It looks as though I'll be keeping my car for a little while...So now that I am using it daily I'd like to upgrade the suspension. Of course the tires/rims are the first to go since two of them had recent puncture wounds.

I've run across quite a few replica rims that state that they are made in Italy. From my searches on this forum I've heard comments that they are not that bad and in other cases I've read that they are more prone to cracking. So the question is, are they good or bad?

I'm considering 17" but I think I'd really like to go to 18". My commute does involve some crossing of train tracks and some sunken manhole covers so I don't know how sensitive these rims are to those obstacles.

What do you all think?

 

Where are you seeing them?

 

They are probably Mille Miglia brand wheels. I had a set of 17" on my 924S when I bought it. From my experience, and from what I've read on here, they're fairly well-made and certainly should be safe. However, they are cast, and are quite a bit heavier than stock wheels. I wouldn't put them on a track car. Also, especially if you go with an 18", that extra weight is rough on suspension components. You may want to upgrade to 968 caster blocks.

 

My BBS RS Replicas, made in Italy, cracked at the first good pothole. They were repairable, but they went away in a trade. I wouldn't go back. Maybe the ones you are looking at are better.

 

The Mille Miglia's are TUV approved and are a pretty decent wheel i think. Ive heard they are 'soft' compared to a stock OEM wheel and bend easily. They are also heavy as hell. I mean i almost gave myself a hernia the first time i took one off!

 

I had 17" Mille Miglia Turbo Twists. They bent when I drove over a manhole cover. I upgraded to real Cup 2's and noticed improved suspension feel and turn in because of the lighter rims. I wouldn't go back to replicas.

 

I ran BBS LM mille miglia replicas for over 12 000 miles after they had been used for an unknow amount of miles. The wheel itself is fairly well built, Montreal is notorious for potholes, bumps and whatnot. They have not bent the slightest bit. The problem though is that the paint on the center piece is fairly cheap and does not take much to chip. Same goes for the cheapo bolts. As for the lips, the chrome finish has started oxidizing in some areas due to salt and would need to be refinished. As for weight; here are my notes:

stock 6 inch d-90 front with 225/50/16 rubber: 39 lbs.
stock 8 inch d-90 rear with 245/45/16 rubber: 42 lbs.

8 inch front BBS LM replica with 225/40/18 rubber: 46 lbs.
10 inch rear BBS LM replica with 265/35/18 rubber: 50 lbs.

my guess is when comparing these to stock BBS LM, one would not notice much of a difference in weight.

-Nick

 

FWIW, the factory Cup1 rims with 965 part numbers are also Made in Italy. Even at the same foundry, IIRC.

The main difference between them is weight. The factory wheels are considerably lighter. I bought a factory set and weighed them before installing, finding this to be true. Check out the different weights here:

http://www.wheelweights.net

 

Fernando, that is what I have on mine and I am happy with them other than one of mine was damaged at one point, the rest have held up well however.

 

Well it looks like 968TurboS has some for sale with tires. They're only 17" but with the roads here maybe that's a better choice for me.

 

. People over wheel these things. I know because I did. You have chosen wisely IMO. Porsche makes the best factory wheels.

 

17" wheels would look nice with a low offset.

Good luck.

 

Yeah I figured the 17" would be a good upgrade but still maintain a decent ride and sufficient sidewall for the wonderful local roads. I know Black944Turbo has 17" on his and they look awesome!

Tires/rims are only half the story, now its time to upgrade the caster blocks and replace the control arms. Then once that is done I'll be working on getting new springs/shocks.

I'll keep you all posted!

 

Coilovers ftw!!

 

I'm searching right now

I just don't want to overdo it since again this is my daily driver...