17 Michelin Primacies vs 18 Pilot 4s

[Decep]

The PS4S are a world apart basically in everything. If it rains near you a lot that's another huge advantage to the summer tire, as long as it doesn't get cold AND rainy.

[Yoshoobaroo]

Originally Posted by *Axel

I'll take the harder rubber all day long. Fun is fun.Effortless burnouts and fishtailing around corners is loads more fun than sticky tires at 35-45mph, the speed that most of these cars will drive 95% or more of the time.

Yea you’re right. I’m actually trying to figure out if Michelin will be making the Primacy HP in 18s at some point. I wanted the limited but would have taken a limited with primacies if that was an option. I’m also looking into getting some 17s so I can get the Prius tires back if an 18” version isn’t coming. Maybe the JDM 17” STI wheels will be a nice complement to them.

[*Axel]

Originally Posted by Yoshoobaroo

Yea you’re right. I’m actually trying to figure out if Michelin will be making the Primacy HP in 18s at some point. I wanted the limited but would have taken a limited with primacies if that was an option. I’m also looking into getting some 17s so I can get the Prius tires back if an 18” version isn’t coming. Maybe the JDM 17” STI wheels will be a nice complement to them.

I got the premium specifically for the wheels and tires, old school tall rubber made for drifting. I knew I would want to change the speakers, and I didn't want the starlink babysitter thingy.

I'll probably buy summer wheels/tires for the hot season. I'm liking what I see in General G-Max RS, don't need status symbol tires.
General’s G-Max RS May Change The Way UHP Tires Are Made! I'm a bit of a General Tire loyalist.

[RToyo86]

Jumping between a set of stock sized PS4S on my 2017 from primacys is very noticeable. Fresh PS4S stick to the road like glue by comparison. The wet grip performance is what blew me away. It felt like they gripped better in the wet than the primacys did in the dry.

That said I still enjoy the primacys. I have my stock wheels and tires in the basement storage and will usually toss them on for a couple weeks during the spring until it gets warmer.

[ItsReiko]

Originally Posted by RToyo86

Jumping between a set of stock sized PS4S on my 2017 from primacys is very noticeable. Fresh PS4S stick to the road like glue by comparison. The wet grip performance is what blew me away. It felt like they gripped better in the wet than the primacys did in the dry.

That said I still enjoy the primacys. I have my stock wheels and tires in the basement storage and will usually toss them on for a couple weeks during the spring until it gets warmer.

Since the increase in stickiness/grip is so noticeable with the PS4S compared to stock primacies, does it translate to everyday driving, off the line acceleration, feeling more sluggish?

[RToyo86]

Originally Posted by ItsReiko

Since the increase in stickiness/grip is so noticeable with the PS4S compared to stock primacies, does it translate to everyday driving, off the line acceleration, feeling more sluggish?

Depends how hard you drive the car. I definitely noticed the added grip daily. Turn in sharpness felt a lot better on PS4S.

Off line acceleration doesn't feel any different with added grip, unless you had big ass heavy wheels and 255 squared tires.
On stock springs/suspension I noticed I was hitting the bump stops in corners right away.

[radroach]

@kage65 Michelin Primacy is a good tire but they are stupidly expensive and burn off too quickly.

Also check Firestone Indy 500 tires. They're great, affordable.
@*Axel I really want to hear more about the General Tire offerings.

[ItsReiko]

Originally Posted by RToyo86

Depends how hard you drive the car. I definitely noticed the added grip daily. Turn in sharpness felt a lot better on PS4S.

Off line acceleration doesn't feel any different with added grip, unless you had big ass heavy wheels and 255 squared tires.
On stock springs/suspension I noticed I was hitting the bump stops in corners right away.

That's what I was hoping to hear with off-line acceleration. Would you say the PS4S rides stiffer than the primacies too?

I'm hoping when you say you notice the suspension hitting the bump stops is when you take HARD corners and not just everyday corners lol!

[joro2]

I loved the Michelin Primacy HP tires that came stock w/ my 2017 BRZ Premium. Alas, at 23K miles and 6+ years time for replacement. Sadly and as far as I can tell the Primacy HP tire is no longer available (discontinued?). To achieve the same kind of loose grip, easy slide, etc. I so enjoy what would you folks recommend as a replacement? e.g. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (and not S)? I’m in south Florida which means perpetual summer, heat, and sometimes rain. Again, looking for a LOW grip summer tire close to the ride I’ve had with the stock Primacy HP. Thanks!🙏

[gnarjunkie]

Originally Posted by joro2

I loved the Michelin Primacy HP tires that came stock w/ my 2017 BRZ Premium. Alas, at 23K miles and 6+ years time for replacement. Sadly and as far as I can tell the Primacy HP tire is no longer available (discontinued?). To achieve the same kind of loose grip, easy slide, etc. I so enjoy what would you folks recommend as a replacement? e.g. Michelin Pilot Sport 4 (and not S)? I’m in south Florida which means perpetual summer, heat, and sometimes rain. Again, looking for a LOW grip summer tire close to the ride I’ve had with the stock Primacy HP. Thanks!🙏

Those are the same tires that came stock on my 2nd gen a year ago... I bet you could find a 2nd gen owner who immediately swapped wheels and/or tires who'd happily sell you their Primacy HPs.

[joro2]

Originally Posted by gnarjunkie

Those are the same tires that came stock on my 2nd gen a year ago... I bet you could find a 2nd gen owner who immediately swapped wheels and/or tires who'd happily sell you their Primacy HPs.

Thanks. Good suggestion, I hadn't thought of that. However, looking to purchase brand new @ retail.
I still don't completely get the difference between PS4 and PS4"S", and which I should consider as my Primacy HP replacements. Thoughts on what tires I should try next?

[Desertnate]

Originally Posted by joro2

I still don't completely get the difference between PS4 and PS4"S", and which I should consider as my Primacy HP replacements. Thoughts on what tires I should try next?

The PS4 is a performance step below the PS4S in the Michelin food chain.

I've run both tires, but not on the same vehicle. A true comparison is difficult, but I recall being truly impressed with the PS4S's dry grip whereas the on my BRZ the PS4's are simply acceptable. Both performed extremely well in rain. I actually autocrossed my car on the OEM PS4's last year in an total monsoon rain with standing water on most of the course and was shocked at how well I was able to get around.

[RToyo86]

I have used both PS4 and a PS4S. 4S back in 2020 on 17s in 215/45 fitment. PS4 this year on 215/40r18.

On the street you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference. 4S probably edge it out on turn in feel and grip but you won't notice it as much til you are on track at the limit.

[joro2]

Thanks.
Likely going with PS4S, in fact unable to find PS4 in my 215/45R17 size, only PS4S.
Intrigued by the prospect of sharper turn in feel & increased grip especially in the South Florida wet, but also wondering how much intentional tire chirp and occasional backend slide i.e. the “playfulness” of the stock Primacy I’m going to lose?

Originally Posted by RToyo86

I have used both PS4 and a PS4S. 4S back in 2020 on 17s in 215/45 fitment. PS4 this year on 215/40r18.

On the street you'd be hard-pressed to tell the difference. 4S probably edge it out on turn in feel and grip but you won't notice it as much til you are on track at the limit.