Largest Wheels/Tires for Boxster S 987.1
#1
Largest Wheels/Tires for Boxster S 987.1
I searched through the forum, and couldn't find prior threads that fully addressed this. I have a 2007 Boxster S with stock 18" wheels and tires, and was trying to find out what the widest wheel/tire combination will fit this car without modifications (spacers OK if that is required)? Any advice (and accompanying photos) would be appreciated.
As an aside, I have a set of Porsche factory Carrera IV wheels (Front 8x18 et57 Rear 10.5x18 et60) with fat Yokohama Advan tires (Front 225R40-18 Rear 285R30-18). I have used them successfully on two of my previous 928's and my 911 (only had to roll the rear fenders slightly on the 928's). I would really like to use them on this Boxster S, but it doesn't appear they will fit (not sure how to use the fitment calculator). Any thoughts about making these work?
Thanks,
Gil
As an aside, I have a set of Porsche factory Carrera IV wheels (Front 8x18 et57 Rear 10.5x18 et60) with fat Yokohama Advan tires (Front 225R40-18 Rear 285R30-18). I have used them successfully on two of my previous 928's and my 911 (only had to roll the rear fenders slightly on the 928's). I would really like to use them on this Boxster S, but it doesn't appear they will fit (not sure how to use the fitment calculator). Any thoughts about making these work?
Thanks,
Gil
#2
Fitment can be a game of millimeters. I haven't poked around the rear wheel wells enough to give an educated response on what I think you could fit.
But I will ask what your intensions are. Do you just want to run those wheels? Do you want to have the widest wheels possible?
Keep in mind the added weight that comes with a wider wheel (unless you're going aftermarket). A 10.5" wide wheel is cool, but you can put the same tire on a lighter 10" wide wheel without noticing much handling difference from side wall flex.
Also keep in mind the cost and availability of tires. If there's a certain tire that you really want to run, make sure they sell the sizes you'll want/need. You don't want to end up running a stretched tire on the rear unless you only want to focus on the stanced game and don't care about handling or grip.
But I will ask what your intensions are. Do you just want to run those wheels? Do you want to have the widest wheels possible?
Keep in mind the added weight that comes with a wider wheel (unless you're going aftermarket). A 10.5" wide wheel is cool, but you can put the same tire on a lighter 10" wide wheel without noticing much handling difference from side wall flex.
Also keep in mind the cost and availability of tires. If there's a certain tire that you really want to run, make sure they sell the sizes you'll want/need. You don't want to end up running a stretched tire on the rear unless you only want to focus on the stanced game and don't care about handling or grip.
#3
Fitment can be a game of millimeters. I haven't poked around the rear wheel wells enough to give an educated response on what I think you could fit.
But I will ask what your intensions are. Do you just want to run those wheels? Do you want to have the widest wheels possible?
Keep in mind the added weight that comes with a wider wheel (unless you're going aftermarket). A 10.5" wide wheel is cool, but you can put the same tire on a lighter 10" wide wheel without noticing much handling difference from side wall flex.
Also keep in mind the cost and availability of tires. If there's a certain tire that you really want to run, make sure they sell the sizes you'll want/need. You don't want to end up running a stretched tire on the rear unless you only want to focus on the stanced game and don't care about handling or grip.
But I will ask what your intensions are. Do you just want to run those wheels? Do you want to have the widest wheels possible?
Keep in mind the added weight that comes with a wider wheel (unless you're going aftermarket). A 10.5" wide wheel is cool, but you can put the same tire on a lighter 10" wide wheel without noticing much handling difference from side wall flex.
Also keep in mind the cost and availability of tires. If there's a certain tire that you really want to run, make sure they sell the sizes you'll want/need. You don't want to end up running a stretched tire on the rear unless you only want to focus on the stanced game and don't care about handling or grip.
The reason I asked what the maximum size possible is in the event my existing set will not fit the 2007 Boxster S (so I can consider buying that alternative). The stock setup just looks too pedestrian to me. I like a more aggressive look (to go with my raucous Tubi exhaust note). If anyone has experience in determining the fitment, I would appreciate your expertise.
#4
Tire sizes should work, stock sizes are 235/40-18 F and 265/40-18 R. Your fronts are actually a little smaller than stock, and the rims should fit with no problem. The rears, are wider, I'm not sure of the overall diameter of the tires, so can't comment on that aspect, but the offset is too large. You'll need an offset of at most 40 mm, maybe less, to clear the springs. I think on planet 9 or cayman register there's a thread about tire and wheel sizing. I haven't had to look in a while so not sure where it is. A spacer of at least 20 mm will do the trick.
HTH
HTH
#5
I believe the stock 18" fronts are 8" ET57 with a 235/40 18 tire. So they'll sit the same with a slightly smaller tire. You may want to up the tires to recommended size for the 987 when it comes time to replace them.
Stock rears for a 987.1 S are 19x10 ET42 with a 265/35/19.
So your new wheels/tires will have a much smaller overall diameter with 285/30 18 tires. You're going to lose about 12mm of outer poke and be about 25mm closer to the strut than with stock wheels. This may be rubbing on the strut, I haven't measured the clearance. Considering that you can usually add 5mm spacers to stock rears without any rubbing, you could get 17mm spacer. Then you'd only be sitting ~8mm closer to the strut than you currently are and you'll have a more flush appearance... Nobody likes wheels being super subset from the fenders. If this is still too close, you can probably get an even more aggressive spacer and just roll the fenders.
Also, are you on the stock suspension, lowering springs, or coilovers? Coilovers usually have a smaller strut body, so you might have a bit more clearance from your tire.
The best thing you can do is measure your current tire to inner fender lip clearance and tire to strut clearance. Then just do the math to determine how your new wheels will fit. They'll definitely fit with the right spacer, but it really depends how flush you want to get your wheels to the fender.
Stock rears for a 987.1 S are 19x10 ET42 with a 265/35/19.
So your new wheels/tires will have a much smaller overall diameter with 285/30 18 tires. You're going to lose about 12mm of outer poke and be about 25mm closer to the strut than with stock wheels. This may be rubbing on the strut, I haven't measured the clearance. Considering that you can usually add 5mm spacers to stock rears without any rubbing, you could get 17mm spacer. Then you'd only be sitting ~8mm closer to the strut than you currently are and you'll have a more flush appearance... Nobody likes wheels being super subset from the fenders. If this is still too close, you can probably get an even more aggressive spacer and just roll the fenders.
Also, are you on the stock suspension, lowering springs, or coilovers? Coilovers usually have a smaller strut body, so you might have a bit more clearance from your tire.
The best thing you can do is measure your current tire to inner fender lip clearance and tire to strut clearance. Then just do the math to determine how your new wheels will fit. They'll definitely fit with the right spacer, but it really depends how flush you want to get your wheels to the fender.
#6
Thanks for the replies guys. I am running all stock suspension; no lowering.
What is a good source to buy the spacers for the rear? If I go with 20mm spacers will my lug nuts still have ample thread?
Gil
What is a good source to buy the spacers for the rear? If I go with 20mm spacers will my lug nuts still have ample thread?
Gil
#7
Depending upon if you use the stock lug bolts or have lug studs installed. The usual porsche parts and/or race shops should have spacers. If 20 mm is the right size, there may be more than one type. 20 mm is thick enough that sometimes, the spacer bolts to the hub, and the wheel bolts to the spacer. If you have studs installed that are long enough, then the spacers slide onto the studs , followed by the wheels and then the lug nuts..
Make sure you get hubcentric spacers.
Check out the tire/wheel thread on the other forum to make sure of the size spacer you need. I know a 10X18 needs an ET of 40. 10.5, I'm not sure.
Make sure you get hubcentric spacers.
Check out the tire/wheel thread on the other forum to make sure of the size spacer you need. I know a 10X18 needs an ET of 40. 10.5, I'm not sure.
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#8
Even with 5mm spacers, you should get longer bolts.
I have experience with H&R, GarageLine, Elephant, and even the cheaper DSX spacers, all have been good to me. I'm sure some vendors on here have other quality spacers as well. Whatever you buy, make sure it's hubcentric and of good quality since this is what connects your wheels to the car.
Buying the DSX spacers were a bit of a risk in my opinion, but they've been good so far and the quality seems just as good as the H&R Spacers I had before.
#11
Rennlist Member
With 20mm spacers on the rear + longer wheel bolts = everything will fit fine.
For spacers, check out Adaptec/MotorsportTech... I ordered from them years ago to commission custom adapters. Made to exact specs 100% in California. Very pleased: http://www.motorsport-tech.com/
For spacers, check out Adaptec/MotorsportTech... I ordered from them years ago to commission custom adapters. Made to exact specs 100% in California. Very pleased: http://www.motorsport-tech.com/