Tyre Change

55raym · Apr 8, 2020

Afternoon all

The Yokahamas on my 997 will need changing soon but I cant appear to get any N rated tyres of the size I have by yokahama. They do other sizes but don't appear to make this size in a N rated version anymore.

The rears are good with 5-6 mm so I only need to change the fronts which are 235/40 ZR18 91Y N0 The rears are N1 I believe.

There are a few options including the Pirelli P zero, Bridgestone and the Mitchlin pilot sport etc.

Does anyone have any recomendations? I only do a small mileage and mainly dry use?

I guess as long as they are N rated a higher N number does not matter as long as you do not mix them on the same axle ?

All assistance gratefully received.

Lancerlot · Apr 8, 2020

There's not much joy for you here, Ray.

The 'N' rating is usually embossed on the tyre sidewall and can be N0, N1, N2, N3 dependant upon the tyre's evolution. Fit these and you'll be assured they're safe and you won't fall foul of the 111 point Porsche Centre check should you wish to part exchange with a PC or extend the warranty. Porsche recommend tyres should be all from the same manufacturer and have the same N rating on both axles. There are very few exceptions to this rule.

It is not illegal to fit non 'N' rated tyres and your insurance company will probably not be too worried either. As far as the Authorities are concerned, provided they are round and have the right amount of tread, you'll probably be OK. However, as an enthusiast, you want the best, so don't be selling yourself and your car short by having an inferior tyre setup. Fit a decent set of boots all round and you're sure all will be well. [

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Regards,

Clive

55raym · Apr 8, 2020

Hi Clive

Very compressive reply as always .. thank you.

i think I may have to compromise a little on this and find some N1 rated tyres then to match those on the back, which as I say are almost new.. they will be from a different manufacturer but that’s the closest I will get.. were money no object I would for sure change the whole set but I will find it hard to justify that at present

one other question on the ratings though, does the weight carrying capacity matter?

i have seen some N1 Bridgestone that are 95Y rather than 91Y .. could this perhaps upset the balance of the car?

Regards.

Rodney Naghar · Apr 8, 2020

I would get the latest N rating for the tyres you're changing. N1 for one make of tyre will not match N1 for another male of tyre. It will be the most modern Porsche rated compound for that make. If it was a complete set then I'd suggest matching the N numbers

Lancerlot · Apr 9, 2020

55raym said:
i think I may have to compromise a little on this and find some N1 rated tyres then to match those on the back, which as I say are almost new.. they will be from a different manufacturer but that’s the closest I will get.. were money no object I would for sure change the whole set but I will find it hard to justify that at present.

As Rodney has said, matching N numbers from different manufacturers won't work.

I don't advise compromising on tyres at all. If a new set of matching N rated boots is beyond your current budget, lay the vehicle up until funds become available. It's just not worth the risk. [

]
Regards,

Clive

55raym · Apr 9, 2020

Lancerlot said:
55raym said:

i think I may have to compromise a little on this and find some N1 rated tyres then to match those on the back, which as I say are almost new.. they will be from a different manufacturer but that’s the closest I will get.. were money no object I would for sure change the whole set but I will find it hard to justify that at present.

Click to expand...

As Rodney has said, matching N numbers from different manufacturers won't work.

I don't advise compromising on tyres at all. If a new set of matching N rated boots is beyond your current budget, lay the vehicle up until funds become available. It's just not worth the risk. []
Regards,

Clive

I guess if I do change all 4 then N4 rated tyres such as the Michelin pilot sport would be better than N1 rated tyres from Bridgestone? Or would the N1 rated tyres be better suited to my older car?

Lancerlot · Apr 10, 2020

Don't become hung up on N numbers. It's not a performance related rating, just an evolution sequence.

I always ran my 997's on Bridgestones - Potenza RE050A from memory - and found them excellent for all-round performance and wear, although they do suffer slightly from road noise. However, this choice was mainly governed by the fact they were fitted as original equipment from the factory. Potenza S001 is available now and may be an improvement, but check with the manufacturer or your supplier for your car.

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 is highly rated by many as is Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, but you need to check whether N rated versions are available in your sizes before ordering. Also see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMv64liOqIE for a comparison.

Age of car is really irrelevant to tyre choice, provided the chassis is optimally tuned. So once you have made a choice, my recommendation would be to visit to a specialist chassis engineering company such as Center (sic) Gravity for a set-up session. This will pay dividends in terms of handling and road-holding.

Regards,

Clive