It's time to replace at least the rear Pirelli's on my 01 TT with 11K miles. Does anyone know of a good tire shop here in Orange County, CA that will not scratch the rims, will jack the car at the proper points, carefully peel the old weights off (instead of scraping!), etc, etc. This will be the first time for this car, and every tire shop I have been to has caused some damage - these guys can be animals!

Also any thoughts on whether I should just get 4 new Michelin Pilot Sports and not try to get another 10K out of the fronts - they do seem to be getting noisy. Is there just a "regular" Pilot sport and a "Cup" - are they both "N" rated by Porsche?

Thanks.

Bond

I use Best Value located in Huntington Beach; 7351 AUTOPARK DR
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648
Phone: 714-848-2275.

I've used them several times over the years. They use a Hunter Balancing machine that I favor for better high speed results (actually probably better at any speed results). They are also not adverse to installing tires that I've purchased elsewhere like Tire Rack.

They haven't scratched my rims yet (although I have! ). But remember that low profile large diameter tire/wheel combinations are a physical challenge to remove and install.

Several Porsche Club Members here also recommend; Grand Prix Tire located I think in Newport Beach. They service the Gucci Loafer set out of Newport more interested in Bling than speed so they supposedly (I've not used them) are well versed in keeping any blemishes confined to their complexions and not your wheels. Newport Porsche sends their work there I believe. If you are interested I can get a phone number and address for Grand Prix, I seem to recall they are on Newport Blvd. just up from 17th street going away from PCH.

Only the Pilot Sports are "N" rated -- the Cups are R-compound tires -- DOT approved for street use, but primarily designed for track usage. I'd recommend you try to get the new Michelin Pilot Sport 2 "N" spec tires -- vastly superior to the previous generation Pilot Sports.

Jack - Thanks for the new Pilot 2 info.

Bond

If you are closer to anaheim hills integrity automotive is a good place, 5524 E. La Palama Ave. 714-701-3939

Garey, what did they charge you for mount an balance? I got quoted 100$ the other day from some shop out here


ended up driving to carson and my buddies shop did it for 5$ a wheel

Soon to be; Well as I recall it was more than $5 a wheel. If your buddy is good and only charges that amount I'd say make the drive to his shop and buy him the occasional Beer or Milk Shake or Sasparilla or whatever he likes. Who'd pass up a chance to visit Carson?

I don't recall the exact number of $'s but it seems around $100 is right. This includes the mandated EPA fee for the old tire disposal which as I recall is around $2.50 to $5.00 per tire. And of course they don't charge for the use of thier beat-up old grainy TV set in the non-immaculate waiting room.

I would still look for a shop that has a high-speed rotational balancer like the Hunter unit.

yea, the problem was w/ my buddies shop is they use an outside contract mechanic so it ended up costing them more to balance my wheels then I paid. So I can't use them often, and it's hard to find someone willing to do high speed balancing. I'll have to give these guys a shot.

Cooper, do you drive a blue turbo and hit PCH comming east in the morning?

Nope, it ain't me. I have that very rare silver color Turbo. And alas I no longer make the grueling 7 mile commute to work in Huntington Beach along Coast Highway. Perforce I now swim with the rest of the lemmings up to Beach Blvd. and ultimately Mickey's town of Anaheim where I toil day-by-day.

Gary, thanks for the recommendation on best value. My buddies machine broke at his shop so I had to find some place to mount and balance. GV did it w/ care. They were also able to get my car aligned, which is amazing cause it's to low to get aligned at every shop i've been to. They have a *****in custom alignment machine that worked out perfectly.


Definate A for these guys!