Upgrade to 18" wheels?
12-12-2001, 06:54 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
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Upgrade to 18" wheels?
I have the narrow body 993 with 17" cup wheels (5-spoke). Unfortunately, I've recently damaged 1 of the wheels. Should I use this as an opportunity to upgrade to 18 wheels? The car is my only car, but used only on weekends; also it will be used for several beginner track events.
Besides looking better, are 18 wheels noticibly better in the narrowbody 993? I was thinking of the 18" turbo "twisty" wheels.
Besides looking better, are 18 wheels noticibly better in the narrowbody 993? I was thinking of the 18" turbo "twisty" wheels.
12-12-2001, 07:26 PM
#2
5th Gear
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I upgraded (turbo twist w/ S02s) within a week of buying my 993 1.5 yrs ago and love the look. Unfortunately, I can't speak for difference in handling & other technical details. If interested, I recommend you call www.wheelenhancement.com. They ship everywhere and they are great to deal with. Try EBAY and the classifieds on this board too. Without trade-in, it can cost upwards of $3.5K w/ tires, porsche crests etc. Email me directly and I can send you before and after look.
12-12-2001, 08:28 PM
#4
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Rob
I've considered the same change for my narrow body coupe & decided to stay with the 17. Although, I think the 18 looks better, I was concerned about reduced ride comfort, esp. if/when I upgrade to ROW M030, and the greater vulnerability to urban road hazards (potholes, etc.) for my daily driver.
There is also a considerable jump in replacement tire cost.
At my newbie DE level I don't think there's any track advantage, and maybe a disadvantage - with more grip I'll get into trouble at a higher speed
That's one of the reasons I've delayed suspension upgrades. My driving skill is nowhere near my lowly stock 17" car's potential ... yet.
I've considered the same change for my narrow body coupe & decided to stay with the 17. Although, I think the 18 looks better, I was concerned about reduced ride comfort, esp. if/when I upgrade to ROW M030, and the greater vulnerability to urban road hazards (potholes, etc.) for my daily driver.
There is also a considerable jump in replacement tire cost.
At my newbie DE level I don't think there's any track advantage, and maybe a disadvantage - with more grip I'll get into trouble at a higher speed
That's one of the reasons I've delayed suspension upgrades. My driving skill is nowhere near my lowly stock 17" car's potential ... yet.
12-12-2001, 08:35 PM
#5
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Dan:
Correct me if I am wrong, but reduced ride comfort is because of lower profile tires vs rim size? And if low profile tires are used, then rim damage over potholes would be more likely.
Raff
Correct me if I am wrong, but reduced ride comfort is because of lower profile tires vs rim size? And if low profile tires are used, then rim damage over potholes would be more likely.
Raff
12-12-2001, 08:43 PM
#6
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Personal preferance. I like the 17" 993 cup looks better than the turbo twists - just my humble opinion. Fikse's are a different story, but still couldn't justify it.
One additional point not mentioned yet is the weight bias between 17" and 18". I've never been on 18"s so I can't comment, but the added weight is there and the weight is "unsprung weight" - much more negatively dramatic than if the weight was bolted on to your car.
17" are great for daily driving. I have Euro ROW suspension, and no problems bending rims, etc... Not the same can be said for 18" (many time mentioned in past threads).
Lastly, tires are more expensive. I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but these were the reasons why I didn't upgrade to 18". Just my humble opinion, on sale today for the special low price of $0.02!
One additional point not mentioned yet is the weight bias between 17" and 18". I've never been on 18"s so I can't comment, but the added weight is there and the weight is "unsprung weight" - much more negatively dramatic than if the weight was bolted on to your car.
17" are great for daily driving. I have Euro ROW suspension, and no problems bending rims, etc... Not the same can be said for 18" (many time mentioned in past threads).
Lastly, tires are more expensive. I'm not trying to rain on your parade, but these were the reasons why I didn't upgrade to 18". Just my humble opinion, on sale today for the special low price of $0.02!
12-12-2001, 08:56 PM
#7
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Originally posted by Raff993:
<STRONG>Dan:
Correct me if I am wrong, but reduced ride comfort is because of lower profile tires vs rim size? And if low profile tires are used, then rim damage over potholes would be more likely.
Raff</STRONG>
<STRONG>Dan:
Correct me if I am wrong, but reduced ride comfort is because of lower profile tires vs rim size? And if low profile tires are used, then rim damage over potholes would be more likely.
Raff</STRONG>
Raff
Correct. To maintain the same overall diameter, tire sidewall height decreases as wheel dia. increases. The 1" gain in wheel dia. will be lost in tire sidewall height resulting in some benefits, but also some detriments.
There's rarely a free lunch.
