For those of you that haven't tried the Pilot Super Sports I will give a quick review. In my 16 years of owning the Z, I've gone through many sets of tires. From OEM Bridgestones to Toyos, Continentals, several variations of Pilot Sports, and nothing compares even close to the Super Sports. I love how it responds to the road. Its soft, quiet, comfortable, and grips better than anything I've tried. As far as I know the 4S do not behave this way because they are much harsher and noisier and I'm wondering if there's another alternative to the Super Sports than the 4S.

However I think the Super Sports maybe a little too sticky/soft for the street for I done did it again and got a nail on the rear passenger side. This is the second time in 2 years of owning them. I'm now out of warranty and like to know what you guys would do in my shoes. I know the Pilot 4S is the replacement tire for the SS. However I don't believe it's constructed the same and if I were to replace one of my rear tires and mismatch between the SS and 4S would not be a good idea right? On the other hand since nothing is leaking, would you guys just it as is? (I'm really not cheap on my Z its really about my overall satisfaction driving it. I don't want to give up the feel of the SS if I don't have to, not afraid of replacing a flat on the road). Anyways I have a poll up please give your 2 cents. The tire shop says the nail is on the shoulder and they can attempt to do a repair it but there's a good chance I may need a replacement.

 

It's "not legal" for a tire shop to repair shoulder puncture (at least here in CA under BAR regulations and everywhere else through USDOT and tire industry trade groups) - although some do anyways cuz no one is really enforcing such regulations. (But they'd be stupid to do so due to the high possibility of being sued if it blew out and caused an accident).

Agree that the PSS is one of the best tires out there for a Z or anything else but alas, the rear size - as you said - is NLA. I've no experience on the 4S but somehow can't see Michelin introducing a replacement for the best selling PSS without it being able to hold its own against it.

You mention having used Continentals and I've been a fan of them for many years but their tires are hit or miss and vary a lot from car to car, e.g. same tire on two different type cars may behave very differently. (I know, true for a lot tires but very obvious differences with Contis). That said, however, I've been extremely (no pun) pleased with my Conti ExtremeContacts on my SL and given the similar drive layout and weight distribution, can surmise my being happy with them on my Z - but who knows until I try 'em.

Good luck!

 

Mic is correct, that is on the cusp of shoulder. Fwiw I'd never ever leave a nail or screw in a tire thinking it'll hold air forever. It will fail at the most inconvenient time possible. For that injury I'd flip the guy a $20 tip and go with a patch.

 

had a similar experience, couldn't find patch big enough so i had to buy a new pair of chanclas for the z, was on the highway doing about 75 mph was going straight but then out of the blue started going in a different direction ( not so straight ).
luckily was able to pull over without hitting any other vehicles. tire was shot and had to call a tow truck. ( couldn't take the cap off them lug nuts )I must have left the house with the tire flat and did not notice until it was too late.
no damage to the wheel.

 

This could have all started with a nail.

 

Your risk, no liability, but I'd pull the nail and see if air will leak before making any decisions. If it does leak then you could stick a DIY plug into it providing you don't exceed 60 mph and check it regularly. Dunlop Direzzas?

 

Good tire shops would use a plug/patch combination to repair a tire. But in this case, good tire shops would not attempt to repair a shoulder nail intrusion. And a word of caution with any type of repair, all the tire manufacturers that I have researched will no longer "support" the original speed rating of the tire.

 

Pull the nail, because it will eventually work its way deeper.
Buy a plug kit, they are cheap.
Plug it, its very easy.

I did a similar if not worse (more towards the edge) repair about a month ago. Worked great . . . . no problems.
.
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Your tires are almost ready for replacement anyways. I'd just leave it

 

That'd buff right out.

 

While I have experience with the 4S currently on my Z I haven't had experience with the SS tires. I will say I like the 4s tires on the car because they are quiet, comfortable, and grip well in just about any 3 season weather. From the little I can find the 4s are supposed to be quieter and softer than the PSS but give up a little steering response from softer side walls.

 

He's at about 5/32 that's half life lol. From what I've heard the 4S are an upgrade everywhere and have a slightly stiffer side wall

 

I agree. I've only put in about 4000 spirited miles on these and they should have at least 4000 more to go.
I also agree that the diff between SS and 4S is in the side wall, which is something I really like about the SS.
I'm going to be garaging the Z for a few days while I figure this out. Keep your feedback coming.

 

I went ahead and swapped the two rears with a pair of Pilot Sport 4S
i must say the immediately reaction after driving 10 miles is that the 4S are much firmer and I'm kind of sad.
I'm going to take them on a long trip next week and come back with a more in depth review.