205/55 16 Tire Recommendations ?

[Doug E]

Curious which brand / model those of you running 205/55 16's recommend.

Asking because I've had a set of Pirelli P7000S ZR's on my '81 SC for the past 15+ years. I only put about 1k miles per year on them and they've held up well ... until this past weekend when I noticed one was flat after sitting about 2 weeks since my last drive.

I pulled it and didn't see anything obvious so I took it into a local tire shop and they said per code since it was 10+ years old they couldn't repair it, even though it was still in good shape with more than sufficient tread.

Of course it turns out the P7000S is no longer made so I'll have to replace it with something else. Just to be safe, I plan on replacing the other 3 as well so I'll have a new set of 4.

Looks like there are lots of options out there so curious to hear what others are running nowadays in that size.

Thanks, appreciate the input!

[smadsen]

I've had good luck with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S3 mounted on factory Fuch's 6's & 7's on my '82. Tires were new in 2015, have about 30,000 miles. 205/55 ZR16 front, 225/50 ZR16 rear. About due to replace now and would get the same (or comparable) if they're still available.

[TxGerman]

I eventually decided to run Continental Extreme Contact Sports on my SC. I don't have a lot of miles on them yet (car was on jacks last 6 mos.) but as I have been driving it quite a bit more recently (now with the refreshed suspension and new brakes), I don't have any complaints about them. I have not been pushing the car and thus the tires yet to find their limits, but in terms of general performance, ride comfort, sound, etc., they seem to be just fine. I wish Michelin PS4's were available in this size, but unless or until I upgrade to 17's, I will have to go without on my SC.

Dennis

[Ctopher]

I put a set of Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 last year to replace my 3yr old Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R on 6/7’s using standard 205/55 and 225/50 16s. I’ve not been able to put a lot of miles yet but for the 500ish miles they are much quieter than the stickier RE71Rs as expected and sidewall is softer and thus a bit more vague compared to the rock hard super responsive harder side wall of the Bridgestone. But don’t take that as a non-performance tire, they feel like a nice compromise giving up a bit of performance for cost and gaining good highway quiet and comfort. I have not driven them in the rain so can’t offer feedback. I’m happy with the tire for just barely a bit of $400 if you wait for their often rebates.

CTopher

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by TxGerman

I eventually decided to run Continental Extreme Contact Sports on my SC. I don't have a lot of miles on them yet (car was on jacks last 6 mos.) but as I have been driving it quite a bit more recently (now with the refreshed suspension and new brakes), I don't have any complaints about them. I have not been pushing the car and thus the tires yet to find their limits, but in terms of general performance, ride comfort, sound, etc., they seem to be just fine. I wish Michelin PS4's were available in this size, but unless or until I upgrade to 17's, I will have to go without on my SC.

Dennis

I have the Conti ExtremeContact Sports on my 1973. I like them.

Predictable, quiet, well behaved. Good grip in the dry and wet.

I use them as my everyday tire, Autocross Rain Tire (I use Hoosiers in the dry), and have done about 9 HPDE's on them with no problems.

[Synchro Joe]

I've had good luck with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S3 mounted on factory Fuch's 6's & 7's

These are a good choice and Michelin usually has a promotion going on. They're quiet, have good grip and I change mine out every 5 years regardless of mileage so can't comment on a mileage total.

[bob_cote]

I faced the same situation last year with my 82 SC. Really pained me because the tire were in great shape - just old. My mechanic refused to drive it. I went the Michelin route and am very satisfied.

[jac1976]

Originally Posted by Ctopher

I put a set of Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 last year to replace my 3yr old Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R on 6/7’s using standard 205/55 and 225/50 16s. I’ve not been able to put a lot of miles yet but for the 500ish miles they are much quieter than the stickier RE71Rs as expected and sidewall is softer and thus a bit more vague compared to the rock hard super responsive harder side wall of the Bridgestone. But don’t take that as a non-performance tire, they feel like a nice compromise giving up a bit of performance for cost and gaining good highway quiet and comfort. I have not driven them in the rain so can’t offer feedback. I’m happy with the tire for just barely a bit of $400 if you wait for their often rebates.

CTopher

I have read that these Firestone are essentially rebranded Bridgestone Potenza RE003, which were well-regarded tires.

[Roswell]

Originally Posted by smadsen

I've had good luck with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S3 mounted on factory Fuch's 6's & 7's on my '82. Tires were new in 2015, have about 30,000 miles. 205/55 ZR16 front, 225/50 ZR16 rear. About due to replace now and would get the same (or comparable) if they're still available.

Another recommendation for the Michelin. Very solid.

[darrin]

Doug E == imo, the key question/issue for you is whether you plan to drive your SC in cold weather. I'm a big fan of the Michelin A/S 3 tires because they provide great drivability year round, whereas summer only tires can harden in colder weather and be less enjoyable to drive.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by darrin

Doug E == imo, the key question/issue for you is whether you plan to drive your SC in cold weather. I'm a big fan of the Michelin A/S 3 tires because they provide great drivability year round, whereas summer only tires can harden in colder weather and be less enjoyable to drive.

I do not drive the 911 in ice or snow but will in the winter (mid-30's +). Never noticed an issue. If this is a concern, the ExtremeContact DWS06 is a great All season alternative. I have these on my Mercedes C300 and like the Sports, do everything well albeit with a bit less performance.

[Locker537]

A 15 year old tire may hold air and survive driving around town, but it will not perform like it would when new.

Conventional guidance is replace them when they are somewhere between 5-8 years old.

If you want a very good performance street tire:
1. Dunlop Direzza ZIII
2. Bridgestone Potenza RE-71R

Both available in 205/55/16 and 225/50/16. Tire rack has other options, included cheaper with higher thread wear if you want something that will last longer. Based on the miles you drive, I'd say thread wear is less important.

[HarryD]

In the end. This is a hard question to answer without knowing the OP’s driving objectives.

What is important to him? Handling, NVH, cushy ride, tire life.

[Doug E]

Thanks all, appreciate the responses.

The days of tracking the car at PCA DE events are long gone (I used my RA-1's on different rims for that anyways) so don't necessarily need a performance tire. Car is tucked away in the garage for winter and you are correct Locker537, treadwear is not a priority.

I'll do some research on the pricing of each suggested model then make a decision.

Thanks again!

[JonT]

happy with my Continental Extreme Contact Sports for all street driving no snow.

[darrin]

Bill V has recently been recommending Yokohama A052 tires as a good high performance option -- treadwear rating's only 200, but sounds like that won't be an issue for the OP

[dlr10543]

Big +1 on the Conti Extreme Contact Summer Tire

[megerian]

Just had the Firehawk Indy 500 installed. So far so good. I like the ride, and the price is right.

[Doug E]

I decided to go with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 All Season's. Ordered on Sunday, delivered yesterday and installed today. Took it out for a brief ride tonight and felt good. Plan on putting a bunch of miles on them this summer.

[darrin]

Doug -- enjoy, they'll get a lot better after 400 miles or so (once the mold release compound wears off)