what tire size to run?
 

Hey all, wondering what your guys optimal tire size would be to run on stock 17" wheels on 2001 986?

strictly an opinionated thread....

Why don't you look in your owner's manual?

For vanity sake I run oversized tires. On this Boxster for some reason I stuck with the stock size. maybe when they wear out Ill upsize

Stock sizes are 205/50/17 front and 255/40/17 back, but some folks run 225/45/17 in the front. I do for my track tires, and I just bought a pair of 225/45/17 to replace my worn out front street tires. It is intended to reduce understeer, at the possible expense of a slightly extra "heaviness" type feeling in the front. (My 225/45/17 fronts are getting mounted today so I don't have any comparison in change of feel but the track tires with the 225/45 fronts did not exhibit any extra heaviness or loss of sensitivity to me.)

What type of driving and climate?

Steve

The best set up is 225/45/17 front and 255/40/17 rear.

This will reduce the amount of understeer that is inherent in the stock setup and give the car better balance without inducing oversteer. Plus the wider front tire looks better and will still fit well on the stock front wheel.

+1 It looks a lot better :)

anyone running taller tires in the back, I would be ok sacrificing a little performance for a more cushioned ride that is a little less harsh perhaps 255/50/17 versus 255/40/17
or do they even make something like that? and if they do will it rub?

edit I did find 255/50/17 and 255/55/17 at the tirerack, anyone running such tall tire on the back with some experience in rubbing, fitment and pics if possible?

The wheel/tire combo with the 50 series tire will be over 8% taller. It will probably mess with your gearing, wheel speed sensors, abs, and who knows what else. I think the difference is supposed to be less than 3% different.