Michelin Pilot Super Sport ratings confusion | FerrariChat
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Michelin Pilot Super Sport ratings confusion

Discussion in '456/550/575' started by JohnnyRay, Jan 19, 2019.

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  1. JohnnyRay

    JohnnyRay F1 Rookie
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    #1 JohnnyRay, Jan 19, 2019
    Looking to buy some 255/35ZR19 MPSS tires for the front of my 550, and find many options and price points. I see both SL and XL load ratings (for "standard load" and "extra load"). I'm assuming XL is the way to go, as I believe it allows a max pressure of 50PSI vs only 35PSI for SL?. Is that correct?

    I then see "92Y" and "96Y" - where Y represents a 186MPH speed rating. 92 represents a load rating of 1389 lbs, while 96 represents a load rating of 1565 lbs. All have the same mileage rating. My question is what is gained and what is lost when choosing the numeric load rating? Is one "heavier duty" than the other? Would one ride better than the other? 1389 lbs certainly seems more than adequate for intended load.

    Any preference for country of origin?

    The rear tires will be 345/30ZR19 and appear to have only a single offering - XL 109Y (although a fairly wide number of price points out there).

    Finally, I might ask if there are any concerns of receiving "old stock" if ordering online, or is inventory generally from recent production?

    Your collective expert inputs are much appreciated!
     
  2. Themaven

    Themaven F1 Rookie

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    #2 Themaven, Jan 19, 2019
    I would definitely ask your prospective supplier for the manufacture date on the tyres. I have bought tyres nearly a year old from suppliers in the past. One set on my 575 had manufacture dates nine months apart. Incidentally why are you going for MPSS and not PS4S?
     
  3. JohnnyRay

    JohnnyRay F1 Rookie
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    #3 JohnnyRay, Jan 20, 2019
    I would expect date codes that could be a year or so old on a relatively low volume specialty tire. As for the PS4, I have not found the 345/30ZR19 in that version. I have 18" Super Sports now, and they are fine for my use.
     
  4. JohnnyRay

    JohnnyRay F1 Rookie
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    #4 JohnnyRay, Jan 20, 2019
    I should probably condense this to my primary question: 92Y or 96Y?

    "I then see "92Y" and "96Y" - where Y represents a 186MPH speed rating. 92 represents a load rating of 1389 lbs, while 96 represents a load rating of 1565 lbs. All have the same mileage rating. My question is what is gained and what is lost when choosing the numeric load rating? Is one "heavier duty" than the other? Would one ride better than the other? 1389 lbs certainly seems more than adequate for intended load."
     
  5. JohnnyRay

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    #5 JohnnyRay, Jan 21, 2019
    The guy at Tire Rack could not answer the question either...
     
  6. bellwilliam

    bellwilliam Formula Junior

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    #6 bellwilliam, Jan 21, 2019
    what's the question?
    they are different load rating, that's all. usually the heavier loading rating one is a tad heavier, and have a higher psi rating. just like 5w30 vs. 5w40. depends on your usage. if you have a heavy car, go with higher load rating, and vice versa. it really don't matter too much for a 550. If you have say a Mercedes S class, definitely go with higher load rating. 550 is fine with either.
     
  7. JohnnyRay

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    #7 JohnnyRay, Jan 21, 2019
    But they both do weigh the same and have the same PSI rating. Read my first post fully. I'm wondering what in the construction is different and what other attributes (or deficiencies) might be present? For example, if the load rating is lower, could the tire be a bit more compliant - perhaps ride better? If so, I would choose that, as the 550 is a bit of a pavement pounder on less than stellar roads. I get to make a choice mow, but don't have the knowledge needed to do it. Someone must know...
     
  8. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ
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    #8 tazandjan, Jan 22, 2019
    Easy way to do what you want is look at Tire Rack's recommendation for the 575M, which had 19" wheels optional, but is essentially the same as the 550. Their recommendation is a 96Y, XL tire, even though it is for PS4s.
     
  9. Themaven

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    #9 Themaven, Jan 22, 2019
    Unfortunately for the future of the human race, Google is always the answer. I googled "Is a tyre with a higher load index made of different material" and bingo, your question answered, for free, plus a future of tyre adverts popping up for me:

    https://www.oponeo.co.uk/tyre-article/reinforced-tyres-advantages-and-disadvantages

    The short answer appears to be, higher ratings can lead to higher fuel consumption, more noise, and a firmer ride.
     
    BOKE likes this.
  10. JohnnyRay

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    #10 JohnnyRay, Jan 22, 2019
    I ended up buying Michelin Pilot Super Sports with the following part detail:

    front - 255/35ZR19 XL 96Y o2791
    rear - 345/30ZR19 XL 106Y 29703

    Lots of options and price points out there from online vendors. Two of them had zero stock of the 345s...
     
  11. JohnnyRay

    JohnnyRay F1 Rookie
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    #11 JohnnyRay, Jan 22, 2019
    Thank you for the feedback. That article describes the features of SL and XL ratings quite well. It is actually a little more complicated though, as there are the Load Ranges (SL or XL) and also a Service Description (ie - 92Y, 96Y or similar). Within the Service Description is a Speed Rating (where Y = 186 MPH max) and a Load Index (where, for example, 92 = 1389lbs and 96 = 1565lbs).
     

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