I have a '96' 993, which I purchased last year, that came with 18 inch after market FSH Turbo twist wheels. They are two piece welded wheels. I would like to do some DE events this summer and I'm wondering if they are safe to use? If not what should I look at. Thanks for your help.

 

Hard question to answer; don't know anything about what you have. For track I'm running a set of Mille Miglias (single piece cast that look like the factory 17" "Cup" wheels). Spokes sure are thinner cross section than the Porsche wheels, tho.

Best bet I would think are:

a) Factory wheels

b) Company called "Forgeline" (right spelling?) makes quality wheels. I wanted a set when I first bought my 993 in '96. A trial fit indicated I would have clearance problems in the rear, but I believe others are using them. They might have given me wrong offsets when I bought mine.

One indicator of a quality wheel: the German "TUV" stamp of approval.

 

No idea about those specific wheels. You might check around to see if any one in your area can "magnaflux" the wheels to look for hairline cracks that aren't visible to the eye.

If you are unsure of the quality or condition of the wheels best bet is to get a new set. Look at Forgeline, Kinesis, BBS, or Fikse, to name a few. These are all forged wheels and have been used and tested in track conditions. Factory wheels are also a good alternative.

Greg

 

Ray and Greg,

Thanks for the info. I was leaning towards a set of factory wheels but I'll certainly check out the others mentioned. Are those other wheels (Forgeline, BBS, Kinesis, etc.) lighter than the factory 18" wheels? Thanks again.

 

Brian: I have the same wheels. I have done about 6 or 7 DE events with no problems. However, I would not do it over again if I had known. A good weld job is as strong--or stronger than cast, but what is a good weld job?

 

[quote]Originally posted by Brian 96C2:
<strong>Ray and Greg,

Thanks for the info. I was leaning towards a set of factory wheels but I'll certainly check out the others mentioned. Are those other wheels (Forgeline, BBS, Kinesis, etc.) lighter than the factory 18" wheels? Thanks again.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Brian,
The hollow spoke wheels are about the same weight as most forged aftermarket wheels like the ones mentioned. The one notable exception is the BBS Magnesium wheel they weigh 3 or 4 pounds less and are a fair bit more expensive and not as durable.

The solid spoke wheels are quite a bit heavier. Look at the '02 996 18" wheels at <a href="http://www.carnewal.com" target="_blank">www.carnewal.com</a>
Greg

 

[quote]Are those other wheels (Forgeline, BBS, Kinesis, etc.) lighter than the factory 18" wheels?<hr></blockquote>

Brian, if you haven't done any driving events yet, you wouldn't be able to tell a light wheel from a heavy one when driving a "stock" 993. I doubt if I really could after 15 years of doing it in various 911s.