Fit non N-rated tires on Boxster

[scapie4]

Hello want to replace my tires on a 2002 Boxster S. I have spotted the Pirelli P Zero but for my rims 225/40/18 and 265/35/18 Pirelli has not gotten from Porsche the N-rating. They have however the Pirelli Zero Rosso. Would it matter or have any driving effects if I install a non-N rated tires?

[CaptnCrash]

Hello want to replace my tires on a 2002 Boxster S. I have spotted the Pirelli P Zero but for my rims 225/40/18 and 265/35/18 Pirelli has not gotten from Porsche the N-rating. They have however the Pirelli Zero Rosso. Would it matter or have any driving effects if I install a non-N rated tires?

I suspect you'll hear some pretty religious support on both sides of that question. From my own personal experience, and especially for street use, you won't be able to tell the difference between an N spec and one that's not.

--CC

[Dale_K]

I bought some tires about a month ago and recall that Tire Rack had a closeout on some N rated tires. I am new to Porsches and was unaware of the special tires so I bought something else and enjoy a smooth quiet ride on the new Kuhmos. I lost a little steering response however.

[savowood]

I'm using Toyo R1R tires for street driving which aren't N rated, but are fantastic tires. I've even used them on the track when my Hoosiers were spent or it was too wet for them. I wouldn't worry about the N rating too much.

[infocusf8]

Same here, went with Sumitomo HTR ZIII's and use them for street, track and AX. I think they are a much better tire for all three than the OEM Pirellis and a lot less money.

[clickman]

IIRC, N-rating simply means that Porsche has tested the car with the tires on it, presumably in difficult driving conditions. My pessimistic little brain tells me that there's probably also $ involved.

[RFM]

As "clickman" stated N-rated tires are tested and approved by Porsche, but they do have stronger side wall"s than the equal series product of the same manufacturer. This is mainly done for European Porsche's, they have a stiffer and lower suspension as a standard, equipped with non N- rated tires it's possible that the car is sensitive to lateral movements under heavy acceleration, especially C4 and Turbo. Maybe it does not matter to Porsche's meant for the American market, since they are higher and have a weaker suspension.

[scapie4]

Thanks a lot to all of you. I guess I will follow the last suggestion and go for N-rated to be on the safe side.

[clickman]

I probably won't replace mine with Ns when my Contis wear out.

[SA321]

lucky you can choose I tried to put non-"N" tires and every mechanic I went to refused to mount them. had to re-order but the difference in price was Euro 5/tire. I doubt there is much difference based on that price.