I need to get some feedback/advice on replacement tires for my 2009 Boxster S. I have 19" wheels with 235/35ZR19 in front and 265/35ZR19 in the rear. The OEM Bridgestone RE050A tires were OK but are worn out in the rear and about half worn in the front after about 3 years of some very spirited driving and about 19,000 miles (no track miles). Performance was OK but these tires are very hard now and have been very noisy the entire time. Their UTOG treadwear rating is only 140. I am going to replace all 4 tires.

My primary criteria is great dry performance, adequate wet performance,
and much better treadwear life compared to my previous RE050A tires. The three tires I am looking at in order of preference are: 1) Michelin Pilot Super Sport (UTOG 300), 2) Bridgestone Potenza S-04 Pole Position (UTOG 280), and 3) Continental Extreme Contact DW (UTOG 340). All 3 tires have great reviews from various sources, especially the Michelin PSS. I am leaning towards the PSS but I am told by the Discount tire people here that there is no availability (especially on the 265 rear tires) and I need to get some tires within the next month. BTW, I do realize that none of these 3 tires is an official Porsche N-spec tire yet but my local dealer has no problem with that. They all are quality ZR rated tires.

So, does anyone out there have any experience, feedback, or recommendations on any of these 3 tires, preferrably on a Boxster/Cayman (or any other Porsche or sportscar)? Any feedback would really be appreciated. Thanks.

 

i have MSS on my carrera and went with Conti Ext contact on my boxster at the recommendation of my indy. I only have about 1000 miles on the Conti but so far I like the MSS better. The conti are not bad but IMHO the grip on the MSS is somewhat better in the dry. I have no experience in the wet yet with the conti's. The MSS are decent in the wet.

 

Thanks for the info. I am digging up more info from some websites. The Conti seems to be just a little bit better in the wet than the Bridgestone and the Bridgestone is just a little better in the dry. The Conti is definitely a lighter tire (not sure why, but better for unsprung weight) and it is also less expensive.

 

I track my Boxster on Michelin Super Sports. They are the best street tires I have used and give excellent grip on the track.

 

I have heard nothing but excellent things about the super sports....I will be putting a set on both of my Porsche's when it comes time.

 

Based on your criteria, the Super Sports would be my suggestion.

Although, I'd consider 19k miles to be excellent from a set of tires!

 

I really like Michelin Pilot Super Sports. Great street tires and have excellent traction on the track once they're warmed up.

 

the biggest problem with Michelin is soft sidewalls. ride is better but feels wobbly on a sports car

i would go with conti DWS for best value

 

Can anyone comment on the Pilot Super Sport vs the Pilot Sport 2? The dealer reccomends the PS2 but most post Ive seen have people going for the PSS.
Any thoughts?

 

The super sports are a superior tire to the PS2...better wear rating and 12% more grip.

 

PSS is the replacement for PS2. Here is an article about PSS from Motortrend.

http://www.motortrend.com/features/p...t/viewall.html

 

The SuperSports have been a runaway hit. Definitely my number one seller for 997 right now. They are quiet, STAY quiet, wear well....can't beat em.

Please give me a call if I can help!

Thanks.

 

Thanks all for your inputs/comments. I initially wanted the PSS's but was told by my local Discount Tire guy that the 265 rears were not available for the next 2-months (at least, and that was verified by the regional Michelin rep) and that is why I started to look at possible alternatives (the Conti and Bridgestone) and started this post. But after checking both Tire Rack and my local Porsche dealer I now find out that the PSS really is available, and in high demand. So I have decided to go with the PSS. It is certainly the most expensive of the the 3 tires I was looking at, but I think it is the superior tire (at least from all the testing/comparison articles, and all your comments, I have managed to read). And a special thanks to Damon@tirerack for your input - further validation from experts in the tire business is always appreciated.

Thanks again all.

 

My vote is for the Michelin Super Sports for the street and occasional DE events.