Are there any 19 winter tires available for the 997 19" wheels? I don't want to pick up a set of 18" rims for the winter, I'd rather keep to 19"s because it's much better looking. Couldn't find any 19" winter tires on tirerack, couldn't find any all season 19"s.

Mike

 

Yes. There is a Porsche approved "N" 19" winter tire: Contiwintercontact TS 810S. They are in stock at Tirerack. There is also a non-"N" tire in the correct size by Pirelli Winter 240 Sottozero in stock @ Tirerack.

But, I would seriously consider getting another 18" winter wheel set. This way you won't damage the tire or the rims mounting and unmounting the tires (a real possibility). Also, if there is any real snow where you live, the 18" tires will perform better. I have the 18" CIII wheels and the 18" Contiwintercontact TS810 S tires that work great. BTW, I live in Chicago.

 

I'm looking around for a set of the 19"s. I might pick up a set of the lobsters from ebay for $1400 new in silver. No 18" rims really speak to me since the only 18" eom wheels are the carrera classics and I don't really care for them.

Who is a good tire mounter in Chicago? I was going to see if Midwest Performance in West Loop/Lake St could do it since I'm near them, however, I trust Porsche Exchange 100% with their service quality, but damn, it's a long drive up to the site.

 

I forgot to mention I'm also in Chicago. Last winter was mild, but I took the bus a few snowy mornings. The Michelin Pilot Sports stranded me 30 feet from my home with less than 1/2" of snow. I had to shovel my way into my garage!

 

I live in Hinsdale and have had good luck with both my dealer (Napleton Porsche in Westmont) and a local place in Burr Ridge from the Tirerack website (Burr Ridge Professional Car Care). The most important thing is to find a place with road force balancing.

http://www.gsp9700.com/index.cfm

BTW, I am a cardiac electrophysiologist in the Chicago area.

 

Pirelli Scorpion Ice and Snow come in 19 inch size.

 

I would strongly consider going with 18's in the snow. That way you can run a 265 rear for much better traction. You may have to buy other wheels, but traction is MUCH better than trying to go with 19's. Tire availibility is better as well.

 

Everybody's been telling me to go with 18"s, but I want a set of the 19" snow tires to pop onto my OEM sport wheels and try out a set of new Lobsters for the summer season. I don't drive very far to work, approx 1 mile. I need some traction, just not "no traction" as provided by my Michelins! Damon, I'll probably call you in a few weeks after I find a nice set of 19"s to buy a set of 19" tires. Would all-seasons work decently in snow?

 

All "all-season" tires are a compromise. Plus I don't think they'll come in the large, low profile sizes you need to fit the OEM wheels. IMHO, if you're gonna have a Porsche, you shouldn't compromise on the tires. Use winter tires in the winter and use high performance tires in the summer. Plus, I would seriously consider staying with the "N" approved Porsche tirees.

Winter tires make a HUGE difference. Not just with snow and ice traction, but with dry performance due to the softer rubber in cold temps.

 

You're probably right. I had a set of winter tires for my MB CLK and they worked very well in the midwest winters, but they were also 17" (The Bridgestone Blizzaks).

I think I'll buy a set of the Lobsters 19" OEMs and pop my Michelins on them and then use my Sport OEMs for winter with a set of Pirellis. Thanks all.

 

You might want to consider the Contiwintercontact TS810 S "N" approved winter tires. I have a set of the 18" tires and they work remarkably well. As well as the Blizzacks I had on my M5 in the past. FWIW.

 

If you want to stay 19 for snows, the Conti TS810 is your best bet. I will have them in stock in the 235/295 combo in mid - August. Give me a call if you would like to preorder. $272/$319 each.