Tire Alternatives for a 911 C4S

[mgustaplaya]

I recently purchased a used 2008 911 C4S (15,000 miles) - coupe. Drove it back home to Chicago (1,000 miles!).

The porsche pre-inspection recommended getting the current rear tires replaced -- Michelin Pilot Sport PS2305/30ZR19 -- which have 3/32 tread wear left.

I noticed a lot of tire road noise on my drive back and as a first time Porsche owner I am trying to determine if the noise is due to simply: a.) my ignorance as a first time owner and I should expect such road noise; b.) the low tread wear on the tire; c.) the type of tire . . . or d.) all the above?

Anyway, I intend to replace the rear tires and would appreciate any recommendations as to whether I should continue with the Michelin PS . . . or consider any of the following:

- Pirelli PZero Rosso

- Pirelli PZero

- Continental ContiSportContact 3

- Bridgestone Potenza RE050A

Thanks in advance!

--mgustplaya

[stevepow]

My car is pretty noisy on concrete - much better on asphalt. So Interstate driving can get a little tiresome - no pun intended. B)

I have PS/2s as well - in the past, on other cars, those were great tires - didn't notice the noise really. I bet some noise is going to be part of the 911 experience. :rolleyes:

[jim_bob_boy]

I recently purchased a used 2008 911 C4S (15,000 miles) - coupe. Drove it back home to Chicago (1,000 miles!).

The porsche pre-inspection recommended getting the current rear tires replaced -- Michelin Pilot Sport PS2305/30ZR19 -- which have 3/32 tread wear left.

I noticed a lot of tire road noise on my drive back and as a first time Porsche owner I am trying to determine if the noise is due to simply: a.) my ignorance as a first time owner and I should expect such road noise; b.) the low tread wear on the tire; c.) the type of tire . . . or d.) all the above?

Anyway, I intend to replace the rear tires and would appreciate any recommendations as to whether I should continue with the Michelin PS . . . or consider any of the following:

- Pirelli PZero Rosso

- Pirelli PZero

- Continental ContiSportContact 3

- Bridgestone Potenza RE050A

Thanks in advance!

--mgustplaya

I have the same car/tires. My previous cars were Lexus LS series (one of the quietest cars on the road). Going to the C4S was a dramatic change. Concrete freeway driving is definitely the worst. I have about 20K on mine now and they are due for replacement soon. My concern about changing tires would be performance issues. Would like to know what you end up doing.

Sorry I could not be of more assistance.

Jim_bob_boy

Edited June 23, 2009 by jim_bob_boy

[ADias]

High-performance tires wear fast and get noisy. Any replacement will be quieter when new. You must match the tire brand/type/N-rating on all 4 tires. If you switch brands you must buy 4 tires.

My tire pick preference order is:

Michelin

Bridgestone

Pirelli

Continental

Someone said his rear tires have 20k miles... allow me: why do you drive a Porsche? :) 12k-14k miles on 911 rears is about max for a well driven 911. 9k-10k miles typical.

Edited June 26, 2009 by ADias

[judgejon]

High-performance tires wear fast and get noisy. Any replacement will be quieter when new. You must match the tire brand/type/N-rating on all 4 tires. If you switch brands you must buy 4 tires.

My tire pick preference order is:

Michelin

Bridgestone

Pirelli

Continental

Someone said his rear tires have 20k miles... allow me: why do you drive a Porsche? :) 12k-14k miles on 911 rears is about max for a well driven 911. 9k-10k miles typical.

Bridgestone 050 Pole Position. Note that the "pole position" tire is different than the standard 050. I felt some sidewall flex once on a hard left corner, but otherwise I run these for years with good results. I like the 280 wear and AA traction rating.