godxilla

Hi

I currently have 17" chrome wheels on my 95 993. I am considering upgrading to 18" wheels. The time is about right cause i need to get some new tires anyway. My questions are:
Is the ride significantly stiffer with 18" wheels? I do a lot of street driving and some autocrosses, but don't really want to have a overly stiff car for regular street riding.

Does anyone have any pics of black wheels on a black car? please share them if you do.

Thanks

Peter R.

Yes, it is. I took my car for a car check a few weeks ago. Rode over on 18", swapped to 17" and drove to the inspection, drove back, swapped to 18" again and drove home. I must say that the 18's are a lot harsher.
I will install the required steering rack brace this weekend and report if there's a change in handling or driving comfort and post the results.

Peter R.

clubrcr

If you are looking for a set of 18" turbo twist chrome factory wheels, I have a set. I am cleaning out the garage and want to sell them.

Ed Burdell

18"s are fine for the street. No issues.

Marlon

I have Factory 18" twists with 90% P-zero's on my newly acquired 95 993 - rides like silk actually and handles like a slot car. I also have the original 16"s - have not even attempted to put them on yet:^) One caveat though: my factory original shocks are shot, so maybe my 'ride sensation' is masked by the bad shocks

I used to prefer 15" Fuchs on my four previous 911's to get a better ride, but these 18"s w/P-zeros are just as 'soft' but handle much better - How does the WHO song go: "...I can't explain...!"

Peter R.

This I have noticed as well. I swapped from Continental Sportcontact 2 to Pirelli P-Zero Asimmetrico's (both 18")and the Pirelli's seem less 'compliant'. The conti's were on turbo twists, and the pirelli's on R+H cups.

Peter R.

Crimson Nape Racing

I went from stock 17's to 18's and was worried about the ride also. When I changed the 84 from 16's to 17's it made a huge difference, but the change from 17's to 18's on the 95 was very slight.

Do a search for the black wheels. there was a long "black wheel" thread earlier this year.

godxilla

Thanks for the comments.

What does the steering rack brace do? How much is it?

Thanks

Jack of Hearts

I switched from stock 17s with Michelin PS ribs to turbo twist hollow 18s with Michelin PS 2. The biggest difference is a slightly heavier steering feel. There is very little difference in ride. And the handling diff is only noticed in extreme G turns. My understanding is that the 17" tires tend to have a stiffer sidewall (at least in the Michelin tires I cited here).

FWIW, I am considering selling my old set of stock 17s with the PS ribs. I bought the tires new last year and they have some 2000 freeway miles on them, no AX or track. Three wheels are excellent w no curb marks or repaints. One wheel is good with a home repair of a 2" light curb mark. Wit h the newness of the tires I would guess they are worth $1600. PM me if interested and I will send you pix on Monday.

Peter R.

I fitted the brace yesterday evening. Driving into work this morning, at motorway speeds of about 65 mph, I had the impression the car was slightly more immune to the uneven road surface, which normally causes the car to 'search' somewhat.
It is possible I inadvertently fitted the brace between my ears though.

Peter R.

leosayer

My 993C2 came with 18" hollow-spokes and I got the suspension replaced with H&R coilovers. It is certainly stiff and bumpy around town, but on the open road it is fantastic with great body control, flat cornering, a good ride and low road noise.

I bought some 16" wheels as spares, fitted them last weekend and was surprised how little difference there was in ride quality. I can only describe it as a slight improvement and hardly noticeable unless you drive the car back to back like I did.

I can only assume that the make and remaining life of the tyre and suspension are more important factors in ride quality that than the height of the sidewall. Or perhaps I'm just not sensitive enough to notice much difference.

RallyJon

Sidewall stiffness is a big variable. I wouldn't be surprised if a comfy tire like the PS2 rode better in 18" than a rock solid Yoko does in 17".

Of course, a soft sidewall means even less rim protection.