What is the largest tire size I can go?

[RobynC]

I currently have a 2003 996 with Carrera 18" wheels. I am badly in need of rear tires for my car and since my fronts still look brand new, I am going to replace just the rears for now. I have Continential Sport Contact 2's. (Which I hate) I'd like to know if I can put 295's on this car?

Thanks in advance.

Robyn

:help:

[Loren]

As of TSB 4b/01 4440 Summer Tire and Wheel Summary Supplement (dated 3-5-2003)

Model Year: As of '02

Additional approved tire makes for summer tires.

Tire Sizes -- 295/30 ZR 18

Tire Make -- Michelin Pilot Sport N1

So, as long as your fronts are 8" wheels you should be okay for handling.

[gchu]

Loren,

Doesn't the 295/30/18 fit into the new 10" Carrera rear rim with stock suspension? I also have the Conti and what if the rear size is not available. Would you recommand a different brand for the rear? thanks.

gchu

[Loren]

Loren,

Doesn't the 295/30/18 fit into the new 10" Carrera rear rim with stock suspension?  I also have the Conti and what if the rear size is not available.  Would you recommand a different brand for the rear?  thanks.

gchu

Yes, and no. On the older cars (pre MY02) it depends on the tire manufacturer. MY02 (and later) cars have a slightly different rear wheel opening and has been radiused back a bit. You can likely do this to older cars but it will require some repainting.

[Costa]

Robyn,

I am currently running 295's on my 18' rims (Sport Techno's) and this is the standard tyre size specified by Porsche for this rim. When the rims were purchased they came shod with Pirelli Assymetricos fitted.

Plenty of tyre clearance (car is lowered as well) etc. Note that these rims are 11" rather than 10" and have a 63mm offset.

[RobynC]

Thanks everyone!

Costas - I had a feeling I could go 295, but not anything bigger. Conti makes a 295/30/18 it's just not N rated I believe. Still looking into it. I had funnnnnnnnnnnnnn in the rain today. PSM and I were best friends. Nothing like a nice power slide around a corner! Woohooooo. In all seriousness, I have maybe another 1000 miles left on these rears and I think I'll start to see steel belts. My camber is set pretty high on the negative side and I just went through these tires simply because of that. However, I have to say, to get 16000 miles on Conti SC2's is impressive. My last set was 12k and they were toast. I am looking forward to changing these all around. I wish Yokohama made a tire for me to put on the car in the right size. Loved those on my Boxster.

Robyn

[Costa]

Just to place tyre wear into perspective

My bike goes through a rear tyre every 5000 Km - about A$550 to replace front and rear as a set....Ouch!