255/35/18 Pirelli Box S (Yes or No?)
 

I have the opportunity to get some 255/35/18 Pirelli pzeros for very cheap.
Do you guys think this would hinder the performance on a boxster s compared to running 265?
I know that spec boxsters usually run this width or even square but im not sure about a street car that see's the occasional track day.

I ran Pirellis on my Mazda back in the 90s and finally swore I would never buy them again. They cupped and started thumping like crazy at about 10k miles. When the second set started thumping, too, I bought a set of Michelins and have stuck with them ever since.

Maybe Pirelli have cleaned up their act since then, but I'm not going to bet $700 to find out. I've never had a set of Michelins that weren't superb.

So, even though I can't answer your question directly, I can say that I would not get these tires, based on my 20-year-old bad experiences. Maybe someone with more recent, better experience will throw something in.

The p-zero's were the worst tire that I ever owned. I absolutely hated them. Hard, slippery, loud as hell, expensive, and they wore out fast.

I am glad they wore out fast...

Your experience may vary. Maybe I got a bad set? But I won't buy that tire again (or put them on my car even if free).


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My 03 came with the P-Zeros. Wore out FAST. Was not all that impressed with them. I would not put them on again (regardless of price)

Worst tires I ever had. Somehow Pirelli managed to create a very hard tire which wears super-fast.
I can totally see hwy all the F1 teams are pissed at them

Looks like you have plenty of info in the posts below, but I will also chime in - I wouldn't even consider the Pzeros at any price, especially if you are planning on tracking. Had them on my Pantera, and couldn't wait to get them off.

No, I think OP is inquiring about the size which is to small for a Box rear.
Reduces load carrying capacity while increasing tendancy for sudden oversteer.
Puts more miles than actual on odometer.
Shorter tires on rear than front upsets handling balance.
Pirelli have been highest maintenance brand name tire during my experience with them.(1985-2002)

^^ What BYprodriver said.

Spec Boxster's are probably not the best comparison. While they do run 255/40/17 rear, the cars are purposefully set up for less understeer/more oversteer to acheive as close to a neutral handling car as can be acheived. Without the requisite driving experience, this setup can feel darty on the front end and loose on the rear end. This is generally not ideal handling for a street car.

Thanks for the good info.
I won't be getting the PZeros.
I also have the opportunity to get a pair of 255/35/18 Michelin Pilot Sport 2's for very cheap also.
What do you guys think?
I know the Michelins are very good but I am skeptical on the sizing.

Would these be okay as a temporary alternative since I have KW V3's and could dial in the suspension so I would not get snap oversteer?

Un-cornerbalance it?

After I get new tires for the rear I will get an alignment and corner balance.

I guess my question is,

Is it worth it to get the michelins in the 255 size for much cheaper or just buy the 265s which are much more expensive?
Will I lose a noticeable amount of performance and grip by going with a 10mm smaller tire?

I do plan to AX the car soon also.

This is just a temporary set up since my budget is a little tight now after dishing out the money for the V3's.

Thx

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