How do Michelin tires perform on a Classic Porsche

Road test of Michelin Pilot Sport Tires on a 1986 Porsche Carrera 3.2

Will Brooks of Bavarian Enthusiast TV gives his impressions of a new set of Michelin Pilot Sport AC3 tires while driving his Porsche 911Carrera.

Will has had his Porsche about two months and experienced a rough ride with it that he attributed to the age of the vehicle, a lowered Bilstein Sport suspension with 17” wheels instead of the Porsche factory 15 or 16” wheels. It was noted in the PPI that new tires were needed so Will took the plunge with a new set of Michelins.

Will admits that his choice of Michelins was not a heavily researched purchase. Will made the purchases of his tires at the local Firestone dealer and paid $848.05 for two 245 X 45 X 17 and two 215 X 45 X17 tires.

As was noted in a recent Facebook post on tires for Porsches, probably 90% of Porsches are on Michelins. This is a bit of an exaggeration but the observation is correct, Porsche owners tend to prefer Michelins, probably due to the fact that the factory provides new Porsches with Michelins.

I have a similar 1986 Porsche Carrera 3.2 that came from the factory with Sport Shock Absorbers, 16” wheels and Pirelli tires. I also need new tires but so far I have been unable to source a Pirelli tire in the size that I need for my 911.

Will had an immediate impression that the ride was much smoother and quieter than he experienced with the car at purchase. At slow speeds the car was much easier to turn which really surprised him. Since these models lack power steering this is an important benefit to new tires that he was experiencing. At higher speeds the car felt more sure-footed which is a welcomed benefit to the new tire investment.

To view the entire video of Will’s impression on his new Michelins on his “new” 1986 Porsche Carrera go to Bavarian Enthusiast TV on YouTube.