Michelin Pilot tire differences

[jwatts]

I am at the point of buying tires for my Chevelle. When I start looking for sizes that I want for my car, the Michelin Pilot series keep coming up. I am seeing Pilot Super Sports, Sport PS3s, And Sport AS3s. Other than treadwear ratings, are there any other differences? Is one better than the other? The tires will be going on a 66 Chevelle, UMI suspension, LS swap, and will likely never see a track or autocross course if that makes any difference. I am looking at 285/35-18 for the rear and 245/45-17s or 255/45-17s for the front.

[Tomswheels]

All three have different compounds. In addition, the Pilot Super Sports have a stiffer sidewall and therefore are the best track tire of those three. It seems a lot of people just look at treadwear ratings and assume that dictates track performance, but the sidewalls matter... A lot. My 2013 Mustang was faster on 300 Treadwear Super Sports than it was on 200 TW Nitto Nt-05s, mainly because the Nitto sidewall was softer and rolled over earlier.

[jwatts]

That is good to know about the sidewall. I had heard the sidewalls on the Nittos were pretty soft compared to others. I am pretty sure I can get the Super Sports in the sizes I want so I will keep them high on my list.

[BlackPearl]

I run the Super Sports and love them, they grip well too in addition to the stiffer sidewall.

[Mr Nick]

Just a heads up, the sidewall on either front tire size you listed will be noticeably taller than the rear. Usually they are the same, or the rear would have slightly more sidewall. A 245/40 up front would be a good match for the 285/35 rear.

It's personal preference, just pointing it out in case you weren't aware.

[jwatts]

Just a heads up, the sidewall on either front tire size you listed will be noticeably taller than the rear. Usually they are the same, or the rear would have slightly more sidewall. A 245/40 up front would be a good match for the 285/35 rear.

It's personal preference, just pointing it out in case you weren't aware.

Yeah, I was aware. I am up in the air as to whether I want the overall diameter to be the same (26inch front and rear) or have the same sidewall height. With 17s on the front and 18s on the back I can't have both.

[Nine Ball]

The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is a great all-around tire. It is a newer technology dual-compound tire, with the tread section being 300, and the outer shoulder being softer. Makes it handle very well on the road course, too. Factory tire on the C7 Corvette. So, you get the benefit of long-lasting tread, and great handling on track.

Tony

[jwatts]

The Michelin Pilot Super Sport is a great all-around tire. It is a newer technology dual-compound tire, with the tread section being 300, and the outer shoulder being softer. Makes it handle very well on the road course, too. Factory tire on the C7 Corvette. So, you get the benefit of long-lasting tread, and great handling on track.

Tony

That is also some good information. It looks like the Pilot Super Sport may be the tire I end up with.