This is all based on a stock 2011 TT-S, with the suspension tweaked as far as the stock components will go for aggressive street/track driving. It's not all that far off from the factory settings, but I felt it was important to qualify this in consideration of my review;

The stock Pirelli Rosso's are "OK". Nothing bad, nothing great. I don't like how they roll slightly - and over time the outer edges have rounded more than they should (or find acceptable). It screws with the "spirited" driving in the twisties and limits my trust with them after 5 to 7 K of mileage, yet the middle of the tire has a fair amount of tread on it so I end up replacing them a bit early. Although they hold up to track temp heat well enough to get you though a 20/25 minute session without greasing over, they shouldn't be used on a serious track day unless they're well worn and it's your last outing with them based on the outer edge wear.

PS2's are a VERY good street tire and easy to drive with in the wet - do not use them on the track. The edges do roll a little, but no where near as bad as the Pirelli Rosso's. BUT ... these tires can't hold up to conditions the track requires of them and you'll chew through them in a day. Especially the outer edges as the tires heat up and roll. This is the first tire I ever had such a love/hate relationship with. Loved them for the street ... took 'em to the track (admittedly in an immediate and impulsive decision), and in my 5th session felt them start to go, by the 7th session they were gone, with the outer edges completely rounded and worn away and the solid center tread grating away as well. These tires can not take the heat.

PSS's are a great street tire, "almost" as good as the PS2's in the wet (although I don't push it in the wet), but they more than make up for it in the dry as the telemetry from the tire to the steering wheel and seat of your pants is much better. They'll last reasonably well and the edges maintain their shape well. It seems to be the favorite for most aggressive street drivers, but I always wonder if that's cause they put so much credence on the lighter weight of this tire over the RE-11's. These are a good 4/5 LBS lighter ... but I doubt anyone but the Pro-Amateur High-Speed-Canyon-Carvers are going to realize the difference those pounds make over the response of the steering wheel. Most of the "street-based-twisties" aren't traveled at a velocity high enough to warrant the argument of weight vs traction/telemetry. On the track, I get it, but not the street.

The RE-11's are the best of these three. They have incredible telemetry on blacktop, concrete street conditions, fantastic grip, and they seem to wear a lot more evenly around the outer edges. They're just about the same in the wet as the PSS's.

I need another set of shoes for the TT-S and torn between trying the Pirelli Trofeos or the awesome RE-11's. I know the RE-11's and love them, but I'm liking the reviews of the Trofeos. Decisions - Decisions.

If I ever decide to track my sled again, I would love to up the R888's. But with a Cab, and being 6-3 inches tall, there are few venues that allow me to run my sled at their events, so I doubt I'll ever get a chance to try them.

This is just my opinion ... hope it helps.

 

I have RE-11s on oem wheels which I really like. But I'm looking at getting some 20s for DD and keep the stockers for track work. But looking at sizes on tire sites, it's really limited on good tires. Any folks running 20s have any suggestions for tires before I pull the trigger on the wheels? Wanted to run 235/30/20,305/25/20. I can get the wheels I like in 19 or 20, but I think the 20s look better.
Sorry if this is a hijack, sounded like a good tire discussion.

Thanks

 

I have SportConti3s in that size on mine. Don't know about their performance characteristics (haven't pushed it), but they are loud as a daily driver.

 

I went from michellin's to advan's when I had my 09 M3. The advan were excellent tires. Compound was soft, very grippy even in wet weather. I do think the sidewalls on the michellin's are stiffer than the advan's. I dont know how they would do on the turbo, because the M3 and the turbo I have now are two entirely different beasts. But I don't think you can go wrong with the advan's.

 

Winnilaker, I was originally going to go with PS2's in a 245/30/20 9" and 325/25/20 12" setup but 1.) you cannot find the PS2's (or Contis for that matter) in this config....backordered.... and 2.) HRE has an offset now that allows for a 13" rear wheel!

Soooo.....with the help of Wheels Boutique and HRE, I just ordered for my 2009 997 TT the following setup:
Wheels - HRE P40SC 20x9 (front) and 20x13 (rear)
Tires - Nitto Invo 245/30/20 (front) and 345/25/20 (rear)!!

I am told the setup works flawlessly for the street and looks awesome. I will report back with comments and pictures. Good luck!

 

Thank you for the response. How do you like the turbo vs the m3? I also made a similar trade from an 09 c63 to my 997.1 turbo cab. You meant to advise me that I can't go wrong with the advans right?

 

Ive always had good luck with Nittos so JUST put INVO's on my 997.2TTS. I first thing I noticed was the front 235's do not fill out the front rim well. Have not had time to really "test" them but the first thing I noticed is the significant drop in road noise. I burn down tires pretty quick and was looking for a less expensive but equally performing tire, Nitto fills this requirement w/o sacrificing quality.

BTW: R888's are very noisy and would not recommend them for the street but take them over Sport Cups on the track.

 

I really liked the advan and will probably go back to them once I burn through the michelins. The M3 and Turbo cant be compared. The porsche handling far exceeds the bimmer. Probably the weight dist. and lower center of gravity and the pull on the turbo . The only thing I need to do is to improve the turbo lag when getting the car going. I have TT and do miss the manual trans.

 

I have a lightweight 19" wheel set up on R888 and its freaking amazing ! the car is a go-kart... no questions... the ride is harsh however and the tires are LOUD! ... however... DO IT!