Mixing tires: PS4S front, SC2 rear?

[Dave2013M3]

I guess so. Maybe it was not me in the car or I forgot what I was using. Just my $0.02

You know I was teasing...

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[Mr. Maboomba]

The Cup 2 FP tires are 200. The Cup 2 (R version) is 100. The 3Rs are similar to the Cup 2 R version, soft sticky and fast but, they are more of a track tire (hence the "R")

The 3 is not currently available via Goodyear’s website and the 3R sounds too soft for my mixed use.

 

[Creedog]

You know I was teasing...

Now a days one never knows. I just went out with what I had and it was a blast, especially at Charlotte.

 

[Hack]

The Cup 2 FP tires are 200. The Cup 2 (R version) is 100. The 3Rs are similar to the Cup 2 R version, soft sticky and fast but, they are more of a track tire (hence the "R")

So you made me look it up and I didn't remember correctly. However, I think you might also have it wrong.

According to Tire Rack, the Cup 2s for the GT350R are 180 tread wear rating. Unless Tire Rack doesn't offer the correct Cup 2s for the GT350R. I've looked it up in the past and it's always been this way.

Super Car 3s are 220 tread wear rating.

Super Car 3Rs are 100.

I remembered that the Camaro has shorter life tires than the comparable Mustangs, which IMO is probably why the Camaros do slightly better on track when power is a close match. I don't think the vaunted Alpha chassis has much to do with it.

Anyway - I still think PSS or 4S at about 300 treadwear are a better choice for anyone with a semblance of budget in mind - unless the car is rarely driven.

 

[svttim]

So you made me look it up and I didn't remember correctly. However, I think you might also have it wrong.

According to Tire Rack, the Cup 2s for the GT350R are 180 tread wear rating. Unless Tire Rack doesn't offer the correct Cup 2s for the GT350R. I've looked it up in the past and it's always been this way.

Super Car 3s are 220 tread wear rating.

Super Car 3Rs are 100.

I remembered that the Camaro has shorter life tires than the comparable Mustangs, which IMO is probably why the Camaros do slightly better on track when power is a close match. I don't think the vaunted Alpha chassis has much to do with it.

Anyway - I still think PSS or 4S at about 300 treadwear are a better choice for anyone with a semblance of budget in mind - unless the car is rarely driven.

You made me walk down stairs and look at the tire. You are correct. The Cup2R is 180. Amazing what winter will make you forget. And I agree, the Cup 2s are much better reserved for track use. I have 2 sets of wheels and RE71s that work great (discontinued now)

 

[Mr. Maboomba]

I ended up buying a set of Sport Cup 2s. If they are as bad in the wet as the Nittos, I’ll put the PS4S back on the front and get some Pilot Super Sports for the rear and put the SC2s on track tires.

 

[shogun32]

You can't get cup2 hot enough on public roads to really work. So you're just shedding rubber to no purpose.

 

[br_an]

I'm curious if you considered putting PS4S in 295/35 on the rear. It's not a huge difference from the 305/35s. I went 295/35 square 4S when I couldn't find PSS anywhere this summer. I've seen that Michelin is putting out the PS5 this year, maybe they'll have our sizes

 

[tosha]

I’ve been caught in the rain on my SC2’s a couple times and they aren’t nearly as bad as I expected. On one occasion I was purposely driving like a 16-yr-old who just got his license and watched Fast & Furious for the first time just to see when/how the tires would give up grip. I’m my opinion they felt very controlled.

I just got a set of Falken 660’s mounted today for my Apex track wheels so I’m curious to see how they compare.

Please share your experience and impressions. I'm choosing between these two as well and getting perspective from somebody who tried both would be very helpful. Are you planning to use them on the street or is this a pure track day set?

 

[Mr. Maboomba]

I'm curious if you considered putting PS4S in 295/35 on the rear. It's not a huge difference from the 305/35s. I went 295/35 square 4S when I couldn't find PSS anywhere this summer. I've seen that Michelin is putting out the PS5 this year, maybe they'll have our sizes

Interesting idea, but no, I didn’t consider giving up any tread width in the rear. That seems like it would compromise performance for convenience.

I did consider putting PS4S in 305/30 all around, but since the car is primarily for HPDEs and spirited weekend drives then going back to the OEM SC2 did not seem like a bad idea.

 

[br_an]

Interesting idea, but no, I didn’t consider giving up any tread width in the rear. That seems like it would compromise performance for convenience.

I did consider putting PS4S in 305/30 all around, but since the car is primarily for HPDEs and spirited weekend drives then going back to the OEM SC2 did not seem like a bad idea.

Sure it's a compromise, but I believe we're talking less than 1/2" width. How much performance are you losing in width vs the effect of running different tires with different specs/compounds front and rear - I don't know

I don't race, and I haven't noticed a bit of difference going from 305 to 295.

 

[shogun32]

and I haven't noticed a bit of difference going from 305 to 295.

the width number is HIGHLY misleading. the 305/30 PS4S has 11.1 or 11.5" tread. The 295/35 has 9.8". 295/30 is 11". You HAVE TO consult tirerack's specifications tables so you have actual measured data.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=Pilot+Sport+4S&tab=Sizes

But you are correct, nobody can discern the difference during street use.

 

[Idaho2018GTPremium]

Sigh, I hear y’all. I suppose it’s time for four new tires.

Michelin PS4S all around for $1600 or Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R for $1400? (I can get $150 off a set of PS4S at Costco or 25% off the S3R because I’m a USAA member.)

PS4S and Supercar 3Rs are a different class of tire. The 3R are more comparable to Cup 2R tires. They (the SC3R) are OEM on the ZL1 1LE and are extremely tacky when heated with a short tread life rating, and terrible when cold with an extremely stiff sidewall. Great track tires, but not the best street tire, and I've heard ZL1 1LE owners complain about them in the wet on Camaro6.

A more comparable tire to the PS4S is the Goodyear Eagle Supercar 3, although they have better dry lateral grip than the PS4S. They come on the SS 1LE and ZL1, and are good for some serious grip while canyon carving. I'm not sure if they come in 305/35/19, you'd have to check the Goodyear website.

Another option - why not go 295/35/19 on the rear? Won't be much narrower than 305/35, and you can get the PS4S to match your fronts. Otherwise, you'd be spending a lot of extra money for 1/2" extra width in the rear replacing all the tires when you didn't need to.

 

[Mr. Maboomba]

PS4S and Supercar 3Rs are a different class of tire. The 3R are more comparable to Cup 2R tires. A more comparable tire to the PS4S is the Goodyear Eagle Supercar 3, although they have better dry lateral grip than the PS4S.

Good clarification. If you can believe it, there are only 2 Eagle F1 Supercar 3s available in the Western US (and 31 3Rs) in 305/30-19. Otherwise I would put those on.

Another option - why not go 295/35/19 on the rear? Won't be much narrower than 305/35, and you can get the PS4S to match your fronts. Otherwise, you'd be spending a lot of extra money for 1/2" extra width in the rear replacing all the tires when you didn't need to.

As @shogun32 correctly called out, the 295/35 PS4S actually has 1.7” narrower tread (15% less) than the 305/30. That’s an awfully big difference, much larger than the size would imply.

 

[Idaho2018GTPremium]

Good clarification. If you can believe it, there are only 2 Eagle F1 Supercar 3s available in the Western US (and 31 3Rs) in 305/30-19. Otherwise I would put those on.


As @shogun32 correctly called out, the 295/35 PS4S actually has 1.7” narrower tread (15% less) than the 305/30. That’s an awfully big difference, much larger than the size would imply.

I don't really believe that data - it's either a typo or specific to the Mercedes design tire as indicated in the table he referenced. Do you think the tread width on your front tires are only 9.8"? I'd try to find another source or confirm with Michelin.

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