Tires for GT3RS

[QMQ668]

Hi am new to the forum.

I need advice, have a GT3RS out in the tropics, love the car but with the erratic weather out here, I have on a few occasions been caught in a thunder storm, at which point the rear tires are rendered useless, was wondering if there was an alternative, keeping the same rims. Ideally a lesser dry tyre with good not great wet handling, as car will only be pushed in the dry.

Thanks

[number9ine]

Hi am new to the forum.

I need advice, have a GT3RS out in the tropics, love the car but with the erratic weather out here, I have on a few occasions been caught in a thunder storm, at which point the rear tires are rendered useless, was wondering if there was an alternative, keeping the same rims. Ideally a lesser dry tyre with good not great wet handling, as car will only be pushed in the dry.

Thanks

I don't know if there is an N-spec (OEM-approved) tire with the specific size you need for your car, but I always recommend Bridgestone Potenzas as a good compromise between tire wear, wet grip, and dry grip. If you plan on fitting any tires it's best to match the front and rear sets to avoid unwanted handling issues; tires this size are very sensitive and represent the few square feet of grip keeping your very expensive (and beautiful!) car out of the weeds.

Since the RS is a unique beast I'd talk to the dealer, Tire Rack, or an indy who works on cars like yours on a regular basis. Wheel Enhancement may also be able to make a recommendation, they're very knowledgeable about Porsche wheels and in my dealings with them it seems tires are an extension of that knowledge. Whatever your decision, know that the RS suspension setup means that your car may still be a handful in the wet. Or, for the price of an extra set of wheels and tires you could buy a lightly used midsize sedan with all-seasons, which will carry you on those rainy days without complaint. :)

Welcome to the forum! Stick around, it's a great place to learn about your car.

Best of luck,

Mark

Edited September 23, 2010 by number9ine

[number9ine]

I just had a look at the GT3 TSBs (which you can browse if you become a Contributing Member) and it looks like Pirelli and Michelin are the only two N-spec manufacturers for your OEM wheels.

There is a winter tire, the Pirelli Winter 240 Sottozero Serie II N1. Even though you don't see a winter, I'd assume that the wet grip of this tire is superior to what you have now. Let us know what you go with!

Mark

[QMQ668]

suspect will end up going with Pirelli PZero Corsa System seam to handle wet better, and as there are no tracks hear would not see the loss of extra traction.

Thanks for the advise,

[Phil996]

The Pirelli Corsas Systems are indeed the best option for dry and wet handling. Anything non racing compound will pay-off during the occassional rain shower (when unless your name is Schumacher or Alonso it's anyway ill-advised to push the throttle too heavily in a GT3) but also curtail the typical pleasure of the GT3 in dry conditions. Also compared to the Michelin Sports Cup they offer precisely what you want more in the wet - deeper tread depth and more adapted tire profile.

[tjkrueger]

I put Michelin Super Sports on this summer.

I use them for street driving as well as my rain tires for the track.

I've also used them for track tires when I've worn out my Hoosiers....

I love them!

[PAULSPEED]

The Pirelli p-zeros are a hard tire and last alot longer

then the Michelins.

Paul

[BoxsterMac]

+1 on the Michelin Super Sports. I have them on my GT3 and Boxster S as my weekend and wet track tire. They are excellent; and quieter than the cups.

[harmonyjim]

I changed to Michelin Pilot Super Sports on my 997.1 RS, and have driven in the rain on them. They felt just fine, with no indication of slipping around. I didn't push them, but I didn't tip-toe around either. Great tire, but being that it doesn't carry the N-spec, your Porsche dealer either won't mount them, or will require you to sign a liability waiver as mine did.