Hey all,

Just got back from my second track event and it was a blast! (pics coming soon from www.gotbluemilk.com)

I was amazed at the performance of my Michelin Pilot Sports which have a little over 11k miles from daily driving and 2 track events. Now they are pretty much shot .

Now that I may not be driving my Porsche daily and need replacements I am considering an R-Compound type tire, something like the Michelin Sport Cup.

My question is anyone use these type of tires for minimal street driving (< 10k miles per year) and 2 or more track evetns per year?

Thanks for any info!

 

The Sport Cup is really the best if you are only driving those distances.

 

Agree. Stick to the PS2's. I have a 2nd set of Rims with R-Type Bridgestones (RE-055S) for track days. I tried them as my daily's for a couple of weeks and couldn't stand the droning noise, the v. poor grip in the mornings (not to mention DANGEROUS in the wet), the tram lining and the poor ride comfort. I quickly changed back. IMHO PS2's are a great compromise for all situations.

 

I'll second CL's comments as well as I just got tired of grimacing at all of the stuff being picked up and flung around (and most likely doing wonders to the body).

 

u can get the Pilot Sport Cup tire like the stock GT3. rear is 305 though so make sure ur wheel is wide enough. otherwise if u have more track days planned i'd suggest u pick up a 2nd set of wheel just for track duty.

 

Dayum those are some serious tread patterns on those Bridgestones!

Well the Michelin Sport Cups are not as agressive as those Bridgestone cups, but from what I've read on www.tirerack.com the M. cups seem to be a 60/40 (track/daily) performer, ie. a daily in optimal road conditions..say perhaps if you live in San Diego or Miami with very good roads and highways.

 

btw thanks for the replies so far, I'm a newbie in tires

 

ugh... sorry and weather.

So to summarize if you live in an area with good highways, good roads, good weather year round, and racetracks within 200 miles those compound-r's are good for daily drivers and track events?

You know what I'm getting at.... I dont want to have an extra set of wheels/tires for track events unless I absolutely have to. :cheers:

 

As posted on RL, what size wheels? Are you trying for tires for your oem 19s? If so, then the new Porsche formula PCSs in 296/305 would work just fine on the 8" / 11" oem wheels. The tread is different on the Porsche N PSCs (wider rain channels, less contact patch) and the compound is re-formulated (slightly less grip, but better in cold / wet). It's a compromise R-comp.

Otherwise, 2 sets... Set of 19s for street and wet track (oem PS2s) and a 2nd set of 18" wheels with "normal" PSCS for track and drive them to and from the event.

 

Thanks Ron, running with standard 19" oem Porsche wheels. I'd rather stick with the 295's than go with 305's for now.

Looks like I'm buying an extra set of wheels for track purposes unless I can get some good info about the Toyo RA1's. Mooty on rennlist mentioned them so I know they must be a good alternate.

 

I have ran RA1's, i LOVE the grip on the street or track, they heat up quick and become like glue.. The older MPSC's i hated, new ones that come on the GT3's seem to be MUCH improved though!

BTW i run RA1's on my BBS track wheels now

 

Plenty of good options for our cars... Here's a list of those I am aware of...
(also note, there are posts here in this forum - try a search - that give more opinion on the qualities of many of these):

Hoosier R6 - quickest tire, but shortest lasting, NO rain / cold use:
$261 245/40-18
$287 295/30-18
$296 315/30-18

PSC - second quickest, very long lasting considering, minimal rain / cold use (many run these in the wet - I just prefer not to):
$295 235/40-18
$339 295/30-18
$371 315/30-18

Toyo RA1 - considered by many to be a compromise tire - better in wet / cold than PSC, not as good in dry / warm:
$245 245/40-18
$322 305/30-18

Toyo R888 (soon to be released in US)
245/40-18
315/30-18

Nitto NT01 - Reported to be the same compound and general design as RA1 / R888, but with a different tread pattern. Much larger contact patch, so assume NOT for the wet. Probably comparable to PSC because they designed out wet qualities in favor of dry:
$221 245/40-18
$312 315/30-18

Kumho V710 - Very sticky, but not very long lasting.
$257 245/35-18
$275 315/35-18

Yokohama A048 - I just don't know much about this tire - but everything I've read about it leaves me with the opinion I don't want a set:
$262 235/40-18
$343 315/30-18

Pirelli Pzero Corsa - compromise tire, haven't heard or read much good about them other than they are adequate.
$252 235/35-18
$324 295/30-18

I think everyone would agree the RA1 is a great pick for a tire that will not bite you and can handle a rain shower, many miles, etc. A good progression would be RA1 as your first set of R-comps, PSCs next, and then try a set of Hoosiers. Trust me, the PSCs will dominate the RA1 every time in the dry, and the Hoosier will dominate the PSC. Your only options in 19" are PSC, Pzero Corsa, and Hoosier. If you are going with a proper set of 18" track wheels (remember, there's no benefit to using 19s on track or street, only negatives), then you have plenty of choices. Me, I'm a PSC guy, though friends are pushing me to Hoosier (I just don't need the extra grip and less feedback - the more you get the less margin of error you get on the track).

 

RonCT,
Nice write up... I was looking at the 18"s but couldn't find any 18 wheels that I liked for a reasonable price.
I endded up getting a 2nd of 19 Carrera S wheels (takeoffs, for great price) and with PSC. But still havent' mounted them to the car yet. I was going to attend PDE at Summit Point this past weekend but couldn't make it. What's with this cold weather???

 

Look at your owner's manual about the use of that rubber.

 

Kauai_diver,
I have the 19" lobster wheels (Carrera S) with PSC 305 in the back. No issues except they are really expensive.