Advice on new tires - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

fun42 · 02-21-2007, 08:01 AM

it's all good...Fun42 is not my license plate, only my user name here on this site.
Any advice on what tires work best for moderate to spirited driving. A good compromise between: long tread wear vs. handling/performance. Mostly dry weather driving conditions.
Thank you.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

Hey Fun42, you stole the vanity plate I own in MN for my '71 Datsun 240Z since 1979. I planned on transferring this plate to my boxster, but I guess not now...should have copyrighted it, oh well...j/k...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

YellowJacket · 02-21-2007, 08:46 AM

I have the OEM replacement Continental Sport Contact's. I love them so much I just put a 2nd set on last week, actually. They're 1/2 the price of the Michelin Pilot Sports, and they seem to handle about as well, and they're MUCH quieter as they wear than the Pilot Sports.

docdyh · 02-21-2007, 09:57 AM

What did the set of 4 cost you?

YellowJacket · 02-21-2007, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docdyh

What did the set of 4 cost you?

I think around $750 for the tires, and then 2-3 hours labor (give or take; can't remember) for balancing on a Hunter 9700, and a 4-wheel alignment. I think it was right at $1000 out the door.

FrayAdjacent · 02-21-2007, 11:01 AM

I had to put tires on the rear of my Boxster. Same size wheels.

Check out tirerack.com. I found the Kumhos and the tires I bought - BF Goodrich GForce Sports- were the most 'cost effective'. Only put about 1000 miles on 'em so far, and they're very sticky. They have a pretty high treadwear rating, so I'm hoping they'll last a couple years as a daily driver.

I need to get another pair for the front, as the Bridgestone Potenzas that are on there are slipping a bit. They still have a decent amount of tread, but they don't stick for crap.

Anyway, a pair of 265 35 18s were $163 each from Tirerack. Had them shipped directly to the NTB that installed 'em.

NickCats · 02-22-2007, 11:16 AM

When the times comes, I may go with the Kumho's as well...

I just put them on the Benz and I am VERY happy with these tires.

225/40ZR18 front - 265/35ZR18 rear

$500 for 4 ECSTA ASX ( All-Season ) or ECSTA SPT ( Summer )

Nick

Perfectlap · 02-22-2007, 11:40 AM

I had Kumho's on my old car and although they were certainly a bargain I'm not I would buy again. Something in the rubber compound lent itself to flat spotting. So for a passenger car it would be better but for a car where you will have to get on the brakes hard more frequently I'd spend the extra dough on Michelin Pilots or similar from Bridgestone.
I don't have a great deal of experience with Pirelli but their durability stood out to me as not being very good relative to what I've tried from Michelin, Toyo, Bridgestone, Dunlop. By the way that price your dealer quoted you is not good at all.

Tires really are not an area you should be cutting corners on when it comes to sports cars. Its maybe the most important maintenace item you will ever spend your money on. Check the tireRack.com they will ship the tires to a shop near your home and they offer discounts on mounting and balancing.

NickCats · 02-22-2007, 11:56 AM

Perfectlap,

Thanks for the head's up on the Kumho. Luckily the tires on my box are pretty new so tires can wait awhile. The price I quoted I pulled from tire rack, $85 for the front and $163 for the rear each ( I used them for the Benz, $200 for 4 tires, 20 for shipping, and $50 at a local shop for mount and balance ).

On a seperate note, started reading the book this week ( Going Faster ) - great info, a lot to digest. Now if I could get the box out of storage and start practicing my heel / toe.

Once again, thanks for all the help...

Nick

YellowJacket · 02-22-2007, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Tires really are not an area you should be cutting corners on when it comes to sports cars. Its maybe the most important maintenace item you will ever spend your money on.

Give this man a medal. That's the best advice I've heard on this forum ever. Bad tires can ruin the feel of a great car. Stick w/ the OEM brands and possibly Bridgestone. Even if you don't feel the need to buy the OEM (N0, N1, etc.) tires, The Pilot sports, p-zeros and sport contacts are all fantastic.

My personal opinion is that putting Kumhos or whatnot on a Porsche is like buying top-of-the-line amplifiers, signal processors, DVD player, and then listening to it all through computer speakers. It just doesn't make sense.

bnorman · 02-22-2007, 12:17 PM

I am considering the Michelin PS2 tires (same size). What has been the experience with these?

thanks

MNBoxster · 02-22-2007, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

...Tires really are not an area you should be cutting corners on when it comes to sports cars. Its maybe the most important maintenace item you will ever spend your money on...

Hi,

+1, but only if you drive it like a Sports Car. For many who use it as a daily driver, an All-season M&S tire may be more than adequate and considerably cheaper...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99