Question on Tire/Wheel Size for 06 Cayman S

[Tidybuoy]

Hi,

I just purchased a 2006 Cayman S. I have not picked it up yet so I don't know the exact tire sizes but I wanted to find out so I can estimate my cost when it's time to replace.

Couple of Questions:

The car has 19" Carrera Classic Wheels. I know the 19 but don't know the widths - does anyone know the dimensions? And what is the standard tire size for these wheels.

Any Suggestions on Tire Brand and model? It currently has new Toyo Proxy's, which I know nothing about. I've been recommended to us Pilot Sports. My other car is a '74 911 so I am completely unfamiliar with these much larger tires which are not available for my '74.

Thanks in advance.

[Dmitry at Pelican Parts]

Hi Vern - the listed tire size for the '06 Cayman S are the following: Front: P235/40R18, rear: P265/40R18. Those 19" wheels are either an option or were put on after the fact. Michelin Pilot Super Sports are in fact amazing tires, as are Bridgestone RE71R. Other members will likely chime in with their experiences and recommendations. Hope this helps you a bit!

[Tidybuoy]

Thanks Dmitry!

The 19" Carrera Wheels were a factory option and were listed on the factory spec sheet when I looked up the VIN#.

I have the Bridgestone RE71's on my 944 and I love them, other than the fact that they wear too fast. But, I guess that's why they handle so well.

[tonythetarga]

I have an '06 Cayman S with 19's. 235/35/19 fronts and 265/35/19 rears. I have Michelin Pilot Sport PS2's. They are an excellent tire with grip in dry and wet conditions. The difference between the PS2's and Super Sports is the temperature rating. PS2's are softer at a 220 UTOQ rating. I believe the SS's are 300 something. Still good but a little harder rubber. Depends what you want to use the car for. Street driving vs track use (or occasional track use).

[jdavis7600]

FYI, from the Porsche Service Information booklet for my 2006 Cayman S (987):

Wheels/tyres; Cayman S summer

Front axle Rear axle

Standard - 235/40 ZR 18 (91Y) 265/40 ZR 18 (101Y) XL on 8J x 18 ET 57 on 9J x 18 ET 43

I number - 235/35 ZR 19 (87Y) 265/35 ZR 19 (94Y) XL on 8J x 19 ET 57 on 9,5J x 19 ET 46

The following wheels are also optionally available:

– The 18 inch standard wheel from the Boxster S.

– The 19 inch Carrera S wheel in 8J x 19 at the front and 9.5J x 19 at
the rear is based on the standard 911 Carrera S wheel and combines
this wheel's design with the Cayman S specific dimensions
.
– The 19 inch SportDesign wheel in 8J x 19 at the front and 9.5J x 19
at the rear features 15 fine-mesh spokes. The delicate styling delivers
a striking race car look.

– The 19 inch Carrera Classic wheel in 8J x 19 at the front and 9.5J x
19 at the rear is an elegant option. Its 5-spoke design is very slender
and allows a good view of the brake. This deliberately reveals the
technology for all to see.

– The 19 inch Carrera Sport wheel, a 10-spoke monobloc wheel, comes
in a width of 8.5 inches at the front and 10 inches at the rear and
features spokes in a regular star arrangement

[stealthn]

I find the Michelin’s the loudest tire I’ve eve4 driven. I think I will try the Pirelli next

[FireCayman]

What exact type of driving will you be performing with your Cayman? HPDE, autoX, competition or just daily driving?

That should determine what tire type and manufacturer/model. TireRack is a great tool with thousands of tire reviews from actual consumers that are brutally honest.

I run Conti DWS all seasons for the colder months in the North East and they handle amazingly well even when being slightly foolish on canyons and on ramps. I love and adore my RE71Rs but they will pick up every type of road debris and shower your paint with it like a sandblaster. I now run them as a AutoX specific tire. As mentioned they wear quickly and are pricey. I have recently purchased after reading amazing reviews about Federal RSR-RR 200 tread-wear tires that are great for competition and summer driving.

You can always go the factory route and stick with any of the Michelin tires but in my personal experience price to life ratios is not incredible. Many choices depending on budget and use.

[looneybin]

Hey Vern
I installed Conti Extreme Contact on my car and they are very good and not too expensive
i have a hard time breaking them loose on a spirited drive - they stick very good
if you aren't going to AX, then i would recommend you look at them on tirerack, or the dealer will price match TR
I had Bridgestone's on it when i bought it, but they were slick as snot and oversteered very bad
i though i was having a suspension geometry problem with such bad oversteer, but it was just the front tires

[Tidybuoy]

Great Info!

Now that I have the car, I know what the proper sizes are. However, I'm hoping to find a set of Cayman Sport Wheels since I like the look on this car. Hopefully, I can afford a set before my next tire swap so I can ge the right size for the new wheels (which I think are 1/2" wider).

I was at my mechanic's shop this morning and he told me that he thinks the current tires are one-size too small. I'll live with it for a while.

I'll check out the Conti Tires Brent. Yes, I'm going to auto-x on Sat.

[looneybin]

who is your mechanic? Kurata?
i see you took your 944 off your sig line
is it exiled?
BTW, i have a bottle of factory arctic silver touch up paint if you need it

[Tidybuoy]

Yes, Kurata.
I took the 944 off because I think I am limited to space on the signature. I'll put the 944 back after I get it repaired and sell the little bike.