patrick_y
[PuristSPro Moderator]
33537
It's been a while...
It's been around a year since I last drove on the PS2s (and when I switched to PSS), so memory has possibly deteriorated. Ceteris paribus is upheld as both tires were replaced as full sets and used on the same vehicle. Do note, this particular car was never tracked, so I stand by your opinions regarding on-the-track performance.
I agree with you that the PSS is a much better tire. I think you get 99% of the performance of the PS2 with 150% of the lifespan. The question is; do most people think the PSS performs at 105% of the PS2, or the PSS outperforms the PS2 and that the PSS is 105% the PS2 tire is.
When I switched about a year or so ago I noticed:
1. The steering seemed to have better feel with the PS2 (I speculate due to tread design). The steering just felt solid and true. The Michelin Pilot Primacy tires (I had before the PS2s) had the best on-center feel I've ever experienced (note, the French-made Pilot Primacy tire has been discontinued and replaced with Primacy HP). The PSS steering is very good, but memory perception suggests it's perhaps not as great as the PS2.
2. Although Northern California doesn't have a tremendous amount of rain, I feel that the PS2 was and still remains to be the best tire I've ever driven on the highway in the rain. Maybe my earlier comment about the steering had something to do with it. Once again, this is perception, and admittedly I drove in more raining conditions with the PS2s than the PSS tires (it's been less rainy of late).
3. Lifespan is not small potatoes to me, and I definitely agree with you here... PS2 rear tires wore out at almost exactly 30,000 miles. I perceive the PSS rear tires would last over 40,000 miles. A significant 50% increased lifespan. Because there is 50% more lifespan and little to no perceived loss in performance/handling, I strongly believe that the PSS is a better tire than the PS2 just based on this attribute.
4. PS2s smelled rubbery. Whenever I went into the garage after a drive, I could smell the rubber from the PS2 tires. Didn't have this smell to the same extent with the PSS.
5. Braking, I have a feeling that the PS2 braked better than the PSS. Can't really measure it empirically, but it's just a feeling.
6. Comfort, I would agree with you, I think the PSS is quieter than the PS2. Overall, in terms of noise, I would agree with you the PSS is better than the PS2.
I definitely think the PSS is the better tire, and the tire I would buy (mainly because it lasts much longer), but if you were to ask me about just the performance alone, I really remember being more impressed with my PS2 tires than my PSS tires. Just my feeling.
Prototype Michelin tires for the 2014 C7 Corvette Stingray
During the 2013 Grand Prix of Long Beach, I joined my fellow Corvette enthusiasts at the Corvette Coral for the afternoon ALMS race. Similar to past events Chevrolet and Corvette Racing did a fantastic job of hosting a hospitality area for Corvette owners...
re: proto
Thanks for the proto update, seems like the C7 has a lot going for it. Didn't some 'Vette owners go with Firehawks as an alternative? Did you ever run those? -MW
Do you mean the 'exploders'?
Firestone used to make Firehawk EMT tires that had the run-flat capabilities and were much cheaper alternatives than the Goodyear F1's and Michelin Pilot ZP's. I've never tried them because a few years ago they had a major problem with tread separation an...
Very interesting ..
... to see these cut outs! Michelin has always had extremely good sports tires, i have had them amongst the Yokohamas, Bridgestones and currently Continental Sportcontact. If you want the stickiest road tires you can go for the Toyo R888 which is basicall...
Several brands and options
Thanks Filip for the suggestions on the Toyo R888. I haven't tried them yet, and from what I've read so far the R888 seem to be really good competition tires. Since my Vette is a daily driver I need the stability/reliability of run flat tires because Corv...
Hmmmm ...
... :-) ... I know the latest generation of run flats have evolved a lot, but i do think a normal tyre still is at a different level. Isn't there a possibility like ... some ultracool BBS / OZ / Enkei or SSr - wheels with normal tires combined with a smal...
I agree with your thoughts on the tires
Hi Bim, I agree with you about the run flats, they have evolved over the years but definitely can't compare to a regular tire. There are several people in my local Corvette club that are serious weekend racers and do exactly what you mentioned, they have ...
Thanks for the pics and comments, love to hear how you like them when they are available.
wish I coulda been there with ya at LBGP!
Wish you could have joined us for the race
It was fun even though the Vette's didn't do so well in GT class. Hope we can meet up next year! It will be exciting to see Chevy debut the C7 Race Car. Regards, ED-209
Very interesting..
Nice to see the cross-section of the tire. Now I know what Michelin means when they say they have a "Twaron belt" in the tire. Kind of hard to imagine that's all we have holding us to the road. Four little patches, each about the size of a post-card. It's...
The tire tread pattern
One thing that surprised me was the tread pattern. The Michelin Pilot EMT tires fitted on the C5 Corvette had an aggressive curvy V shaped center channel. The new Michelin PS SS ZP have a more linear center groove. Will have to check it out in more detail...
Me too
I'm a big fan of the Super Sport tire, because it lasts nearly twice as long as the PS2 tires. Unfortunately, handling, particularly wet handling is still better in the PS2 in my experience. Can't wait for the new Super Sport Zero Pressure version. My cur...
Michelin PSS vs PS2...
Hi, I'm surprised to read your comments about the handling (and grip?) of the PSS vs PS2 (non-run flat, of course) - at first I was very surprised the PSS had such a high wear rating, was LESS EXPENSIVE than the PS2, and I just assumed that the difference...
It's been a while...
It's been around a year since I last drove on the PS2s (and when I switched to PSS), so memory has possibly deteriorated. Ceteris paribus is upheld as both tires were replaced as full sets and used on the same vehicle. Do note, this particular car was nev...
If memory serves....
me correctly, then the PSS is a better performer than the old PS2 is all matrix. I think when Michelin first launched the PSS tire, it did a benchmark testing and the PSS tire braked shorter, cornered faster and lasted longer than the PS2. Here is a parag...
LOL! I love it when the next generation is BETTER IN ALL WAYS than the preceding
generation, AND it's less expensive to boot! but...ahem...cough cough..."as quick as a Pilot Sport Cup..." ahem...cough cough... ;-)
The smell department...
But they don't smell as rubbery as the PS2s. I miss that smell.