987 Tire choice for DE/AX

[Z-man]

I purchased my 987.2 Cayman with an extra set of wheels (OZ Racing Alleggerita HLT Wheels). They were shod with Hoosier R7's in the following sizes:
245/35-18 Front
295/30-18's Rear

Anyone here run with that setup? If you do, any issues with the ABS/PSM systems? The overall diameter is a little shorter than stock, so I'm not sure if it is enough to trigger an alert on those systems. I did upgraded to an LSD as well - not sure if that will make a difference...

Want to make sure before I get new rubber that I can't use!

Thanks!
-Z

[Eagledriver]

Smaller tire sizes won’t trigger problems as long as the front and rear are similar diameter. The car doesn’t know what size tires it has. I would use R compound tires cheaper and more durable than Hoosiers. Toyo, Nitto, Yokohama, Hankook, etc.

-Andy

[Z-man]

Originally Posted by Eagledriver

Smaller tire sizes won’t trigger problems as long as the front and rear are similar diameter. The car doesn’t know what size tires it has. I would use R compound tires cheaper and more durable than Hoosiers. Toyo, Nitto, Yokohama, Hankook, etc.

-Andy

Thanks for the reply. I will make sure the front to back are similar in ratios -- that makes sense.

I will likely start with Yoko Advan A52's, or Michelin Pilot Sport Cups, and then when it gets warmer, I may switch to the Hoosiers. I used to run the Hoosiers in my 944 that had a similar suspension setup. I have found that too much suspension and not enough tire, or visa versa means the handling is not optimal. It is all about balance.

[Driven97]

A052 likes a lot of camber and wears real fast even if you've got it. Plus it's the most expensive of the good 200tw options. Maybe look into the Falken RT660 or Goodyear SC3 as well if you plan on the 200tw route, both excellent tires.

[Gianni at Pelican Parts]

Bridgestone Re71R, Falken RT660, Nexen Sur4G, Dunlop Direzza Z3, Yoko A052, Nankang CR1 are all great 200tw options.

Nitto NT01 or Nankang AR1 if you want to go with a softer 100tw compound.

[Z-man]

Thanks for the responses. This is turning out to be an interesting rabbit hole I've traversed! I'm hoping to find something that will fit on an 11 inch wheel (rear tires), and at the same time be close to the same diameter at the stock wheel / tire diameter. While I've used the Hoosiers in the past, I'd rather work my way up to them: new car, old dog who hasn't played on the track for a few years... better to work my way up to the sticky stuff.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by Z-man

I purchased my 987.2 Cayman with an extra set of wheels (OZ Racing Alleggerita HLT Wheels). They were shod with Hoosier R7's in the following sizes:
245/35-18 Front
295/30-18's Rear

Anyone here run with that setup? If you do, any issues with the ABS/PSM systems? The overall diameter is a little shorter than stock, so I'm not sure if it is enough to trigger an alert on those systems. I did upgraded to an LSD as well - not sure if that will make a difference...

Want to make sure before I get new rubber that I can't use!

Thanks!
-Z

The closer the loaded rolling diameter of the f/r tires is the happier ABS will, be, from memory factory spec is 10% but it could be 5%(my memory isn't so good anymore)

for 295/30 & 245/35 the Δ is ~3.7%

I agree HoHos are an expensive addiction for most of us
the above mentioned alternatives are all much easier on the wallet

for an 11 295/30 is arguably the perfect size tire
for 245/35 8 to 9.5, 9.5 is beast w/ slight performance loss as the wheel gets narrower

[Z-man]

Originally Posted by Bill Verburg

The closer the loaded rolling diameter of the f/r tires is the happier ABS will, be, from memory factory spec is 10% but it could be 5%(my memory isn't so good anymore)

for 295/30 & 245/35 the Δ is ~3.7%

I agree HoHos are an expensive addiction for most of us
the above mentioned alternatives are all much easier on the wallet

for an 11 295/30 is arguably the perfect size tire
for 245/35 8 to 9.5, 9.5 is beast w/ slight performance loss as the wheel gets narrower

Thanks for the additional feedback.

I did some more calculations, and found that the following tire sizes would be a closer fit to stock tire width:
245/40-18 Front (8mm taller)
295/35-18 Rear (-5.5mm shorter)

I believe that falls within 3% factory spec for both the fronts and rears. The only tires that would fit my track wheels and still be close to the factory sizes are the Hoosier R7's or the Yokohama Advan A052. No other tire come even close to factory tire diameter that would fit on the track wheels I purchased with the car. While more expensive than other 200TW tires, I think the Yoko's are a better option for me, as I dip my toe back into the track driving stuff. Plenty of grip and a bit easier on the wallet.

I believe the previous owner also had an older GT3. I wonder if my OZ Racing wheels were first used for the GT3, and then made to work with the Cayman S.

[Z-man]

Found a pretty exhaustive breakdown of tire and wheel choices for the 987's.

For now, I am going with the Yoko A052's: 245/40-18 F, 275/40-18 R. The difference in tire diameter front to rear are identical with this combination so my PSM and traction control system won't complain and go into the dreaded "ice mode" erroneously.

There are lots of choices out there:

https://support.apexraceparts.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003019114-987-Cayman-Boxster-Wheel-Tire-Fitment-Guide

[Cajundaddy]

245/275 in NT-01 is a favorite DE tire for our cars. They have predictable grip and hold up well in continuous lapping. Not the fastest tire out there but they play nice with our finicky PSM system. I have run through a dozen sets on my 2009.

[Z-man]

Originally Posted by Cajundaddy

245/275 in NT-01 is a favorite DE tire for our cars. They have predictable grip and hold up well in continuous lapping. Not the fastest tire out there but they play nice with our finicky PSM system. I have run through a dozen sets on my 2009.

That will be my next set, once I figure out the dynamics of my new ride, and how the suspension handles the twisties...