Short question: In terms of performance/grip, is it a problem to have different but very similar tires between the front and back?
Long explanation: Ilsa and I autocross in the summer and occasionally do a track day, so the amount of grip that I get out of a tire is very important to me.
Through lots of research, I've decided that Michelin Pilot Sport tires are the best for me - good traction and 300 tire wear.
Now, there are three different types of Pilot Sports - straight Pilot Sport, Pilot Sport 4, and Pilot Sport 4S (hang on for a different question about this later).
The sizes I want are: Front-275/40/19 and rear 315/35/20.
Michelin reps have told me that in terms of grip; 4S is best, 4 is next, and straight Pilot Sport is worst, but still very good.
4S is available for the front but not the rear, and 4 is available for the rear but not the front.
I asked the Michelin rep about putting 4 on the rear and 4S on the front, and he said they don't recommend using different tires on the front and rear. His recommendation was straight Pilot Sports for both.
So, is this just a sales pitch, or is there a real problem with having Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on the front and 4 on the rear?
And finally, is there really no difference between the three tires other than the designation? Is the 4S the same as the straight PS but made for use on Porches or Ferraris?
What do those in the know have to say about this?
Long explanation: Ilsa and I autocross in the summer and occasionally do a track day, so the amount of grip that I get out of a tire is very important to me.
Through lots of research, I've decided that Michelin Pilot Sport tires are the best for me - good traction and 300 tire wear.
Now, there are three different types of Pilot Sports - straight Pilot Sport, Pilot Sport 4, and Pilot Sport 4S (hang on for a different question about this later).
The sizes I want are: Front-275/40/19 and rear 315/35/20.
Michelin reps have told me that in terms of grip; 4S is best, 4 is next, and straight Pilot Sport is worst, but still very good.
4S is available for the front but not the rear, and 4 is available for the rear but not the front.
I asked the Michelin rep about putting 4 on the rear and 4S on the front, and he said they don't recommend using different tires on the front and rear. His recommendation was straight Pilot Sports for both.
So, is this just a sales pitch, or is there a real problem with having Michelin Pilot Sport 4S on the front and 4 on the rear?
And finally, is there really no difference between the three tires other than the designation? Is the 4S the same as the straight PS but made for use on Porches or Ferraris?
What do those in the know have to say about this?