Harry L

Comment:

This might be old news, but I just noticed last night on tirerack's website that Michelin now makes an N-rated (N3) PS2 for 17" Cups (in the factory sizes) and that the Pilot Sport Ribs (in the factory 17" sizes) are being closed out.

This is great news for me - I want to stick with 17s and think PS2s are the best all around tire available.

Question:

A few times now I have posted to see if anyone knows whether 17" Sport Classics will clear Big Reds. I know that Cup IIs clear Big Reds, but no one (including Wheel Enhancement and various dealers) can answer the question about Sport Classics. The Cup II question is answered (in the part number books) by the fact that the factory designated Cup IIs as winter wheels for the 993tt. The books do not show the Sport Classic as a winter wheel for the 993tt.

The Sport Classic diameter (obviously) and offsets are the same as my Cup IIs - my only concern would be that the spoke-design would somehow create a clearance problem.

So here is my question: Are standard 996 calipers the same size and dimensions as 993 Big Reds (I have a vague memory of hearing/reading that once)? The reason I ask is that the 17" Sport Classic was also available on early 996s. If anyone can answer the caliper question, I think I will have my answer.

Thanks.

-Harry

trophy

I cannot answer the wheel question but I can answer the the caliper Question. The Overall dimensions of the 996 caliper are smaller that the big reds. They use smaller pads as well.

The rotors are also of different dimension. the 996 rotors are 28mm instead of the 993tt rotors are 32mm. Overall diamater is for the tt is 322mm and for the 996 is 320mm (just measured a set I have here).

Original wheel size on a 996 are 17`s.

hope this helps a little.

NP993

I can't answer your question about caliper dimensions, but I wouldn't necessarily assume that if a 996 caliper is the same dimensions as a big red, that the same wheel will fit both. The 996 caliper might be positioned on the strut differently than on a 993 -- e.g., spaced in or out differently. The calipers might be the same, but they might not be mounted in the same way.

Harry L

Thank you both.

-Harry

Harry L

How is it possible that, in the vast universe of knowledge that is the rennlist 993 forum, no one knows the answer to my question (i.e., whether 17" Sport Classics clear Big Reds)?

I have decided to make it worth your while: US$5.00 (payable in 5 monthly installments beginning on 1/1/10) to the first person who can authoritatively answer my question.

-Harry

Bill Verburg

I think that there has been a migration of knowledgeable people elsewhere or they are just lurking and not posting. I've noticed a huge drop off in the quantity and quality of posts over the years.

Harry L

I hope that my posts have not contributed to your opinion regarding quality, Bill.

I am relatively new to the forum - so I continue to be amazed by the knowledge of our fellow 993 rennlisters - and the quality and caliber of the people themselves.

Dr. No

Because no one would admit to putting those 996 wheels on their 993?

Harry L

Dr. No.:

1. All of the resources that I have consulted indicate that 17" Sport Classics were optional on 993s, Boxsters and 996s.

2. I have been patiently waiting for someone to make a crack about the lowly 17" Sport Classics - good stuff. They are somewhere on the Porsche OEM wheel food chain between the original 964 wheel and the 16" 993 wheel.

-Harry

Dr. No

Glad to be of service. I'm sure you're right about the option. My car (a 97) came with the stock 996 17" twist wheels, so I'm hardly one to talk. I keep reminding myself that they are several ounces lighter than the Cup IIs and therefore represent a significant advantage in unsprung weight.

nile13

Harry, could you point me to 17" Sport Classics? I'm fairly familiar with P-wheels, but these don't seem to register with me at all. I know of Sport Classics II in 18". But I am, like you, want to stay with 17" wheels and tires.

Bill Verburg

I just looked up TSB#4440, dated 7/03 for 993 wheels.
17" Sport Classic
7x17 ET55 993.362.124.51
9x17 ET55 993.362.128.51
Is listed as approved for all models including Carrera 4S, that means yes, they fit over Big Reds

Harry L

Bill:

Thank you. Where should I send the USD 5.00 (you can PM me)?

Mike:

Attached are a couple of photos of 993s with 17" Sport Classics. Wheel Enhancement's website has a good photo of just the wheel.

Thanks again, Bill.

-Harry

nile13

Harry, I might be very wrong, but visually the first picture sure look like 18" wheels. In any event, I like them, so will be looking for them. Thanks!

Bill Verburg

Happy to help! I've certainly gotten a lot here