I've been reading dozens of the Tirerack reviews over the past couple of weeks. Some thoughts:
a. Boxsters are somewhat unique in their reaction to tires, i.e., something that works great on a BMW 3 series may or may not work well on the box. So I've been filtering for Porsche and/or Boxster comments. Even the 911 comments vary from Boxster comments.
b. Boxsters go through tires. Better grip=softer rubber=wear.
c. Type of use and location affect peoples' opinions of their tires. Track users look for different characteristics than street users (grip, wet weather, noise, wear). People who may hit snow occassionally think differently than Floridians. Etc.
d. Lots of personal opinions - tires are a matter of taste. You see a lot of: Reviewer A: Just got my new Pirellis, way better than my old Contis. Next review: Just got my new Contis, way better than my old Pirellis. Exact opposites. Tough to summarize that type data.
e. Some data isn't available. Many reviews (including Boxsters) on S03s. Fewer on PS2s. Maybe over time...
My conclusions:
a. There is no "perfect tire" for all Boxsters. People vary, uses vary.
b. Pirellis are not-so-good on wet surfaces. Lots of data on that one.
c. New tires are better than older tires. No surprise. Also explains why everyone likes their new tires better than their old tires regardless of the brands involved. Go figure.
d. Alignment is CRITICAL on the Boxster. Do often at a good shop.
My personal choices (may work for the next person):
a. The Sumitomo HTRZ II is a good tire for me on the street. It grips wet or dry. Noise is OK but the tires are fairly new. It's a bargain at under $100 per tire. For cruising the mountain roads with the wife they're perfect.
b. Didn't really like the Sumi's on the track. I'll play with pressures next time I'm out, but it may be a lost cause.
c. Track reviews for Boxster tires are in fairly short supply. Most of the reviews cite spirited street use. Based on the limited data available, I will either go with S03's or Toyo RA-1s (people say they also do well on wet). There were a good number of track-based reviews on the S03s - people said they were progressive in release and recovery at the limits. Toyos similar, and they're cheaper than the S03s. Fewer reviews on Toyos, though.
But it's all guesswork - will know more after I switch. Gotta wear the Sumi's a little more and figure how to hide the expenses from the spouse.
Random thought: The Box has endless grip. I almost wonder if going to a slightly harder compound would wear better and actually behave better at the same time? Continually seeking "more grip" on the boxster seems almost pointless - it has plenty. I'd settle for predictable behavior on the track and a tire that lasts a little longer.
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