My 997 4S cab is up for new tires. I am going for the new Michelin Pilot Super Sports in 235/35/19 and 305/30/19. I've shopped around and I have my options as follows.

Dealer: 4 tires mounted and balanced with no road hazard warranty ~$1900. Alignment $230. Total ~$2200 after tax and other charges. I can trust the dealer to do it right, especially the alignment. But they won't really give my car any special attention either as this is everyday BS to them. No free rotation (I don't know if this matters, but the SSPs can be rotated left to right if I want).

Discount Tire: 4 tires mounted and balanced with lifetime road hazard warranty for $1576 or pro-rated warranty for $1426. Will have to go to dealer for alignment for $230. Total $1806 or $1656. Pretty good deal if I can trust Discount Tire with my TechArt wheels. Free rotation.

Lamb's Tire & Automotive: 4 tires mounted and balanced mounted for $1705 with no warranty or $1921 with 3 year replacement warranty. They will also do the alignment for $90. Total here would be $1795 or $2011. The manager said he would personally handle my tires and alignment to make sure my car was completed correctly and carefully. They will have to borrow a tool to complete the rear alignment. I think they are capable of doing all the work, but have never worked on a 911 before. I gave them a shot at the work because I like them and used them for my Chevys for 10+ years.

Michelin is also offering a $70 rebate Visa gift card with 4 tires.

I think I've figured out what I want to do just by writing this post, but opinions are welcome.

 

Go with discount tire. However, ABSOLUTLY verify they have the tools and experience to remove and mount the tires without completely destroying the finish on your wheels. Establish UP FRONT that if they mess the wheels up, they are replacing them. I had my E46 BMW wheels destroyed by Merchants/NTB Tire years ago. Settled for nearly a $1000 in damages. And those wheels (back then) were nothing compared to the cost of wheels on our p cars.

 

I've seen the tire mounting area at the dealership and I'd be inclined to let Discount Tire do it...ask the manager to let you watch. I'm not sure I'd trust an alignment to someone other than a Porsche dealer or a indy who knows Porsches. If you use the dealer ask for the PCA discount.

 

Discount Tire and have Porsche handle the alignment.

 

I have had tires installed at belle tire with no issues. I took into account that they sell and install high end aftermarket rims. They took good care of my car and i waited while the work was being carried out. However i would and did take my car to the dealer for the alignment.

 

Dealer,...No Brainer. It ain't a Chevy.

 

My two local DTs have done a great job with my wheels. The Porsche goes in and they take great care of it. They let me watch every step. I get the impression that they look forward to these types of cars rather than the endless stream of Fords and Chevies. I'm not real wild about their lifts, so they use a floor jack when I ask.

NTB - nothing but bad experiences with their shops.

Dealer for alignment.

 

PM sent

 

For sure!

 

No Belle Tire in Austin

 

Thanks for all of the advice guys. I got over to Discount Tire late yesterday afternoon and had the Super Sports installed. It was raining pretty hard, but the new tires and 4 wheel drive were just stellar in the rain. Incredible grip and stability. I have the alignment scheduled at the Dealer for Monday.

On another note, I also need tires for my Cayene S: 295/35/R21 all the way around. The Michelins are $700 more than the Pirellis! I also just replaced my 20" tires on my Avalanche with the best Michelins a few months ago too. That's like six grand in tires almost all at once.

 

I used discount tire to do my new wheels and tires. Go to the one on bee caves, I believe they are the only location that offers the 'touchless' system. They did a great job. You need to request this machine be used though.

 

Wow, I didn't even know about that machine. Here is a video a found, pretty slick. Is this what they have on Bee Caves?

 

The no-touch is a good idea. But I am less worried about the outer edge of the wheels than the face of it. This looks like you'd have to face it down to align it with the lug bolts...I am seeing the guy not hitting it on the first (or second!) try and scratching the face of the wheel! Maybe it's just me being paranoid.

Bee Caves . I lived off of Cuernavaca off Bee Caves Road when it was a two lane road...There is a Discount Tire there now? I'm sure it's built up like any other suburban sprawl.

 

I'm not sure if that is the same machine or not, I didn't actually see it.

The Bee Caves/ Cuarnavaca area has blown up, you wouldn't even recognize it.