Has anyone used the non N-spec Michelin PS2's? I called the Tire Rack about availability of the backordered 265 35 19's and they said that they did have that size in the PS2 but it was not N-spec. They weren't able to give me much information on the difference because Michelin and Porsche don't release much info.

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Nov 16, 2007 build:
'08 CS Midnight blue metallic--6 spd
Black sport seats, Delete model designation
Fire extinguisher,Floor mats, Sport steering wheel

Interestingly enough, my local Porsche dealer gets their tires from Tire Rack, and they had 2 N-spec PS2 rears overnighted yesterday. The service adviser told me they sell them only to Porsche dealers, and there's a lot of demand for them from Mercedes and BMW owners. They have that size N-spec in stock, you just have to be a Porsche dealer to buy it!

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'07 Guards Red Cayman S
'08 Honda Ridgeline RTL
'99 Miata 10th Anniversary Edition
'07 KTM Super Duke 990
'07 KTM 300 XC-W / '06 KTM 450 XC

try ordering from Discount Tire. They got me some in just a few days--N-1 rated PS2 265-35 19 inch.

There is a difference in composition and tread design between N and non N spec tires

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FREE SPEECH FOR ALL

2007 Cayman S
2008 Cayenne Turbo
2002 Carrera Cab
1995 993 The track car
1984 944 The former track car

former

2004 Cayenne S

That's good to know. If I have a flat I will be buying the tires from the dealership because I bought the tire/wheel insurance from them. So your post gives me a little peace of mind. Thanks.

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Porsche Cayman 2.7
Mercedes E320 Bluetec
Ducati Paul Smart LE
BMW R1200GS

My tire shop informed me that the Non-N spec were just mislabeled in the system and phoned the warehouse to confirm that they were indeed N spec.

Thats what the man said, and I have N specs on my car.

G.

I would feel better if that bit of information came from Michelin rather than a tire shop and someone in a tire warehouse. It may be true . . . but I would rather hear it from Michelin.

Having said that, I wonder what the importance on an "N" rating is for someone like me who is never going to take a car to the track and who probably never drives close to the limit in daily driving.

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Porsche Cayman 2.7
Mercedes E320 Bluetec
Ducati Paul Smart LE
BMW R1200GS

More about "n" spec here for anyone interested. http://www.caymanclub.net/reviews/sh...oduct=37&cat=6

From that review -

Tires may be specified for a particular vehicle or range of vehicles and must successfully pass the tire company's laboratory tests to assure that they would be capable of adequately supporting the Porsche vehicle while allowing it to reach its top speed on the German Autobahn. Additional laboratory, test track and race track tests are conducted to confirm that the prototype tires meet Porsche's noise, hydroplaning and handling requirements. Prototype tires will also be evaluated to assess their high-speed durability, uniformity and serviceability. Upon test completion, the tires will be released for production.

Thanks for the reminder, Santa Fe. I read that earlier. But I still wonder if I really need "N" tires. I might get my Cayman up to 90 mph on the Interstate but I am not going to be driving Autobahn speeds.

The other thing to consider is that TÜV standards (which I think that paragraph was referring to) are much more stringent than DOT standards. For example, if you own a motorcycle (motorrad) in Germany it will come with a specified tire and when you get around to replacing tires that's what you had better buy or your motorcycle will fail inspection.

Of course I will buy "N" tires when the time comes . . . but I wonder if I really have to buy "N" tires.

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Porsche Cayman 2.7
Mercedes E320 Bluetec
Ducati Paul Smart LE
BMW R1200GS

I go to the track all the time but the chances of getting anywhere near top speed are non-existent, even on roval's(half oval half infield, ie Cal Speedway) the fastest I've ever gone is about 145-150mph, which is still less than the limiters on a lot of 'normalish' cars.

G.

So are Z rated N PS2 tires tires rated to 149 mph or 171 mph? Does the N mean they are W's instead of Z'z even though they say "Z" on the side?

Respectfully, my friends...

I think you guys are getting caught up in Porsche/ Michelin joint marketing stuff. There is no PS2 that fails to meet the N test. Disagree? Please post the specific detail...not gibberish about "highest standards of inegrosity"...specific details...like (fake example) N PS2s have 12mm sidewalls instead of 10mm sidewalls....

dave


Merry Christmas

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2007 Speed Yellow Cayman GT 2.7 (retired)
2008 Guards Red Cayman GT 3.4
"Carpe Cayman"

More info (or as dave said "marketing") from this pretty well respected site that someone recommended before