N vs XL rated Tire question...

[TurboLove]

Hello,

I want to preface my post by stating that I have read almost every thread I could find on this topic but here's my real dilemma. I have an 03 TT with ContiSportContact 2 tires that really need replacing. I have had Michelin Pilot Sport tires on a previous Porsche and really liked them. Now I find out the Michelin PS2 is what most people rave about (at least for the TT).

I am interested in the PS2s but find out that I can only get the rears (295 30/18) as an N rated tire (porsche's designation) The fronts (225 40/18) are only XL (extra load). What will happen if I mix XL fronts with N rears, if anything??? I am such a novice but have quickly gotten up to speed on these ratings.....any insights/advice would be appreciated! Thanks.

cheers,

TurboLove :huh:

Edited June 15, 2007 by TurboLove

[TurboLove]

Low and behold, I think I got an answer to my own question. Apparently you cannot mix N rated and non-N rated tires...this according to a tire brochure I picked up at the local P-car dealership....there you have it....I am going to put 235 40/18 N rated tires on the front and 295 30/18 N rated tires on the back.....

UPDATE: I apparently cannot match 235s on the front with 295s on the rear, I have researched this topic up/down and I get recommendations to go to 315s on the rear....this may be too big for me to handle.....therefore, I may need to settle on non-N rated smaller size tires.....

Edited June 27, 2007 by TurboLove

[TurboLove]

I come to revisit this topic. Obviously, its best to get N rated tires for the Porsche, but if I cannot get the right size tire in N rating, will XL be okay? In fact, I may have to match non-N rated fronts with N-rated rears and as my original post suggests, this isnt encouraged......I welcome thoughts on how I should proceed. Including suggesting alternative tires......It might be a stupid question to many of you, but I am such a novice...its scary. Thanks for insights.... :huh:

Edited June 27, 2007 by TurboLove

[Loren]

I suggest to go to tire rack and read the section on Uniform Tire Quality Grade Standards (UTQG) (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=48). The UTQG specifies the wear grade, traction grade and temperature grade of a specific tire.

Then look a the UTQG ratings for the Porsche approved tires and the UTQG rating for the tire you would like to purchase. My feeling is that if the the UTQG meets or exceeds the Porsche N rated tires then you are likely okay to use those tires.