996Outpost.com

The rear tires on my car are getting low. I currently have Sumitomo HTR ZIIIs that were installed about 5 years ago. They lasted about 14,000 miles, and through 4 autocross events, so I'm pleased with how long they lasted and the performance/noise. Good tires. I'd just replace them with another set, but . . . they no longer make them. Sumitomo's replacement is the HTR Z5. One would assume it is a better tire. There's just not much data out there on them, other than to say they are pretty close to the ZIII, maybe a smidge better.

Looking at Tirerack.com, I see that the General GMax is available at $584 for the set (OEM sizes of 225/40-18 and 295/30-18) while the HTR Z5 is $594 for the set. The Generals did really well in a comparison test by Tirerack.com, albeit in a different size and on a BMW F36. So, I'm leaning towards getting the Generals. I will probably wait until spring to buy them, so I've got time to get some feedback from you guys. So, what say you? Any other contenders out there on the, ahem, cheaper end of the tire spectrum? (Yes, I know the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 is a great tire, but at $1,266 for the set, I'll pass - my driving skills and needs don't exceed the capabilities of the lower end Ultra High Performance Summer tires)

Yes the Sumitomo HTR ZIIIs are good tires. I have them on my 996TT also and they are going bald quickly. I would be open to new suggestions also.

The General GMax have a $70 rebate until the end of April. I really, really want to buy them mounted on a new set of Flow One Race Spec F2 wheels in silver, 8.5” and 11” widths. My rational is that the attire Rack will mount and road force balance them for free, saving me $100+ of having them mounted on my old wheels. I would then use my old wheels for winter tires next fall, which are 8” and 10” widths (better for the narrower winter tires).

My problem is justifying spending $1,800 for the tire and wheel set versus $700 for just the tires and mounting/balancing. Now is probably not the best time given the economy is about to implode.

Look into Nankang NS2.

Kalashnikov wrote: ↑Thu Apr 02, 2020 7:54 pm Look into Nankang NS2.

Good idea, but unfortunately they don’t make them in the 996TT’s size.

Ended up ordering a set of General GMax RS tires and Flow One Race Spec F2 wheels. Here are some random shots as I mounted them on the car today:

Interested in your thoughts on them after you run them for a bit.

ipman wrote: ↑Sat May 09, 2020 8:23 am Interested in your thoughts on them after you run them for a bit.

So far, so good. I’ve only put about 100 miles on them, but I am impressed. They are quiet and stable. Seem to have good grip in light rain. Absorb bumps well. I haven’t really pushed them, though.

How many miles did you get with your old set? What brand? You replaced all 4? I am running Michelins but next go around will probably switch to a less $$$ tire. You will probably have many miles on before that happens ;0

I replaced a set.of Sumitomo HTR-ZIII tires with just under 15,000 miles. Rears were shot, but fronts still had a lot of tread left. Yes, replaced all 4. The Sumis were good tires. I used them for mainly street, but did 3 autocross and a set of 8 pretty fast parade laps.

The Generals are slightly cheaper.than the new Sumitomo model - HTR-Z5. A full set of 4 is $584 with free shipping from tirerack.com.