What are the best performance tires for a '99 Porsche 911 C2? Street use only.?

Answer 1

In terms of performance being just top levels of grip? It will be any of the dot approved R Compound Tires. Tires like the Hoosier R6 or Kuhmo V710 are great tires in terms of grip, though would wear VERY fast under street use (moreso from heat cycling than actual treadwear), and are not appropriate for use in anything other than dry conditions. But tires in this class with tread patterns can be usable (but you do have to be aware of some special care and watching for issues like heat cycling).

With those issues in mind, among this group, the tire that would ultimately work best for regular street use would be the Toyo Proxes RA1. This is long lasting for an R Compound tire, doesn't require an initial heat cycle, and will maintain grip and consistency until you get down to the cords. It's grip will exceed any of the regular street tires available.

But among regular street tires, I think the Bridgestone RE01R is an excellent tire, offering great grip that you would not normally expect from a street tire (akin to being a new version of the BFG TA-KD). I've used this tire under very wet conditions at a couple track days, and have found it usable in such conditions, though it does prove to be a handful, and I think it is best suited to mostly dry use (but won't leave you stranded if it does rain). The RE050a Pole Position (not the regular RE050a) is a little more oriented to all around weather and grip levels with it are similar to the old S03 (excellent) though I find the new package to be a little quieter.

The Michelin PS2 is always a solid choice, and I've found these generally tend to work very well on the 996. While it is quite an old tire, the previously mentioned TA-KD is still a great all around street tire. And the Goodyear F1 GS-D3 is also a solid choice.

Answer 2

Honestly, if youre on the street, get the quietest, hardest tires you can find in the correct sizes. Youll NEVER, and i repeat NEVER be able to use grippier tires on the street for several reasons.
1) Your tires dont get up to temperature on the street.
2) There is too much loose dirt/gravel on a street
3) Its not smooth enough
4) theyre usually concrete, which doesnt grip the same as a track surface. The ground is the limit of grip, not the tire.

No use in buying expensive, soft, quick wearing, loud, uncomfortable tires if the car is staying on the street. they wont perform really any better (or no better than you will ever need). On the street you get all the bad qualities of performance tires and really none of the good.

just get something moderately sporty and cheap.

I buy all my tires on tirerack.com

and for the record paul, RA1s are seriously awesome, but they still wear like mad. My sons got em on his STI and its just silly.

Answer 3

I think you'll find that the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 is the top rated tire.

Go to http://www.tirerack.com/index.jsp

In "enter vehicle make and year" enter your "99 911 Carrera Coupe."

Click on "Tires"

Click on 99 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe.

Now I would click on "View matching front and rear pairs" for the size that fits your rims.

This will lead you to a menu where you can pick and choose among tire types (probably just the performance classes), and manufacturers. They will select the speed rating for you, but if you have any doubts, click on all above "V" rated. You probably don't want run-flats, so click on "do not include run-flats."

Click in the box next to each tire you are interested in, then punch the red box labeled "compare selected tires."

Now you will have a chart that lists each tire, its prices (F & R), warranty rating, customer survey ratingsand specs for each.

Also there is a place to click to read their comparison test results.

Good shopping and good (safe) driving!

Answer 4

I have a 2002 Cararra C2 and I have found that Bridgestone Potenza's are the best tires I have had SO1 or SO2's.

By the way Cararra's (911's, 996,997) come with these tires from the factory should I say more.

Answer 5

Go to Tire Rack.com