Looking at Discount Tires web page I see 14 different combinations of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires and can't seem to figure out what the difference it between them.
Front: 245 /35 R19 93Y XL BSW
Front: 245 /35 R19 93Y XL BSW LO

Rear: 305 /30 R20 103Y XL BSW
Rear: 305 /30 R20 103Y XL BSW FO
Rear: 305 /30 R20 103Y XL BSW N1
Rear: 305 /30 R20 103Y XL BSW FE

IT looks like they are just different combinations of front and rear tires and some are duplicates. What does LO, FO, N1 and FE mean?

JT

 

I asked an on-line AI - here's what I got back

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The codes **LO**, **FO**, **N1**, and **FE** on the Discount Tire website for Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires refer to **Original Equipment (OE)** sidewall markings, indicating that the tires are designed and approved for specific vehicle manufacturers or models. These markings reflect bespoke tire designs tailored to meet the performance requirements of particular car brands or models, as Michelin collaborates closely with manufacturers to optimize grip, handling, and durability for specific vehicles. Here’s a breakdown of each code based on available information:

- **LO**: Likely indicates tires designed for **Lotus** vehicles. Michelin produces OE tires for high-performance Lotus models, such as the Lotus Evora or Exige, with specific compounds and constructions to match the car’s lightweight and agile characteristics. The exact specifications (e.g., compound or tread design) may differ from standard Cup 2 tires to suit Lotus’s performance goals.

- **FO**: Stands for **Ferrari Original** equipment. These tires are engineered specifically for Ferrari models, such as the Ferrari 458 Speciale, with customized tread compounds, sidewall stiffness, or construction to align with Ferrari’s performance requirements, like enhanced grip for track use or specific handling balance.[](https://www.michelin.ca/en/auto/tire...ot-sport-cup-2)[](https://www.michelinman.com/auto/aut...d-marked-tires)

- **N1**: Part of Michelin’s **N-spec** series for **Porsche** vehicles. The “N” indicates Porsche-approved tires, and the number (e.g., N0, N1, N2) denotes specific versions or updates for different Porsche models, such as the 911 GT3 or 918 Spyder. N1 tires may have unique compounds or constructions to optimize performance for Porsche’s engineering, such as improved steering precision or track longevity.[](https://www.michelin.ca/en/auto/tire...ot-sport-cup-2)[](https://www.michelinman.com/auto/aut...d-marked-tires)

- **FE**: Likely refers to tires designed for **Ford Electric** vehicles or a specific Ford performance model, though less commonly referenced. Michelin collaborates with Ford for models like the Mustang Mach-E GT or other performance vehicles, tailoring tires for electric vehicle weight, torque, or handling needs. This code is less explicitly documented, but it aligns with Michelin’s practice of marking tires for specific manufacturers.[](https://www.michelinman.com/auto/aut...d-marked-tires)

These markings ensure the tires match the vehicle’s intended performance characteristics, as Michelin customizes aspects like tread compounds, internal construction (e.g., Twaron belts or Variable Contact Patch 3.0), or sidewall design for each manufacturer. For example, an N1 tire for a Porsche may have a stickier compound for track grip compared to a standard Cup 2, while an FO tire for a Ferrari might prioritize high-speed stability.[](https://www.michelinman.com/auto/aut...d-marked-tires)[](https://motoiq.com/not-all-michelin-...ated-the-same/)

 

Thanks for sharing that.

JT

 

The link at the end of the next to last paragraph goes to Michelin's web site with a chart of their codes.

https://www.michelinman.com/auto/aut...d-marked-tires

 

Thanks, that helps a lot.

JT

 

What Are Original Equipment Tire Designations?

https://www.tirerack.com/upgrade-gar...e-designations

 

TPC is the spec for the C8

 

So more looking and I see three choices for Michelin summer only tires.
Michelin Pilot Super Sport 245 /35 R19 93Y XL BSW and 305 /30 R20 103Y XL BSW < older design tire
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S 245 /35 R19 93Y XL BSW and 305 /30 R20 103Y XL BSW < newer version of PSS
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 245 /35 R19 93Y XL BSW and 305 /30 R20 103Y XL BSW < looks more like a track tire but can't find any data on the difference between 4S and Cup 2 as far as dry traction.

JT

 

appears to be the spec for any GM vehicle.

 

I did find out today that the three listed Cup 2 rear tires that seemed identical were 1 a discontinued out of stock tire, 2 a discontinued low stock tire and 3 the current production tire. There was only one front tire listed so it's current production as well. I ordered a set of current production tires and they are coming directly from Michelin so they will be fresh tires.

JT

 

I still have about 45% tread wear left on my Z51 tires but it seems as though you may have missed what I have seen when looking at replacements. ZP or summer tires (run flats) or all-seasons ( non-run flats).

Although I am a relatively new owner, the recommended tires make a HUGE difference. When I am driving through some twisty corners at double or close to what the posted limit is (out on country roads), half the time I don’t even need to press the brakes because the tires do it all. Amazing!!!!

 

I'm pretty sure I didn't miss what you have seen but then I don't know what you have seen. The Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are track tires, for normal driving I use my Pilot Sport All Season ZP tires. I didn't see any point using Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires like the Z51 has for track days.

JT

 

from what I remember reading, there is only a ZP tire or an all-season tire. I do not believe there is an “all-season ZP”.

 

ZP is Zero Pressure (run flat). The All Season factory tire is ZP, as that’s what I have.

 

I guess it depends…

 

I have All Season ZP tires on my C8, they are stock on the Stingray. Both the Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 and the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S come in run flat ZP tires.

JT

 

This is what I found…

 

On which one you buy when you replace your tires...

JT

 

Both the OEM summer and all season tires that come on the Stingray are runflats. Michelin also makes non-runflat versions of the same tires that can be installed on the Stingrays.

 

Done deal, track day tires are in the house and ready.

JT