911 Sc: Tires & Shocks.....???

[vwvanaudi]

I have recently purchased a very, very nice '83 SC Cabriolet with 60K documented miles. It is original, unmolested...except for new Silver paint (a 9 on a scale of 1 - 10), and a new top (a 10). Now is the time for tires, shocks. In years past I would have gone straight to Pirelli P6 (I am probably showing my age), but with the advances in tire technology I have no idea what to put on it. Price is not a major issue (but always a consideration), and I will not be tracking this car (no roll bar) but I do appreciate excellent handling. Also shocks. I would lean towards Koni, but I believe there are several grades and many other options. Your input is solicited and very much appreciated.

[imcarthur]

Welcome to the forum & Porsche ownership.

First: What size/type wheels do you have (may limit selection of tires) & what shocks are currently installed?

Your best bet btw is to use the search button & you will find nearly endless reading. Everybody has a different opinion.

Ian

[randywebb]

For the NW, I think Bridgestone S0-3 is the best - not real cheap tho -- search on that, my name and "cold" and/or "temperature" and/or "rain" ....

[Bill Verburg]

Most any of the newer tires compounded w/ silica will be grippy durable and quiet. I have used Dunlop SP9000 and been very pleased for street use.

[randywebb]

True - but only the S0-3s have the ability to retain new levels of grip once they are significantly worn.

This is from a B'stoned tech rep. HOWEVER, I aksed each of the tire co. tech reps the adv's disadv's of their tires when they were in front of each other at the Boise PCA meet. They didn't want to claim superiority, and each just said to buy a quality name brand. The next day, I went around to each booth and asked each one again - privately. That's when I got the claim above. Looking at the brochure, it makes sense. Also, I asked each co. if they could match the S0-3 performance after 3 years of wear. Not one claimed they could, but one co. said they had a new technology tire coming out soon...

So, FWIW....

Another tidbit - I tried out a set of ES-100s on my '75S before I sold it. They were squirrely at low temps. and low meant in the 60's (oF). That post is floating around on the bbs server somewhere.

I like my SP-8000's back when...

[Bill Verburg]

Most tires as they age become harder, race rubber it only takes a few heat cycles, street rubber takes a few years, but eventually yes, they all become slicker noisier and more vibration prone. The tire loses it's once supple ride qualities. This goes unnoticed(in street use) because of the slowness of the process) the silica compounds have much less of an issue w/ this.

[randywebb]

They say they have some sort of multiple layer technology...
it's more than just the silica -- or so they say. I put some credence in what they said in private.


BTW, the slow, accumulative process you describe is (I submit) the main reason that people feel like the "new" brand tires they just put on are so much better than their old tires. It's the age of the tires, not the brand switch that is the main factor. This is why anecdotal comparisons are not good for choosing tires. So the original poster needs to take a look at Tire Rack's comparisons.

[kqw]

Bilstein shocks and S03 tires...

I personally would not consider Pirelli's

Good luck

[vwvanaudi]

Temperature and wet performance will not be a major considerations as I plan to use this car late Spring, Summer, and early Fall with lowest anticipated temperatures around 45 - 50 degrees. Thanks for all your input. How about shocks? I'm looking for good ride quality with decent handling. Thanks again.

[rdane]

Originally posted by kqw
Bilstein shocks and S03 tires...

I'll second that and reinforce the comments on the SO3 for our area. Although this winter is exceptional you will give up nothing in the dry with the SO3. If it ever rains again the tire will shine.

Your cab running 15 or 16" wheels? 6 and 7s?

[vesnyder]

I have an '83 Cab as well with about the same miles and have spent the last couple years doing a number of suspension and tire upgrades. Am currently running Koyo's, but do not have enough miles to form an opinion. I have also upgraded the shocks to Bilsteins and put on Turbo Tie Rods along with several other replacements of worn out rubber. The biggest bang for the dollar is new shocks.

Let me know if you have any other questions - good chance I've done it or considered it!

[randywebb]

"our area."

Dane - better state the area -- many people will think East side refers to NY or MD or something -- or maybe China...

For the record, I and some others are talking about the Pacific Northwest -- snow is rare outside the mountains, but we normally get 6 months of wet pavement to drive on, cycling with 6 months of dry pavement.

[rdane]

Thanks Randy..in our area it started raining this morning and the power went out for 7 hrs. Back up again obviously.

East side of Puget Sound here, where the SO3 rules on street driven performance cars.

[randywebb]

I see the original poster (remember him?) lives in Brothel.

So while I can't claim the S03 is the absolute best, it is definitely a primary consideration...

[rdane]

I figured he get the "east side" with the rain or lack of comments.

Best? No clue what the best is...but I do know I want a tire I can drive hard on wet roads around here. On the race through the forest the SO3s show their worth everytime.

[no substitute]

East side of Lake Washington, so he's kind of North East...
I use the Bridgestone 750, which I believe has a similar technology to the SO3, but I'm not certain. They've been great, and my only concern with wet, which I like to drive in, is aquaplaning in standing water after a hard rain. This year, of course, we've "hardly" had any rain. I may go with the SO3 one of these times, just to see if the tire does introduce a soft compound in it's second half.

[vwvanaudi]

By the way.....it is Bothell, although in the early days there may have been a Brothel.....well anyway.
Front: Wheels : 16 X 6, tires 205 55 16, rear 16 X 7, tires 225 50 16
Again, all input is appreciated. This will not be a gargage "queen" but will see only the rare wet day and virtually no temps below 40. I have only had the top up one day, 3/16. I will have to check what shocks are currently installed. I hope I am not messing up by only monitoring every coupe days as I don't have a computer at home and therefore am just taking a hit and miss approach to checking the post and responding while at work. Thanks to everyone for their patience with the "junior" member.

[rdane]

Ya gotta come by the XXX in Issaquah for the monthly breakfast and drive. 2nd Sat.

[vwvanaudi]

That sounds cool. I've been there for a couple VW cruise ins. I'll have to check it out. Just show up? About how long is the drive after b'fast?

[rdane]

Just show up. We are a freindly group. Drives vary and we don't always do them depending on weather.