355 Tires

I put a set of Bridgestone Potenza RE050, on my '96 GTB , 03/04, and I really like them. I run 34lb pressure; 225/40/18 and 265/40/18...Good grip and stability on dry and wet...

 

Azenis 617. Very sticky, reported to last 8K miles.

 

I went to the dark side. Michelin Pilots. I don't enter my car in F1 races so its ok.

 

295 35 18 Kumho's. Having another new set ifitted n the morning

 

As of this spring, the quite-good OEM Bridgestone S02 were still available from TireRack.

 

Bridgestone SO 2A

 

I thought the oem Bridgestone was the SO1? That is what is called out in my OM.

 

My fuzzy memory had it wrong - OEM is SO1:
(fronts)
225/40ZR-18 Bridgestone Expedia S-01
(rears are different side to side)
265/40ZR-18 Bridgestone Expedia S-01 Right
265/40ZR-18 Bridgestone Expedia S-01 Left

 

I need new tires as well. I recall the owner's manual saying not to deviate from their 4 'approved' choices (maybe even different approved ones for the spyder??).

Is it critical to stay with Ferrari's manufacturer recommendations on these tires?

Dino

 

No.
The tires originally spec'd are getting hard to find and are surpassed by the tire manufacturer's latest offerings. The two most popular choices I keep seening in these tire threads is the Michelin Pilot Sports and Bridgestone SO3's. Either of those would be my choice. I might even throw in the newer Bridgestone RE050 as well.

 

I think the Michelin PS2 is now in this size. Anyone using them? I think I remember someone went up one size.

 

DO NOT change the height size. When I bought my 355 it had slightly taller tires in the front and slightly shorter ones in the rear. Big mistake by the previous owner. It was bad on the handling. I had to switch back to stock and it was perfect. Many 355 owners do this because the stock sizes are hard to find. This car is extremely sensitive to tire pressures and heights.

 

I have the Michelin PS2 on my 355. Only put 200 miles on them so far. I like them so far. I had some Bridgestones on the car before & the inside of the tires were worn extremely! I had the alignment looked at & it was right on. I found a post of someone awhile back having the same problem on his front tires only. Same thing with my fronts.
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Z1 Doc,

I put Michlen Pilot Sports on my 355 last year and have been to several track events with Ferrari Clubs in the region and I am quite impressed with there grip at high speed and their durability.

They seem to provide a good alternative to slicks which would require trailering the car.

I enjoy driving this machine and Michielin is the choice I made. By the way they are one of the brands mentioned in the Ferrari owners handbook.

I drive the car to track events and find them to be quite well behaved in both track and non track venues.

I cast my vote for the Michilens.

Chuck

 

What size Michelins are you guys putting on?

PS or PS2?