996 C4S: mixing tires?
 

Hey Everyone-

I know this isn't exactly the right forum to discuss a P-car, but I know some of you have some experience with Porsches and I'm trying to get as much feedback as possible.

We just put some new Pirelli's on my Father's 2002 C4S because one tire had a puncture. But shortly thereafter (like, within a month) the same thing happened to the rears.

But we didn't want to use the Pirellis anymore when I discovered how much better (and longer lasting) the Bridgestone Potenza S-02s are.

So we put the Bridgestones on the rear.

Some people havfe advised me that this is really bad, esp since we're taking the car to Thunderhill Raceway on May 10.

Thoughts?

Never mix tires if you can avoid it, especially on a 4S. Just asking for trouble. Run S02's all around or my favorite...Pilot Sport Cups

yes that's what i've been hearing: "never do it if you can avoid it."

well it's been done. now what? what, exactly, is so bad/dangerous?

Using different tread patterns means the way the tire is grabbing the road is different. For instance, take Diamaris on the X5. If you mount the tire incorrectly without taking into account tread direction, then mount them there will be excessive noise and worsened handling characteristics. I'm not saying running different tires will lead to absolute death, but you'll make better times 'generally' by running the same tires front and rear. IMO.

right so that's my main concern: whether the issue is more a matter of PERFORMANCE or one of SAFETY.

OBVIOUSLY we didn't do this with the intent to mix/match tires, and we never intended to again, regardless of the admonition here to avoid doing so. This was just a fluke in our eyes.

NONETHELESS, the fact is that it *HAS* been done and I just don't want to have to give my Dad the bad news that he has to throw out some $500 worth of brand new front pirelli tires.

I can understand that.

When I bought mine the guy just put brand new Kuhmo's on it...I told him wish you had called me before you did that (he did it after I agreed to buy the car, I guess figuring it needed them to pass inspection) because I would have wanted different tires. But, like you, I can't see just ripping off brand new tires.

Well. After discussing the issue with you, Tire Rack, a bunch of my very knowledgeable friends -- one of whom drifts -- I called my Dad and apologized for my lack of knowledge RE: an AWD car and the implications therein necessitating matching tires. He's going to take off the Pirellis nad replace them with mathching Bridgestones, then when the current Bridgestones die, he'll get a pair of matching Pirellis to finish up the fronts.

Thanks you so much for the blunt truth, I hugely appreciate it. :)

Hey man, I'm nothing if not blunt.:thumbup:

You're Dad is going to love it on the track, thats for sure.

is this his first track day? if so and if it's in the dry.. just go drive the living piss out of it. Pirelli's are horrible anyways but tearing them up on the track is better than throwing them away. It's only going to be bad if you going 8/10's or higher with mixed tires. No point in tearing up brand new tires at the track.

Actually, it not the first time at the track for either of us:

I have done Buttonwillow twice (first time in the rain!!) in my Mustang; then I did Thunderhill a year later, also in my Mustang (got a 2:21; hoping to beat that with my X!).

My Dad's experience on the other hand ... heheheh ... well let's just say he taught me how to drive :D -- check it out:

* completion 3-day Jim Russel driving school, East Anglia, UK (1964)
* competitive SCCA Class C license, Ontario Speedway, CA (1965)
* completion of B.P. Skid Control school, Toronto, Canada (1969)
* numerous head-to-head competition driving events (also "back in the day" :D)