My '96 993 needs wheels. It seems like I've checked out most sites and I've narrowed my choices. Note: Factory offsets as per Robin's P-car page F:52 R:65

1.) 2002 Factory 996 5 spoke light alloy wheels
8, 10 x 18 with F:50, R:65. These offsets are very close to the stock ones, and the wheels should fit.

2.) SSR GT3 3-Piece
8, 10 x 18 with F:49, R:62. These are further from stock. Has anyone used these wheels before? Is fender rolling necessary?

I'm considering purchasing the wheels from <a href="http://www.wheelenhancement.com/" target="_blank">Wheel Enhacement</a>. Does anybody have experiance using them? The wheels sets are within $100. They both look way cool. I can't decide.

How are they with tires? I'd like to get them mounted,balanced shipped etc.
Here are the wheels:


<a href="http://www.wheelenhancement.com/9961802.htm" target="_blank">P-Wheels</a>

<a href="http://www.wheelenhancement.com/SSRGT3.htm" target="_blank">SSR</a>

Possible tire sizes:
F: 225/40, R:265/35

Cheers,
Chris

 

I'd go with the P's- they look more "natural" and would be easier to clean. I've used Wheel Enhancement and would recommend them highly. They're sometimes a bit higher than others but very helpful and free with advice- which I felt more than justified the slightly higher price.

 

My vote is for the P's as well. I just bought a set of track wheels from them, and found there service was pretty good. They were used and in the condition they said they'd be.

David

 

I like the polished lip of the SSR's, but the cleaning issue would be a problem. Depends on how through you are with cleaning your car anyways.

Personally, I don't like the MY2002 wheels, I'd prefer the hollow technology wheels anyday. They do make the them in narrow body offsets.

Jeff

 

I'd go with SSR's and I don't think rubbing will be any issue.

Don't come knocking on my door if they rub but I've heard many Europeans use 8.5 x 18 ET46 - 10 x 18 ET52 sizes (without rubbing) I'd think you're ok.

IMO, looks better that stock ET (more aggressive).

 

Funny, I was just there today. Dave Martin was very helpful and he really knows his stuff. I was looking at some of the new Kinesis wheels for my 993 c4s. If you talk to Dave or anyone else there you will see what everyone else has already voiced here. Pay a little more, get a lot of "peace of mind"

 

5 Stars for Wheel Enhancement. I have purchased a number of wheel and tires sets in the past with no problems. Currently working on a deal for the 5 spoke 18" with trade for my 17" cups. Helpful, knowledgeable and stand behind their product. Dave or John will be of great help. Steve

 

Thanks for everyones reply. I really like the looks of the SSR's, and the vibes from Wheel Enhancement. They'll be hard to keep clean... Oh well. I'll post pics when I get'em.
Cheers,
Chris

 

Here's some pictures of the SSR GT3's on my Speed Yellow Boxster S. These pictures were taken at a recent car rally I hosted here in Nashville.

<a href="http://homepage.mac.com/futurethink/mike's_trace_run2002/PhotoAlbum2.html" target="_blank">http://homepage.mac.com/futurethink/mike's_trace_run2002/PhotoAlbum2.html</a>

BTW, the SSR's are very easy to keep clean, and I get compliments on them everywhere I go.

 

IMO, the SSR GT3 look better than OEM. I was thinking of getting SSR GT3 but they only come with ET62 at the rear and I want a more aggresive look, thus I went with BBS LM.

 

Thnkx for the pics MikeO! Yes, the SSR's do look very nice. Personally I think the brakes are some of the best looking bits on the car. They need appropriate framing and context.
Hmmm... Now I just have to find the bux.
Cheers and thanks again to everyone who responded. Don't worry Finn! I won't come looking if things don't fit. I'll address that topic on purchase.
Chris
'80 SC (For sale and my main--future--source of funds for fun!)
'96 993

 

OEMs for me. I saw a set the other day. With the OEM you can see all the way into the rear suspension (Nice!). In addition, the calipers are going to get plenty of air.

Wheel Enhancement are fine folks. They will sell you a tire and wheel package, balanced, etc.

For aftermarket, check into Fikse. They have the forged (not cast) centers of the Kinesis, but they differ in that the mounting bolts that secure the centers, the outers and the inners are on the inside of the wheel, a very clean look IMHO. The bad news, both the Fikse and the Kinesis are 2X the price of the OEM. And there is always BBS, an epic classic wheel for the P Car, also about $1,000 a wheel <img src="graemlins/c.gif" border="0" alt="[ouch]" /> .

In conclusion, the BBS, Fikse and Kinesis are very popular wheels and will add to the value of your car. I am not so certain about the SSR 3 piece with the cast centers. No cast centers for me, thank you.

If you would like, I will e-mail you an article I wrote up on Kinesis wheels for the San Diego PCA rag.

Martin

 

Thanks, Sure! please send the article along. They're really out of my price range but I'd still be interested.

I know what you mean about "added value." I intend to keep the stock wheels. Since these will be street wheels, I'm not as concerned about cast wheels.
FWIW the 2002 P-car 5-spokes are also cast.

Cheers,
Chris
cmoss@cruzio.com