Sep 11, 2009 10:19:32 AM
- Porsche-Jeck
- Rennteam Master
-
- Loc: Rheinland , Germany
- Posts: 4856, Gallery
- Registered on: Jun 27, 2005
wheel/tire choice for the track - 19" vs 18" - N0 vs. N1 ?
Question for the track warriors: which wheel / tire combo do you prefer and what are your experiences regarding handling, durability, costs 
I'm asking because two things made me thinking which combo to get next season:
(1) Olaf Manthey's explanation why the "old" compound for the 18" MPSC (as standard on the 996 GT3) is much better for the track compared to the different compound for the 19" MPSC N0 - obviously track performance sacrificed for better wet handling.
(2) PAX lap with Cram on NoS with his 18" equipped 997 GT3 MKI - very impressive regarding both Cram's driving and the superb handling/grip of the 18".
So far it seemed to be an easy choice: get a nice set of BBS wheels + 18" MPSC - case closed 
But now I got some infos from 997 GT3 MKII owners (track regulars) which made me think again...
One friend who upgraded - similiar to me - this season from the 987S to the GT3 (right to a brandnew 3.8) went through the first set of (factory equipped) Pirelli Zero Corsa rather quickly and then got a set of MPSC N0, which he could grab for a low price (compared to the now available N1). Set-up of his MKII is pretty similar to my MKI (also done by Manthey). He's not too happy with his tire choice (note: experienced track driver and VLN racer) and had an interesting comparo this week in Spa-Francorchamps, where he had the choice to do a back to back test MPSC N0 vs. MPSC N1 (both on a GT3 3.8). His verdict: the new N1 are much better performing on a dry track compared to the N0 (anyone recalls the Sportauto Supertest, where the MKI performed much better in the wet cormpared to the MKII ).
He even said that he believes that the improved laptime of the MKII on the NoS is mostly due to new N1 tire specification 
Anyway - Christian Menzel (maybe a source of even higher credibility than my buddy 
) who worked as an instructor at the said event in Spa became interested and also did the back to back comparo. Same verdict: N1 much better on the track....
Now the price question for the wheel/tire experts: assuming the compound of the 19" MPSC N1 is similar to the "old" 18" - could it be still worthwile to go for the 18" (19" MPSC N0 obviously are not the right choice anymore)
Note: I don't care about laptimes, it's all about handling/feeling/driving fun 
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public roads: Porsche 987 S Seal/Cocoa, toll road 
: Porsche 997 GT3 Arctic/Black
