Menu toggle

Cayman 987 Trackday tyre choice

Twinfan

Twinfan

PCGB Member
Member
Hi Jess,

While not on track, we've run Michelin Pilot Sport 4Ss on our Focus RS for over 35k miles and they've been fantastic. I've also been running them on my 718 GT4 for around 2k with the same results, and the Ring Taxi cars run both Cup 2s and PS4Ss - the PS4Ss mainly in the wet. I can't recommend the Pilot Sport 4S highly enough, but make sure it's the 4S not the regular 4 if you go for them.

However, a quick search on BlackCircles shows that both Cup2s and 4Ss are available in the sizes you mention:

Pilot Sport 4S:

https://www.blackcircles.com/catalogue/michelin/pilot-sport-4-s/235/35/R19/Y/91/m?tyre=35790898

https://www.blackcircles.com/catalogue/michelin/pilot-sport-4-s/265/35/R19/Y/98/m?tyre=35790897

Cup2:

https://www.blackcircles.com/catalogue/michelin/pilot-sport-cup-2/235/35/R19/Y/91/m?tyre=32916478

https://www.blackcircles.com/catalogue/michelin/pilot-sport-cup-2/265/35/R19/Y/98/m?tyre=32847183

-Dave

 
I wonder if any members can help me with tyre choice?
I have a 2009 987S which I use more or less only for trackdays and I am due a tyre change.
I have slightly unstandard wheel sizes 265/35 & 235/35 on 19 inch rims, so cannot fit Michelin Cup 2s which otherwise I probably would have done.
My local dealer/specialist has suggested Pilot Sport 4s instead, but I have also read good reviews of the Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersports.
Can anyone offer any advice or first hand experience of using either tyre on track (I need a road legal tyre that’s also pretty good in the wet on track.)
Thanks in anticipation.
Jess Watts


 
No problem at all.

By the way, Cup2s have a touch more grip in the dry but the 4Ss are pretty close and they feel a bit softer. I've described it previously as you can feel the tread move around a little bit, the Cup2s are more solid feeling. In the wet there's no contest though, the 4Ss are the better choice by a country mile and they're incredibly confidence inspiring [:D]

 
Dave

Exactly what I hoped to hear. Pretty much decided it for me. It’s definitely going to be the 4Ss.

Your detailed and obviously knowledgeable feedback greatly appreciated.

Jess

 
Again, you're welcome! My only caveat is that I haven't driven either tyre on track (yet) but given what I've read the 4S will be fine in all weathers unless you're a super fast driver on a hot sunny day.

For the tyres, if you're buying mail order, I'd shop around for the best price by trying BlackCircles, Camskill, TyreLeader, MyTyres and Oponeo [:)]

 
Hi Jess,

I have Dunlop Sport Max tyres on my Cayman which certainly need warming up and can be a little tricky in the cold and wet. However, I also have the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S’s on my daily driver, a Golf R and would totally agree with Dave’s comments regarding these tyres.

I used to have Continental Sport Contacts on the car from new and the Michelins are noticeably better both on and off the track, as Dave said they certainly inspire more confidence in what the Golf can do.

Martin

 
Yokohama ADO8/R are worth shout, I used them on a 986 Boxster for a dry Bedford trackday - excellent

They come with a decent wet review

 
Jess,

I have previous experience with a variety of tyre brands and compounds during competitive motorsport activities with 987 Cayman R Manual.

First of all, your 19" rims will accept Michelin Cup 2 tyres in 235 and 265 sections. If my memory serves me correctly, only the rears (265) will be N-rated. I found the Cup 2's superb in the dry, ok on damp surface, but not suitable for wet conditions, especially with standing water.

Staying with Michelin, I will happily endorse David's comments on the PS4S tyre, but with the caveat that the N-rated version is not available in 19" sizes. I remember inspecting both the generic and N-rated PS4S tyres and they had very different sidewall profiles. I have completed many track laps on the PS4S N0 20" tyre and can affirm that they provide astonishing wet road grip. In dry conditions, they are only good for 2 or 3 hot laps before going all squirmy. It is then the Cup 2's come into their own.

I tried Dunlop Sport Maxx Race tyres on my CR and found them scaringly inconsistent, especially in the wet. Sometime they would grip, sometimes they would let go. I sold them on to anther experienced Cayman S track day driver and he came to the same conclusion.

If you really want short circuit grip in dry conditions, go for the Toyo R888 medium compound. They are the best in my opinion.They will stand up to 5 hot laps before going off and are pretty good in the damp and wet provided there are no standing water issues. Toyo R888's are however noisy on the road. When I first fitted them I thought my diff was becoming noisy. Swapping back to the Michelins proved it was the Toyo's that were causing the whining noise on the road.

I hope this helps. Enjoy your 987 Cayman S on the track. With a good pilot it shames many so-called faster cars. I miss my CR and 718 GTS more than I can say.

Brian

 
Brian, Martin, Andrew

Thank you all for replying to my post and offering your, much appreciated advice. I do want a tyre that’s good in the wet so am pretty much decided on the Pilot 4Ss. Not so concerned about the lack of N rating given the very good reviews.

It seems my main problem May now be availability...........

Thanks again for all your help.

Agree about the Cayman. A fantastic car.

Jess

 
Jess,

Although you mentioned it in your original post, just to add an alternative into the mix you might want to take a look at this comparison, although there are others online.

https://www.tyrereviews.com/Article/Michelin-Pilot-Sport-4S-VS-Goodyear-Eagle-F1-SuperSport.htm

Although the Goodyear is the new kid on the block, certainly it’s worthy of consideration as an alternative to the MPS4S. Unfortunately the comparison is for a couple of BMWs and results are difficult to read across to the mid-engine Cayman, but I would think that the main conclusions will still hold. I don’t remember anyone on these forums making mention of fitting them, although I do recall favourable comments about the N0-rated F1 Assymetric.

Jeff

 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members

Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of the Club, who shall have no liability in respect of them or the accuracy of the content. The Club assumes no responsibility for any effects arising from errors or omissions.

Porsche Club Great Britain gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representations or recommendations regarding any goods or services advertised on this site. It is the responsibility of visitors to satisfy themselves that goods and/or services supplied by any advertiser are bona fide and in no instance can the Porsche Club Great Britain be held responsible.

When responding to advertisements please ensure that you satisfy yourself of any applicable call charges on numbers not prefixed by usual "landline" STD Codes. Information can be obtained from the operator or the white pages. Before giving out ANY information regarding cars, or any other items for sale, please satisfy yourself that any potential purchaser is bona fide.

Directors of the Board of Porsche Club GB, Club Office Staff, Register Secretaries and Regional Organisers are often requested by Club members to provide information on matters connected with their cars and other matters referred to in the Club Rules. Such information, advice and assistance provided by such persons is given in good faith and is based on the personal experience and knowledge of the individual concerned.

Neither Porsche Club GB, nor any of the aforementioned, shall be under any liability in respect of any such information, advice or assistance given to members. Members are advised to consult qualified specialists for information, advice and assistance on matters connected with their cars at all times.

Porsche
Lockton
Pirelli
Officially approved
Oracle Finance
WEX Esso
Collecting Cars
Archant Dialogue
Back
Top