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[LarThaL]

So I've been on the forum asking a zillion questions about wheels and tires. In the end, I just replaced my horrible Contisport 3 with stock sized Michelin PSS. I had actually even pre-ordered the new Apex EC7 wheel, but decided that since I had spent $2500 on the ZCP package in large part due to the wheels, that I wasn't ready to ditch them.

So here are the observations:

1. forget everything you think you might know about tire sizing. Even in the same numerical size, tires are sized very differently. The PSS are both wider, and slightly smaller in overall diameter than the Conti 3. The PSS therefore sits a little more flush with the fender, but increases fender gap by about an 1/8".

2. As the PSS is wider, I was warned about the possiblity of problems with spacers, even in stock size. I was running 12.5mm spacers F/R with my Conti 3, and am able to use them with no issues whatsoever with the PSS. So essentially, I am running a 19x9 ET19 wheel up front and a 19x10 ET13 wheel in the rear. No rubbing whatsoever with stock sized PSS. Tastefully aggressive look.

3.The ride is harsher than the Conti 3. Not significantly, but you do notice it.

4. The grip and turn-in are both far superior than the Conti 3. Night and day difference. My DSC used to come on all the time during even slightly aggressive driving, and now it does not. This was my biggest gripe and the problem is solved.

In the end, I am happy I stayed with stock sizing and all the advantages it affords. PSS in stock sizes are light also. 23 lbs & 25 lbs (F/R).

Overall, PSS in stock sizes are a great way to go.

[signes]

After all of that?

[Ryan@IND]

Thanks for the review. Heard nothing but good things about the PSS.

[YolkyPalky]

I just switched to PSS 255/275, love them all the way! I can really feel the extra grip on hard cornering, much better handling and ride too. Slightly bigger footprint is the way to go and well worth the upgrade imho!

[Denk]

Excellent move! I've got PZero's on now but come tire change I'll be back with the PSS's...in stock size also.

[Denk]

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

I just switched to PSS 255/275, love them all the way! I can really feel the extra grip on hard cornering, much better handling and ride too. Slightly bigger footprint is the way to go and well worth the upgrade imho!

I actually felt that running 255/35, 275/35 was a downgrade. I lost some torque and the handling just wasn't as crisp as stock. That's comparing PSS's.

[THE TECH]

Good to hear. I just picked up some and can't wait to try them out.

[tibra1]

+1 on PSS

OP there is a certain tradeoff between handling and comfort..you have a tire with a stiffer sidewall now which is better for handling..keep in mind it takes about 200 miles or so to bed in the tires..so expect them to settle into the car

[YolkyPalky]

Originally Posted by Denk

I actually felt that running 255/35, 275/35 was a downgrade. I lost some torque and the handling just wasn't as crisp as stock. That's comparing PSS's.

I guess everyone has their own impressions. Mine so far is that the slightly larger footprint provides greater handling crispness, feel and control, after all there is more tire on the road. As for torque, I would say if anything I feel more now rather than less, again perhaps due to slightly more tire on the road providing greater grip, etc.

[Denk]

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

I guess everyone has their own impressions. Mine so far is that the slightly larger footprint provides greater handling crispness, feel and control, after all there is more tire on the road. As for torque, I would say if anything I feel more now rather than less, again perhaps due to slightly more tire on the road providing greater grip, etc.

I guess it's the increased OD that I felt the most. What tire did you come from?

[YolkyPalky]

Originally Posted by Denk

I guess it's the increased OD that I felt the most. What tire did you come from?

I purchased my '11 pre-owned with about 7,400 miles on it, so still had OEM Conti's Sport Contact 3. So obv there is an upgrade to the PSS from the Conti's. And I've only had the 255/275 setup for 24 hours lol, but so far I do like it. But then again anything would probably feel better than balding rear tire Conti's .

[tlp]

Don't forget to follow the break-in period with new tires before you get on it. Takes a few hundred miles to wear through the release agent.

That being said, I'm still enjoying my PSS's that I bought over a year ago. I went with 255/275. Since the 220M's are 8.5/9.5 with 245/265 it only seems practical increase the tire size on the ZCP 359M 9/10 IMHO. Only regret is that they don't make a 285/30/19 yet.

[Denk]

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

I purchased my '11 pre-owned with about 7,400 miles on it, so still had OEM Conti's Sport Contact 3. So obv there is an upgrade to the PSS from the Conti's. And I've only had the 255/275 setup for 24 hours lol, but so far I do like it. But then again anything would probably feel better than balding rear tire Conti's .

In a few hundred miles you'll love 'em even more.

[flipm3]

I threw on the Michelin PSS on my E46 M3 earlier today. So far, I like them a lot with the very limited mileage. Despite how sticky people say it is, I am very impressed by how quiet and compliant they are!

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by flipm3

I threw on the Michelin PSS on my E46 M3 earlier today. So far, I like them a lot with the very limited mileage. Despite how sticky people say it is, I am very impressed by how quiet and compliant they are!

Thats what makes them so good..you get the best of both worlds.

[YolkyPalky]

Originally Posted by tlp

Don't forget to follow the break-in period with new tires before you get on it. Takes a few hundred miles to wear through the release agent.

That being said, I'm still enjoying my PSS's that I bought over a year ago. I went with 255/275. Since the 220M's are 8.5/9.5 with 245/265 it only seems practical increase the tire size on the ZCP 359M 9/10 IMHO. Only regret is that they don't make a 285/30/19 yet.

Thanks Terry! I'm making the drive to Vegas tomorrow so hopefully they'll be broken in around the time I hit Barstow lol!

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by YolkyPalky

I purchased my '11 pre-owned with about 7,400 miles on it, so still had OEM Conti's Sport Contact 3. So obv there is an upgrade to the PSS from the Conti's. And I've only had the 255/275 setup for 24 hours lol, but so far I do like it. But then again anything would probably feel better than balding rear tire Conti's .

The bigger change is the tires as opposed to the size. On 9" & 10" wheels the amount of difference in the contact patch between 245/265 and 255/275 is miniscule. The latter set-up also added some weight, and doesn't permit the use of spacers without rubbing in front. I really like the flush look that the spacers provide. As others have pointed out, a rear 285/30/19 would be great, but no PSS available in that size.

[Denk]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

The bigger change is the tires as opposed to the size. On 9" & 10" wheels the amount of difference in the contact patch between 245/265 and 255/275 is miniscule. The latter set-up also added some weight, and doesn't permit the use of spacers without rubbing in front. I really like the flush look that the spacers provide. As others have pointed out, a rear 285/30/19 would be great, but no PSS available in that size.

If Michelin starts making a PSS 285/30 I'd put it on. I think it's a better size in the back than the 275/35.