unclewinks
New member
Pilot sport every time 
Which tyres
- Thread starter unclewinks
- Start date
Yesterday, I fitted exactly those Michelin tyres on my 997 GTS having desk researched the PS 4S against the other Michelin and Pirelli options.
I appreciate the ZR19 PS 4S are not N-rated (so PC Reading will not fit them) but looking at various YouTube comparisons by intelligent researchers (as opposed to morons), I concluded that for general year-round road only use, in terms of grip, noise and wear, the 4S was the ideal compromise.
I confirmed that my insurance company were happy with non N-rated tyres and ordered them in, taking 3 weeks or so to arrive. Based on just 24 hours of calm driving, I've found the tyres to be quieter and smoother, with less bump and thump on the M25 and interestingly, less "chunking" when cold under maximum lock coming out the garage, something that always irritated me with the previous Pirellis.
The fitter had asked me to return after 1 day to retorque the nuts and I had them rebalance the fronts as there was a slight steering wobble and it turns out the balance was just 5 grams out so once corrected, the steering is now back to perfect.
So, all in all, I'm very happy so far with the ZR19 PS 4S - they meet my needs just fine.
I appreciate the ZR19 PS 4S are not N-rated (so PC Reading will not fit them) but looking at various YouTube comparisons by intelligent researchers (as opposed to morons), I concluded that for general year-round road only use, in terms of grip, noise and wear, the 4S was the ideal compromise.
I confirmed that my insurance company were happy with non N-rated tyres and ordered them in, taking 3 weeks or so to arrive. Based on just 24 hours of calm driving, I've found the tyres to be quieter and smoother, with less bump and thump on the M25 and interestingly, less "chunking" when cold under maximum lock coming out the garage, something that always irritated me with the previous Pirellis.
The fitter had asked me to return after 1 day to retorque the nuts and I had them rebalance the fronts as there was a slight steering wobble and it turns out the balance was just 5 grams out so once corrected, the steering is now back to perfect.
So, all in all, I'm very happy so far with the ZR19 PS 4S - they meet my needs just fine.
Tyres fitted and the difference is noticeable. The Mechelins are quieter and not nearly so harsh. Grip appears to be excellent. Interesting point when I ordered them. Since I wanted a specific garage to fit the tyres I ordered via Black Circles and the tyres were delivered within three days. However, a few hours after placing the order I received the following e-mail from Black Circles Customer Support.
"Thank you for your order. The tyres you have selected may not be suitable for your car as these are not Porsche approved units. All Porsche approved tyres are designated by an “N” rating. This denotes that Porsche has approved the tyres for use on their vehicles and these tyres are constructed specifically to suit the power, suspension and handling characteristics. We have come across instances where Porsche may not honour the warranty on vehicles fitted with non-approved tyres and as such we always recommend the use of the specific fitment. We have also had instances where customers have identified poorer performance as the results of switching away from “N” rated tyres. At Blackcircles.com we strive to help our customers make an informed decision on the tyres that they purchase. At this stage we are contacting you as a courtesy to make you aware of the potential impact of not choosing “N” rated tyres, if you would like to discuss further options we would be more than happy to assist."
I sent an e-mail to Michelin to obtain their view but as of now I have received no reply. The specialist fitter said he has seen no problems with these tyres he has fitted to 997s, that info and the feedback I have received from the club convinced me to proceed.
"Thank you for your order. The tyres you have selected may not be suitable for your car as these are not Porsche approved units. All Porsche approved tyres are designated by an “N” rating. This denotes that Porsche has approved the tyres for use on their vehicles and these tyres are constructed specifically to suit the power, suspension and handling characteristics. We have come across instances where Porsche may not honour the warranty on vehicles fitted with non-approved tyres and as such we always recommend the use of the specific fitment. We have also had instances where customers have identified poorer performance as the results of switching away from “N” rated tyres. At Blackcircles.com we strive to help our customers make an informed decision on the tyres that they purchase. At this stage we are contacting you as a courtesy to make you aware of the potential impact of not choosing “N” rated tyres, if you would like to discuss further options we would be more than happy to assist."
I sent an e-mail to Michelin to obtain their view but as of now I have received no reply. The specialist fitter said he has seen no problems with these tyres he has fitted to 997s, that info and the feedback I have received from the club convinced me to proceed.
If your tyres do not show an 'N' rating, they have not been Porsche approved and they may therefore invalidate an existing extended warranty. Furthermore, the vehicle will fail the 111 point inspection when the warranty expires and it will be ineligible for renewal.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings, but there is loads of information on 'N' and non rated tyres on this forum. I believe some PS4S's have been approved by Porsche in specific sizes.
Regards,
[font="comic sans ms,sans-serif"]Clive[/font]
Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings, but there is loads of information on 'N' and non rated tyres on this forum. I believe some PS4S's have been approved by Porsche in specific sizes.
Regards,
[font="comic sans ms,sans-serif"]Clive[/font]
Thanks for the info. It is not really an issue for me since warranty is not a problem for me now. Never had extended warranty on the car. Just get it serviced and pay for any work that needs doing. When it was under warranty from new it had the Bridgestones Porsche approved. Michelins are approved for Porsche in R20 and R21 rims sizes. Think it is just a marketing issue with R19 rims. Why would Porsche retroactively approve new tyres on an old car? I wonder if there is actually any difference in R20 rated Mercedes Pilot sport 4S tyres vs R20 rated Pilot Sport 4S Porsche tyres or even non manufacturer rated PS 4S tyres? Are they basically the same tyres with just a different logo stamped on the sidewall? My main interest is apart from warranty are there any performance related issues.
AndrewCS
Active member
rogertill said:
In general terms, I believe that there is a difference …
I have had N and non N rated in the same tyre (19" Cup 2), the sidewall is markedly different - I did not drive the N rated though
I was speaking with an industry trader only last Tuesday, where he recounted a non Porsche issue where a non manufacturer specific item had been fitted ... resulting in handling, grip and vibration issues
Another thumbs up for Pilot Sport 4S from me.
I have just replaced Pirelli P Zero with the Michelins and the car is transformed.
I used to feel the front end was very skittish whereas now it feels planted and sure footed.
I can also confirm my full lock out the garage skipping has gone, something the Pirellis were bad for.
I wish I had changed them sooner.
I have just replaced Pirelli P Zero with the Michelins and the car is transformed.
I used to feel the front end was very skittish whereas now it feels planted and sure footed.
I can also confirm my full lock out the garage skipping has gone, something the Pirellis were bad for.
I wish I had changed them sooner.
My tyre guy was lead tyre man for Edie Jordan F1 for many years.he fitted 4SPS all round to my 991 to replace Pirellis
fronts were N rated but he couldn’t get rears N rated so fitted non N rears
the ride is fabulous,so much better than pirellis
no difference discernible between front and rears
fronts were N rated but he couldn’t get rears N rated so fitted non N rears
the ride is fabulous,so much better than pirellis
no difference discernible between front and rears
agree, PS2s on the 997.2 turbo and it really drives well. Wear is good also, but very good in the wet.
6_Aitch
New member
First post on here. 
Manufacturer approved tyres I always thought to be a marketing ploy between marque and tyre companies. That was until I bought a 3 year old Jaguar F Type, V8, RWD
It came as an approved used from a Jaguar main dealer, bells & whistles and a fresh, first MOT. After a few days I decide to give it a few beans and was a little daunted how it squirmed under acceleration. Wet roads and it was almost undriveable. I thought Jaguar has made a serious mistake by releasing this car with so much power & torque. Later 5.0L models were 4WD only and this just confirmed my thoughts.
I decided to investigate a little further by checking the markings on the tyres. All tyres were Pirelli P Zero as per spec. Front tyres were original, bearing the same manufacturing date as the year of the car. Rear tyres had been replaced the year I purchased it from the dealer and bore the marking N0, this I discovered was Porsche approval. I contacted Jaguar customer services and Pirelli and both gave the same answer, that the N0 tyres should not be fitted to this Jaguar. Thinking about it, the loading from a rear heavy Porsche would require reinforcing over and above that of a conventional front engined RWD car. I contacted the dealer with this information and they replaced the N0 with Aston martin approved Pirellis. The difference was really quite remarkable and has convinced me that marque approved tyres aren't quite the con I first thought.
I'll need new tyres some time in the new year as the Bridgestones A050s fitted to my recently acquired 997.1 Turbo are coming up 5 years old. The PS4S are really tempting as I find the Bridgestones quite noisy but the experience with the Jag, the fact I will be taking my car on track, traveling and cornering at excessive speed means I feel compelled to stick with 'N' rated tyres and probably go for Michelin PS 2 as I don't like Pirelli either.
Manufacturer approved tyres I always thought to be a marketing ploy between marque and tyre companies. That was until I bought a 3 year old Jaguar F Type, V8, RWD
It came as an approved used from a Jaguar main dealer, bells & whistles and a fresh, first MOT. After a few days I decide to give it a few beans and was a little daunted how it squirmed under acceleration. Wet roads and it was almost undriveable. I thought Jaguar has made a serious mistake by releasing this car with so much power & torque. Later 5.0L models were 4WD only and this just confirmed my thoughts.
I decided to investigate a little further by checking the markings on the tyres. All tyres were Pirelli P Zero as per spec. Front tyres were original, bearing the same manufacturing date as the year of the car. Rear tyres had been replaced the year I purchased it from the dealer and bore the marking N0, this I discovered was Porsche approval. I contacted Jaguar customer services and Pirelli and both gave the same answer, that the N0 tyres should not be fitted to this Jaguar. Thinking about it, the loading from a rear heavy Porsche would require reinforcing over and above that of a conventional front engined RWD car. I contacted the dealer with this information and they replaced the N0 with Aston martin approved Pirellis. The difference was really quite remarkable and has convinced me that marque approved tyres aren't quite the con I first thought.
I'll need new tyres some time in the new year as the Bridgestones A050s fitted to my recently acquired 997.1 Turbo are coming up 5 years old. The PS4S are really tempting as I find the Bridgestones quite noisy but the experience with the Jag, the fact I will be taking my car on track, traveling and cornering at excessive speed means I feel compelled to stick with 'N' rated tyres and probably go for Michelin PS 2 as I don't like Pirelli either.
Smudger2487
New member
I am looking to replace a full set of tyres on a 997 Gen 2 Turbo..... there seems to be a lot more availability of N2 tyres marked "XL"..... are these compatible with the 997 or (as i suspect) purely for the heavier Macan / Cayenne's ?
Thanks for the table. It appears that for the 997 Turbo on 19" rims pre 2017 then Michelin PS2 were recommended. Post 2018 the Turbos on 20" rims had PS4 fitted. Just wonder if Porsche didn't test or make P rated PS4 newer tyres for the older cars. I have now been running the PS4s on my car and found no problems with grip in wet or dry and they are certainly much quieter. However, I never did receive a reply from Michelin asking if they were suitable.
AndrewCS
Active member
MICHELIN Customer Care Passenger Car & Light Truck Tyres Tel: 0800 031 8802 E-mail: contact@tc.michelin.eu Contact us: [link]http://www.michelin.co.uk/contact[/url] Web: http://www.michelin.co.uk
I have had great service from Michelin CS ... have you tried the email option ?
I have had great service from Michelin CS ... have you tried the email option ?
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