[DaveC113]

Originally Posted by Ryephile

On the street they're about 0.1g less, I'd expect a greater delta on the track. So, call it 10% less warm dry in exchange for being able to get to your destination when it rains. A no-brainer IMO.

I just got my car... are the S3s really that bad in the rain? It looks like there are some channels for water but also big outer tread blocks without much channeling.

[Gunkk]

Originally Posted by DaveC113

I just got my car... are the S3s really that bad in the rain?

Yes. They will try to kill you.

2 weeks into ownership, cruising at 40mph no throttle input on cruise control, my car got loose in a light rain on a lightly crowned road, no standing water. OEM ZL1 GYSC3 tires.

[S2K+1LE]

According to the owners here, even the Goodyears on the standard SS models mean certain death on slightly damp roads.

Just slow down and drive safely for the conditions.

[RobbyBeefcake87]

Originally Posted by DaveC113

I just got my car... are the S3s really that bad in the rain? It looks like there are some channels for water but also big outer tread blocks without much channeling.

In deep puddles or somewhat flooded streets some hydro planning tenancies are noticable. I live in FL and daily my 1le and have no trouble getting around in the rain. I never use snow/wet mode just common sense and caution.

[S2K+1LE]

Also can we get some detailed pictures of the tires mounted? I've heard they "look" more narrow than the Goodyears and that might impact my decision.

[zx9rmal]

Originally Posted by S2K+1LE

Also can we get some detailed pictures of the tires mounted? I've heard they "look" more narrow than the Goodyears and that might impact my decision.

They look more narrow because they are. The actual section widths of the PS4S's are exactly the same as the SC3's, but the tread width is a bit less on the PS4S's. Do the SC3's look better? Yes. But the rain factor here in S. Florida made the decision for me.

It's not that I couldn't get around OK. I just want as much in my favor as possible and I don't care to spend more attention evaluating how wet the road is at the possible expense of concentrating on other sensory inputs.

[Ryephile]

Originally Posted by DaveC113

I just got my car... are the S3s really that bad in the rain? It looks like there are some channels for water but also big outer tread blocks without much channeling.

It's about what you should expect from an "extreme summer" tire, which means very little wet performance.

[S2K+1LE]

Originally Posted by zx9rmal

They look more narrow because they are. The actual section widths of the PS4S's are exactly the same as the SC3's, but the tread width is a bit less on the PS4S's. Do the SC3's look better? Yes. But the rain factor here in S. Florida made the decision for me.

It's not that I couldn't get around OK. I just want as much in my favor as possible and I don't care to spend more attention evaluating how wet the road is at the possible expense of concentrating on other sensory inputs.

Oh I totally get it, and they are a great tire.

I'm considering them, however; I really like the beefy look of the Goodyears whereas the Michelins have a bit of that "stretched" / VWStance look in the stock sizes. It isn't bad, but it's kind of a thing to me... so is there a way to mitigate this? Is there a slightly wider size in the PS4S? I love them on my Z4, they aren't really much of a compromise at all... but that look tho

[DaveC113]

Thanks for the replies. Seems like I really need 3 sets of wheels and tires. Street, track and snow. I picked up 265/40/19 Michelin PA4 for snow. I can see going with the PS4S for street, I've had many sets of PS tires over the years and while they ride a bit on the soft side they do perform well on the street and in the rain.

[Bad Anvil Garage]

Originally Posted by S2K+1LE

Oh I totally get it, and they are a great tire.

I'm considering them, however; I really like the beefy look of the Goodyears whereas the Michelins have a bit of that "stretched" / VWStance look in the stock sizes. It isn't bad, but it's kind of a thing to me... so is there a way to mitigate this? Is there a slightly wider size in the PS4S? I love them on my Z4, they aren't really much of a compromise at all... but that look tho

Anyone have a good photo of these on the rims? I don't know what the "VW Stance" comment means.

[mlee]

Originally Posted by TJay74

You run more than the max weight 32psi the door card calls for on the street? Heck the race prep manual states to start at around 28psi I think and lower from there for track use on the GY F1 tires.

Yes, most of the time you go with what's on the tire and not the car door.
Car manufacturers are more concerned with a smooth ride than tire wear.

[Ryephile]

Originally Posted by mlee

Yes, most of the time you go with what's on the tire and not the car door.
Car manufacturers are more concerned with a smooth ride than tire wear.

What's on the tire sidewall is the maximum inflation pressure, not a recommended pressure for any application.

[S2K+1LE]

Originally Posted by Bad Anvil Garage

Anyone have a good photo of these on the rims? I don't know what the "VW Stance" comment means.

The sidewall kind of curves in towards the tread instead of being straight and blocky like on the Goodyears. Looks a little less aggressive. It isn't bad, but small things bother some.

[TJay74]

Originally Posted by mlee

Yes, most of the time you go with what's on the tire and not the car door.
Car manufacturers are more concerned with a smooth ride than tire wear.

The tire sidewall is the max inflation PSI at that particular tires max load rating. Not the correct pressure for any tire on any vehicle. I would use the door card info as a starting point and go from there by using the actual wear pattern the tire is exhibiting.