Michelin PSS K2 vs. regular

Tire rack has the K2 on back order. The rears I think. Did he intimate when they might be in stock? I ordered a set, and have an estimated delivery date of September 10...T

 

I think if you have to then I would choose the non Ferrari spec MPSS over the P Zeros- I really don't like the standard Pirelli PZero tires!

 

If my memory serves me right, I seem to recall reading on another forum about the K2 being of shallower tread depth than the regular tire. Given what the factory would prefer, this would seem to make sense. Thus what is "better" to one owner may not be "better" to another.

 

^^
If you come across the discussion again, I'd be appreciative if you would post the link. My dealer forgot to specify MPSS for my car, so i will be ordering them when the time comes to replace the PZeros. I've not heard that the K2s have shallower tread so I'm curious to learn more. Thanks.

 

Sure thing.

Here's a discussion of a Michelin Ferrari K1 tire (not K2) on a BMW forum. Be aware the poster made a wording error saying "The "K1" spec starts out with less tread wear" when he actually meant "the K1 starts out with less tread DEPTH". More importantly, the K1 spec 285 (rear) tire measured 2.6 lbs lighter than the standard tire! Interesting thread.

Here's another partial explanation for the Michelin K1, K2...etc. specifications. I suspect k1 and K2 also refer to different tread compounds.

 

More responsive tire... similar effect to track drivers shaving their tires.

Ferrari would only request a special spec in order to improve performance of their cars. They won't do it to improve tire wear or comfort. Most people do not drive their Fcars enough to warrant tread wear concerns over 4 years, the normal replacement cycle for road tires.

OTOH, track drivers don't care because they use other, even more aggressive track-oriented tires anyway.

 

Thanks for sharing the links. Very interesting to learn about the differences. I'm going to have to think about the tradeoff and whether I would value more mileage or the incremental difference in performance, since most of my driving is under normal street usage conditions.