Best tyres for a Boxster S 3.2?

[haley]

I have got a 2005 Boxster S 3.2 and it is now due a New Year gift of a new set of tyres.
At the moment it has 18" wheels with Michelin X Pilot sport tyres.
If you want a reasonably soft ride for regular road surfaces, what would be the best replacements?

 

[Motorhead]

John,

I'm sure that you'll find endless "advice" on these and other forums if you want to search.!

If you're not bothered about having Porsche N-rated tyres and aren't interested in ultimate handling characteristics you could perhaps try Goodyear F1 Assymetrics. Michelin Pilot Sports are always a reliable choice and favoured by the track-day fraternity, and although Pirelli P-Zeros often get a caning in some reviews, as a Club member you can get a £100 gift card if you buy 4 tyres (see page 90 in this month's Porsche Post).

Jeff

 

[GordonT]

Hi John,
Jeff has summarised things nicely. I just wanted to add that, while the Goodyears are not the most popular choice, I really like them. Had them on a previous Cayman, never experienced any lack of grip (including track days) and found them a "comfortable” tyre.
Best of luck with your choice.
Gordon.

 

[Craiglm68]

As above re the Goodyear. The Michelin PS4 (the non-"S" version) is an excellent road tyre in its own right, costs much less than the PS4S, and is still decent on track if you do the occasional track day.

 

[haley]

Thanks for the advice about tyres for my Boxster S 3.2. Any comments on the Falken ZIEX ECORUN tyres?

 

[Motorhead]

John,

I may be wrong but I don't recall anyone on here recommending Falkens, but that's not to say that they couldn't be a decent left-field choice. Most people tend to go with the more established manufacturers like Continental, Goodyear, Michelin and maybe Dunlop who have an established relationship with Porsche and who produce Porsche approved N-rated tyres. Falken are establishing a reputation for decent tyres in the market place and seem to do quite well in the reviews, although I'm not sure about its sporty offering.

You may want to take a look at this 2019 Auto Bild Sports Car Tyre Test:

http://www.tyrereviews.co.uk/Article/2019-Auto-Bild-Sports-Car-Tyre-Test.htm

Jeff

 

[911hillclimber]

Bridgestone never get mentioned on is topic.
Have them on my touring use only 987.2 on 19" rims, N rated, and the car runs well, straight and assuring in the wet too.

Rather think you get what you pay for with tyres and brakes, but really boils down to what you do with the car in general?
Graham.

 

[Buddy]

I've used most of the Porsche approved tyres on the two Cayman S which I have owned, plus I have used Pirelli's on a Boxster S 986. the latter I would stay clear of but I have liked Michelin PS2, which where well and have consistent grip, Continetals grip well but wear rapidly, Bridgestone Potenza are good but just below the Michelin for grip and wear but quite a bit cheaper and slightly noisier, a friend has Goodyears on his which are approved and rates them for good grip and wear rate at a lower price! If I fit a full set I'll be changing to the Goodyears.

 

[Dicky_Art]

Maxxis VS01 on the street and track 10,000+ miles

 

[Wollemi]

On that car you can't really go wrong with the Michelin PS2N2 (if on 19"s - think its N4 on 18"s). They were designed for the car and have great grip and feel plus they maintain their wet grip as they wear , unlike say Pirellis where the wet grip seems to deteriorate badly when half worn.