After 19,400 miles on my 20" Goodyears, the rears were worn out. The handling was ok but the noise on Freeways on any surface not freshly paved was just unbearable. I could have just bought some new rears, but no way. Anyway, I just bought a set of Michelin PS4s and what an improvement. Less noise ( substantially on worn surfaces), great ride, and no sacrifice in handling. Folks, it's a no brainer for those of us with 20" wheels.
New Michelins
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720 Posts
Thanks for the suggestion. My 18" Goodyear F1s are super noisy. When they wear out I'll try the Michelins. We have Michelins on everything else here (even our race tow van).
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2,537 Posts
Good luck mate. As much as I'd like to do the same, Michelin doesn't seem to make ANY models that suit the 18" wheels.
I'd sure like to be wrong about this in another 6 months when my Pirelli tyres will be needing replacement.
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720 Posts
Ahhh...I just did a bit of searching and I see you are correct.
Oh well.....I've only got 4500 miles on these Goodyears so far. They likely won't need to be renewed until Summer 2019. Maybe by then there will be more choices.
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1,891 Posts
I've said this in other threads: I really, really wouldn't sweat the non-N-Spec issue with replacement tires, gentlemen. The differences are minute, as best as can be gleaned.
I replaced my stock 19" Yoko Advans (toast at 8,300 miles) with Conti ECSs, which I scored for several hundred less than Michelin PS4Ss. Tracking and turn-in are slightly less sharp than the Yokos, but the tires are incredibly predictable -- and there's no comparison in the wet, where the Conti's really shine.
Conti reportedly redesigned the ECS to match the old Michelin PSSs, as well as to correct the old ECS's biggest weakness: sidewall stiffness.
They match, and they're definitely more stiff. Good tire for the money.
I replaced my stock 19" Yoko Advans (toast at 8,300 miles) with Conti ECSs, which I scored for several hundred less than Michelin PS4Ss. Tracking and turn-in are slightly less sharp than the Yokos, but the tires are incredibly predictable -- and there's no comparison in the wet, where the Conti's really shine.
Conti reportedly redesigned the ECS to match the old Michelin PSSs, as well as to correct the old ECS's biggest weakness: sidewall stiffness.
They match, and they're definitely more stiff. Good tire for the money.
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147 Posts
I'd love to read more feedback of those buying the PS4s. Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the Michelins supposed to have much more grip? If so, I can barely get my car to "move around" in corners with the stock P Zeros. I have yet to get my Cayman to understeer on the street and do like to have a little rotation when driving at a spirited pace on back roads. I'm afraid with the PS4s, it would take a bit of the fun/excitement out of the driving dynamic. Thoughts?
Grip
I was fine with the grip from my Goodyears. I just couldn't stand the noise. But I rarely drive near the car's limit. As far as little or no understeer, the electronic handling assist is doing it's job. Turn it off and you'll find out.
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29 Posts
I have the PS4s on 20 inch wheels and they are sticky as all get out. I do not have PTV and the car does seem to want to understeer when entering a corner a little hot. While it does take a little bit of fun out of the drive, I feel a lot safer than having an oversteer surprise. Even with traction a control turned off, I cannot get the car to oversteer.
Understeer
The 718 will handle according to your inputs. If it's understeering you have entered a turn with a lot of speed, but the weight is light on the front wheels. Try braking a little latter into the turn ( trail braking ). the front will bite and the tail may feel a little loose, but feathering the gas and softly adding more gas will surprise you. You can do the same with any car. The beauty of the Cayman is that it handles according your imput.The slippery slope between understeer and oversteer is much easier to handle in a Cayman than a 911 at the limit. Of course these new cars have the electronic controls that help you, but with them, you will not experience the true handling character of a 718 or a 911.
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283 Posts
On my 4 Caymans to date, I have had Michelins, Goddyears, and Pirellis. In spirited driving I have yet to hit the limits of any of these tires. There are some subtle handling differences but it is more in the tire noise and durability that they make the most difference for me. I have surprisingly found that I may prefer the Pirellis (though a bit higher wear rate). Michelins are a close second, Goodyears least favorite.
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