I have 8000 miles on my 2004 911 and the rear tires are getting pretty worn. I did a comparison on tire Rack and found that to replace the Michelin Pilot Sports that are on the car with Pilot Sport Ribs cost $1,102; Bridgestone Potenzas cost $902 and Sumitomo HTR Zii's cost $470!! The HTR Zii's get great reviews.

2 questions. Has anyone used them on a 911/ i have the 40th anniversary edition so I have 18" wheels (225/40's and 285/30's) and since the fronts are still in pretty good shape what do you think about replacing the rears only?

Thanks much,

Chuck

 

Your wear is normal. Usually, you will go through two sets of rears (8-10K miles per rear set) to one set of fronts.

 

Yup...I replaced my rears about 4-5 months ago. They were so thrashed, yet the fronts look almost new.

Crazy. I replaced mine with TOYO Proxes, a new tire at the time. I got a good deal. Another tire brand trying to make headway that has great tires is HANKOOK. Since they are lesser known you are getting a great tire for less price.

My tire place told me Hankook and Toyo were close...and Hankook is really trying to make it big so their R&D and rubber etc..is excellent. So look into those brands as well.

 

Good info! Thanks! What do you think about replacing the fronts only with a different brand?

 

I'd do the Bridgestone (amazing grip), but if you're only replacing rears then you can't mix and match, need to get the same as the fronts!

 

RE050A Poles

 

I think as long as they are in a PAIR it should be fine. Replacing just the fronts or the just the back should be ok as long as they match.

But I am no way an expert...maybe someone else can chime in. I dont really know...I am just guessing it would be ok?? Sorry...

 

I believe you are correct, at least in some cases. For instance I read in another forum that a dealer told someone it would be okay to put Pirellis on the front and keep the Michelins on the rear.

I'll look into it further.

Thanks much!

 

I would suggest ONLY N rated tires if you are concerned about handling....The 911 is much more demanding on tires and tire design than any other car made because of the performance level of the car and the weight over the rear wheels. So getting a tire that had good reviews from Civic owners means nothing when it comes to Porsche tires. The N rating means Porsche has tested it and it meets THEIR standards for handling and construction. Usually this means a far stiffer sidewall and a reinforced construction of the tire vs non N rated tires....I went with non N rated tires and new I didnt feel much difference, but with some miles on them they are VERY flexy and I can feel that under hard cornering....I will DEFINATELY get an N rated tire when these go....

 

I would not mix and match tires. I've done so in the past with other cars and it makes the car feel funny.

I think in terms of pricing, the Conti seem to be a good deal.

 

Wow! All good advice! I'll have to a lot more reseach on this.

Thanks much!

 

i just replaced my sumi's with bridgestone 050a pole's and the difference was night and day. if you drive your car hard EVER then spend the money and get the pole positions; not only for handling but for safety. I'm far from rich and very frugal with my purchases...i do not regret spending the extra coin on the potenza's for one second!!!!

 

Thanks! I think that is how I am leaning. I have Potenzas on my CLS 55 and they work really well on that car. I have almost 20,000 miles of pretty agressive driving on them and will probably go another 2 or 3,000 miles before I replace them.

 

You should also consider the Kuhmo Ecsta Spt as a great low cost alternative to the Sumi's, as well as the other two brands you mentioned.

 

What is the correct tire pressure for stock 18's with 225/285 set up...?!?!