Dave_D

Hi all,

I'm looking at a new set of Pirelli PZeros for my '99 cabriolet and wondered if something else might offer similar performance but also be quieter -- more appropriate for a cab.

I'm finding that, with the top down, highway driving is noisy, to the point of discomfort, and that most of that noise is coming from my own tires on pavement -- not wind rush from mine or other vehicles. Heaven forbid, I should be driving next to a concrete barrier (highly reflective) with the windows down. It's downright painful.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

Dave

Mitch

Dave,

I'm going through the same process as you right now, and I've concluded that the best tire on the market for performance, comfort and low road noise is Michelin's new Pilot Sport 2's or PS2's. If you come to a different conclusion, let me know what it is if you don't mind. BTW, I'm currently running Bridg. SO2's, which are great, but I would like a little quieter ride as well.

Regards

jetskied

Look at all the high line luxury performance cars. AMG uses the Dunlop sp9000 on the S55. That may be a good start to check out.

mal28

I have these on a c4s, so far I am very pleased.
they are quiet, good in the rain and have great road feel


http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....ilot+Sport+Rib

Eric - Plug Guy

My '99 Cab came with P-Zero's and I stayed with them for three sets, then last winter/fall I needed tires, and P-Zeros were out of stock all over the US.

I switched to Michelin Pilot Sports, and even though there was a bald vs new experience, the noise level on the Michelins was nearly zero compared to the sets of Pirelli's I had.

I would highly recommend the Michelins. And I know people in the tire business. Dunlop (not all models) is known as an LCR in the tire biz - a Low Cost Radial - mean more markup, usually lesser quality.

Riad

My C4S Cab came with Michelin's and I'm not crazy about them. I've used P-Zeros on my C4 for 3+ years and they felt awesome. The Michelins feel loose to me, and they scare me in the rain - never had that feeling with the P-Zeros, anyone else get this feeling?

Also, I think the Michelins might be better when the weather gets hotter as the compound maybe harder than the P-Zeros.

Rob

mal28

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/max_max_perf.jsp

paulk2

performing the same research (tirerack.com, Aut und Moto Sport (GY)..):
Almost every article agrees that Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 is very quiet and
very good ride.
MPS2 has a bit better handling, numbers on tirerack.com show not too big
difference.

All this is just numbers (if you trust them), need first hand experience.

My 2000 C2 Cab has Toyo T/S-1, need quieter and better riding/handling tire.

DonW-Cape Cod

While we're at it could you-all recommend longevity as well? TIA

Gery NJ

I switched from Conti's to SO3's and it seems a lot quiter. But with the cab I can not tell if they are very quite.

carrerajack

On my 02 Cab, I originally had Pilot Sports on. IMHO, these are noisy tires (had them on my M3 as well). Current set is SO3s. Much, much quieter. Can't really tell any performance difference below 8/10 (haven't had the chance to go higher yet...).

TT Gasman

My worn out Pilots are pretty noisy, looking forward to some new rubber soon. The Michelins have been excellent tires. I really like the PS2, best street tire out there IMO, but if I want a 285 rear I'll have to get the PS Ribs. Still trying to decide....

ADias

Pirelli P-Zero Rosso N4 seem fine.

Peter B

I found that the Dunlop SP9000s mentioned by JETSKIED were very vulnerable to side wall damage, also they don't appear to be as good at protecting the rims as the Pirrellis, which have a very pronounced ridge around the bead which probably stops most of the kerbing damage.....they were also very soft and were looking quite ragged out after only about 5K!

Dave_D

Yikes. Lots of conflicting reports here (but appreciated, all).

I wonder if some of the reports of things getting quieter after switching tire brands could, in fact, be attributed simply to new tires. I've read elsewhere that many tires become noticeably noisier at 5-7k miles. One might not notice this until the old are tossed for a new set -- ANY new set.

Granted, this wouldn't seem likely for some, like Eric, who went through three sets of Pirellis before switching brands. It's just a thought.

Dave