There is a 30+ page thread on Rennlist which details everything. Grab some popcorn and do a bit of reading. Numerous documented failures of these wheels after being taken to the track. They all fail in the exact same way at the base of the thin spokes. One of the posters took the failed wheel to an aerospace company that does metallurgical analysis. The conclusion was that the wheels are cast and machined on the surface to give it a machined appearance. All the documents are posted in the thread. Someone also dug up proof of a large shipment of cast Chinese blanks going to RTF. RTF is now defunct as the company shut their doors and are attempting to conduct business under a new name. It goes on and on. Long story short, RTF was conducting a successful con that ensnared a lot of people. Sorry you got caught up in it. RTF has been banned both here, Rennlist, and other forums.

http://rennlist.com/forums/997-turbo...me-5000-a.html

 

I had the same issue when I had to put 295 rears on temporarily and still had 245s up front. ABS/PSM would lock up wheels in corners under certain conditions and the car wouldnt turn, not a good time!

 

Same experience here John. My car came with brand new rears and 1/2 used fronts (same brand) and my first aggressive on ramp the PSM started buzzing and scared the living daylights out of me.

I immediately bought a set of new front tires and that solved this issue. Based on that experience, I sorta vowed to change all 4 tires at the same time-- esp. since the bigger cost is the rears. Plus I'm not really looking to optimize tire life since I only drive 3k miles per year. Fresh rubber more important that getting that last few thousand miles of front tread life.

 

I appreciate everyone's input on this topic, even if it has already been beaten to death before.

My 996TT has GT2-size (8.5x12x18) wheels, which makes things even tougher, and still has 235/40/18 R4 PS2 fronts + 295/30/18 R3 PS2 rears from when I bought it. I can't wait to replace the stretched R3's with some 315 R4 PS2's, but based on the above, considering trying to score some used ones, since the fronts still have decent tread but aren't new.

 

If you're still AWD I'd recommend 245s up front, they'll be a tiny bit taller than 315s and should work well.

 

I like that idea.

I don't see a lot of street tire options for the 245 + 315 combo, though.

Does anyone have any recommendations among the following?

- BFG Rival S
- Falken Azenis RT615K
- Toyo R888
- Nitto NT-01

I love the overall compromise that the Michelin PSS and PS2 offer for street driving -- not too noisy, sidewalls not TOO stiff to be comfortable, OK in rain, excellent wear considering the grip. I'd be worried that any of the above are compromising on multiple of those characteristics (not that I'm not willing to sacrifice for grip :P).

 

What are you doing with the car? Personally, with what I do with the car, I'd likely stick to the extreme performance summer tires on that list. BFG or Falken. I'd run the Toyo's or Nitto's if I were doing a good amount of autocross or track.

 

the Falkens 615s are available in 245/315s and are highly reviewed here. Definitely won't be as quiet as the Michelins though.

 

Thanks, guys.

I do the occasional AutoX, and hope to start making it out to DE events, but my use is definitely 95%+ street. One of the things I love most about this car is how civilized it is on the street, despite also being a beast, so I'd like to retain that when possible.

 

Agreed, the car is definitely multifaceted and does a lot well.

How many miles are you looking to get out of a set of tires?

MotoJB and I are both running Yokohama Advan Neovas in 18"...but they only come in 295/30/18, so I'm pairing them with 235/40s up front. Heights are perfect for our AWD system with 820 revs per mile front, 831 out back.

These tires will hopefully last 6-8K miles, which is 2 years for me, but I am willing to trade tread life for grip. I've got probably 500 miles or so on them now, and they are exactly what I want for Norcal canyons. Excellent grip and very predictable.

 

P Zero Rosso looks to be an option for 18's in 235/40 and 315/30 http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....2&autoModClar=

 

About to get my 4th set of Rivals, excellent grip, no complaints driving in the wet and 200 wear rating. Also significantly cheaper than the alternatives.