin PS2's.
Wish I had this plan to start with - so maybe someone else likes this perspective and can benefit by my lessons.

[NickCats]

FTD,

+ 1 on the Nexens.

I have those on my Box right now ( came with the car ) and I have been very pleased with their performance at the Tail, Autocrossing, and on the track. I have put about 20k miles on them and they need to be replaced ( which I think is pretty good longevity for Boxster tires ) and I plan on sticking with the Nexens the next go round. I would love to get a set of Victoracers for dedicated autocross tires if I could find some cheap 17" rims.

Nick

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Sammy

Goodyear F1's are a great tire and cheaper than the PS2's.

Yep...BEST wet performance I have ever experienced, which for me is the #1 quality. On dry surfaces all these tires are marginaly the same. The lower price for American rubber seals the deal.

[cerberus]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the feedback.

I have no complaints whatsoever about the PS2s from a performance perspective. However, mine are heat cycled and need replacement. The only complaint I have of PS2's are the replacement cost. If I can find a comparable dry performer at a lower price point that would be great.