Summer is here and I need summer shoes for my baby . I tried Pirelli P Zero Corsa last time and now would like to test the Michelin Cup. Tirerack used to list the non N rated Michelin Cup that I vaguely recall was about $1700 for the set, but it's no longer on their website.

The Tirerack salesperson told me that the non-N rated Michelin Cup tire might have been discontinued - this can't be true, no? Does anyone know of a tire dealer that does have them? TIA.

(This is not meant to be a discussion of whether I should use N tire please. There are multiple threads on that already.) Also anyone new to this topic check out this interesting thread (grin): https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...stiffness.html

 

The only non-N rated cup tire on see on their site is part number 88851 235/35ZR19. 305's (there are 2 listed) are both N rated. I looked on Costco's site and they only has 235's in stock.

 

Have you considered Pirelli Trofeo? Those are non N spec. I ordered 2 sets from Supreme Power in 325/245. The consensus on Rennlist is that the Trofeo's are significantly better then the Cups in all aspects. Even price.

 

If you need just street rubber, go with the new Michelin SS. If you need track rubber, I'd go with the new Pirelli Trofeo. I have a set. They are very nice!

 

Heres an odd place to look but i was in Montreal a few months ago and they carry Michelin Pilot sport cups.

 

Thanks guys. Looks like the Michelin Cup **NON** N at least for the Turbo sizes are being phased out? Re. Michelin vs. Pirelli - Yes I've read a lot about them (P. Corsa vs. Michelin Cup, not the Trofeo) but now I would like to test the tires to see for myself, that's the reason for my specific request. I have had the Pirelli Corsa - no complaint about performance but towards the end the noise and stiffness took an exponential leap. Not complaining as this might be the characteristic of all R comp's, just testing out different things for the sake of fun and learning.

Enough rec. so I might just try the Trofeo. TT Chris and Doc where did you get yours and I assume they come in Turbo's OEM sizes? How much for the set please (think it's ok to post prices but PM me please if not)?
Sorry for this cost cutting concern. My son is entering college and we just got the budget estimate.

PS Doc I have Super Sport on the car right now: very nice for street, but sidewall is significantly softer than P. Corsa, making my car rolls like a drunkard at high cornerning speed. I switch between street and cup tires every few months for reasons mentioned above.
PS Nick, that's too high for cost. I believe it was around 450 for the rear non N (anyone please correct as needed).

 

Can, what's the problem with the N-rated MPSC's?

 

Cannga, PM sent
Copied the below from Rennlist
*The Porsche OE version has a narrow circumferential groove in the wide outside shoulder, where the conventional tire is solid (both have alternating oval openings).
*The circumferential grooves on the Porsche-OE version are much wider and the intermediate ribs much narrower than the conventional version.
*Not readily visible in these photos is the change to the inside shoulder. Where the notches are molded at partial depth on the conventional PSC, the Porsche-OE version has partial on the inside half, and is full-depth on the outside half of the tread block.
*Both versions are molded at 6/32" tread depth.
*All of these tread pattern changes indicate a move towards improved hydroplaning resistance with the Porsche-OE version versus the conventional tread pattern.
*The Porsche-OE version does not have a rim protector, while the conventional version does.
*The Porsche-OE version has one layer of Rayon for the body ply material, while the conventional tire has two layers.
*The Porsche-OE version is manufactured using Michelin's highly automated C3M manufacturing process, while the conventional version appears to be manufactured with standard hand-operated machinery.

Found this pic off Rennlist. Non N-Spec on left and N-Spec on the right. N-spec have extra rain grooves and need to be shaved first to perform like the other. Check out the difference between the two.

 

I got mine at Frisby Racing Tires. I think it was in the $1600 - 1650 range for the turbo sizes.

http://www.frisbyracetire.com/

Good people to deal with. For street tires, I have the new Toyo P1. The side walls are stiffer the my last set of MPSS. I haven't had a chance to drive them hard yet. They seem like they hold well.

 

Ed, strictly a matter of $$$, nothing else. Very approximate price list below:

Street tires:
Michelin Super Sport: $1500
R comps:
Toyo Roxes R888: $1400 ??
Pirelli Trofeo and Michelin Cup NON N: $1700
Michelin Cup N:$2200
Pirelli Corsa N: $2400

I had Pirelli Corsa N rated, paid about 2600 when all is said and done; it lasted 1 year/10000 miles. I absolute love the stickiness and stiffness of R comp (truly and really transformed the driving experience) but not wanting to spend as much anymore.
Doc and Chris thanks for price quotes.

 

Fair enough, Can
But if those prices are fairly accurate, why not go for the R888's? They come in stock sizes and aside from some complaining about the road noise, I've heard nothing but great things. Assuming I don't try to go plus sizes next time around, these will be my next set of rubber.

 

Ed, yes the Toyo Roxes R888 is an alternative and is about $600 cheaper for the set (1950 versus 2550 installed w. CA tax). I've read and been told however that compared to the Michelin Cup for example, the R888 is noisier (bad) and stiffer (good or bad depending on what you're looking for). No direct experience - anyone pls add or correct me as needed.

The R888 is also heavier by a significant margin if my data are correct (unsprung weight at the periphery (tire) is never good):

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-turbo-14.html
The number in bold are the weights of one front plus one rear tire:
Michelin Cup: front/rear 20/27 = 47 lbs
Pirelli Corsa: 21/26 = 47
Continental Extreme Contact DW: 21/28 = 49
Hoosier R6 (not street tire, 315/30-19 rear): 22/27 = 49
Michelin PS2: 22/28 = 50
Continental SportContact 3: 22/28 = 50
Pirelli Rosso: 22/29 = 51
Bridgestone RE050A: 24/31 = 55
Hantook Ventus V12: 24/32=56
Toyo R888: 25/31 = 56
Bridgestone RE11: 27/32 = 59

 

Non N cups will only last about 4000 miles on the street in my experience. N cups lasted about 11000 on my old car.