18s or 19s... pros & cons?
03-12-2003, 07:46 PM
#1
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18s or 19s... pros & cons?
I'd like to swap out my hollow spokes for something with a little more depth, and I like the looks of the Fikse FM10s and the BBS LeMans style of wheels. The HRE and the Kinesis also have wheels that look similar. If I buy these wheels new, the delta cost difference between 18 or 19 isn't that large. I'm not planning on tracking this car.
So... what are the pros and cons of 18s vs 19s?
Further, if you had to choose between the Fikse FM10 and the BBS LeMans, which one and why?
So... what are the pros and cons of 18s vs 19s?
Further, if you had to choose between the Fikse FM10 and the BBS LeMans, which one and why?
03-12-2003, 07:54 PM
#2
Personally, I think there are too many cons to move to a 19" wheel.
Some that come to mind are:
a) weight - metal is heavier than tire, so 19" rims are going to be heavier than 18" rims, in most cases )
b) limited tire selection with 19" wheels
c) easier to bend on potholes, train tracks, rough roads, etc.
However, the agree that the looks of a 19" wheel are AWESOME! Perhaps for my show car, but not for my car that I'm going to be driving on the street.
You may want to check out some of the reverse drop center wheels. Even though they are 18" wheels, they appear much larger becuase of the way they are made. Here's an example from KinesisMotorsport.com.
Here is an example of the regular wheel:
<img src="http://www.kinesismotorsport.com/images/K18_r5_c1.jpg" alt=" - " />
And here is the reverse drop center wheel:
<img src="http://www.kinesismotorsport.com/images/reverse_template_r5_c1.jpg" alt=" - " />
Some that come to mind are:
a) weight - metal is heavier than tire, so 19" rims are going to be heavier than 18" rims, in most cases )
b) limited tire selection with 19" wheels
c) easier to bend on potholes, train tracks, rough roads, etc.
However, the agree that the looks of a 19" wheel are AWESOME! Perhaps for my show car, but not for my car that I'm going to be driving on the street.
You may want to check out some of the reverse drop center wheels. Even though they are 18" wheels, they appear much larger becuase of the way they are made. Here's an example from KinesisMotorsport.com.
Here is an example of the regular wheel:
<img src="http://www.kinesismotorsport.com/images/K18_r5_c1.jpg" alt=" - " />
And here is the reverse drop center wheel:
<img src="http://www.kinesismotorsport.com/images/reverse_template_r5_c1.jpg" alt=" - " />
03-12-2003, 10:27 PM
#3
RL Technical Advisor
Hi Steve:
Great question!
Jeff offered some sound reasons and I'd add my 2 cents if you do not mind.
The current fashion of larger diameter wheels come with a price to pay. As Jeff pointed out, almost all 19" wheel & tire combinations are heavier than their 18" equivalents but even more important, their rotational mass is further from the center; its called Moment of Inertia.
This not only increases unsprung weight affecting ride quality and handling, but this slows a car's acceleration and braking performance, all things being equal. Professional race cars with 18" and 19" wheels use forged magnesium wheels that really control the weight and MOI issues. These wheels are not appropriate for street use.
IMHO, the decision to use 18" or 19" wheels/tires should rest on cosmetics, not performance, handling or ride. This latter aspect is a no brainer, to me.
Fikse, BBS, Kinesis, and HRE are all excellent wheels and choice is largely based on what you like,....
Great question!
Jeff offered some sound reasons and I'd add my 2 cents if you do not mind.
The current fashion of larger diameter wheels come with a price to pay. As Jeff pointed out, almost all 19" wheel & tire combinations are heavier than their 18" equivalents but even more important, their rotational mass is further from the center; its called Moment of Inertia.
This not only increases unsprung weight affecting ride quality and handling, but this slows a car's acceleration and braking performance, all things being equal. Professional race cars with 18" and 19" wheels use forged magnesium wheels that really control the weight and MOI issues. These wheels are not appropriate for street use.
IMHO, the decision to use 18" or 19" wheels/tires should rest on cosmetics, not performance, handling or ride. This latter aspect is a no brainer, to me.
Fikse, BBS, Kinesis, and HRE are all excellent wheels and choice is largely based on what you like,....
03-13-2003, 12:49 AM
#4
In addition to the above very valid pts, I'll add a few lesser ones.
19" wheels are easier to damage not only from potholes but also from kissing the curb, depending on how "stretched" your tires are. Even if you're an expert at parralel parking, how about that restaurant valet?
Tires for 19" are still not as widely available as those for 18". If your car is a weekend car not really an issue; but if you take it on long weekends (I drive mine to Vegas fairly often) then needing a new tire in the middle of nowhere may be an issue.
On the plus side, with the 19" you can upgrade to the 8 piston Brembo brakes!! I personally like the looks of 19" wheels, but I think they look better on 996s and 18" look better on the 993 bodystyle.
And I really like the Kinesis K58 <img border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" title="" src="graemlins/bigok.gif" />
19" wheels are easier to damage not only from potholes but also from kissing the curb, depending on how "stretched" your tires are. Even if you're an expert at parralel parking, how about that restaurant valet?
Tires for 19" are still not as widely available as those for 18". If your car is a weekend car not really an issue; but if you take it on long weekends (I drive mine to Vegas fairly often) then needing a new tire in the middle of nowhere may be an issue.
On the plus side, with the 19" you can upgrade to the 8 piston Brembo brakes!! I personally like the looks of 19" wheels, but I think they look better on 996s and 18" look better on the 993 bodystyle.
And I really like the Kinesis K58 <img border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" title="" src="graemlins/bigok.gif" />
03-13-2003, 12:11 PM
#5
Here's a pic of some 19" ruf rims in chrome optic finish, you might consider as well:
<img src="http://www.cuberootconsulting.com/albums/album12/TurboR_CTR_small.jpg" alt=" - " />
<img src="http://www.cuberootconsulting.com/albums/album12/TurboR_CTR_small.jpg" alt=" - " />
03-13-2003, 01:08 PM
#6
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Those RUF's are nice. I prefer the Fikse FM10's and am contemplating 18's or 19's as well. Tire availability is the biggest issue for me right now.
I am currently running 295/30/18 in the rear and the only tire I can find available in a 19 is 295/30/19. As both wheels would be 11" wide, doesn't that translate to a "taller" wheel or larger diameter? I like the way my car looks right now with the top of the tire level with the bottom of the fender. With the 19's being larger in diameter, I do not really want the tire to tuck under the fender.
Does anyone know if there is a comparable plus tire size such as a 305/25/19?
I am currently running 295/30/18 in the rear and the only tire I can find available in a 19 is 295/30/19. As both wheels would be 11" wide, doesn't that translate to a "taller" wheel or larger diameter? I like the way my car looks right now with the top of the tire level with the bottom of the fender. With the 19's being larger in diameter, I do not really want the tire to tuck under the fender.
Does anyone know if there is a comparable plus tire size such as a 305/25/19?
03-13-2003, 01:32 PM
#7
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
I find that tire-rack is a pretty good source for most major brands of tires, and can tell you what's available in different sizes. Takes a bit of searching. Like adscab911, I wonder also if those same size tires in a 19" wouldn't actually raise the car up by 1/2"?
I think I'm getting convinced to stick with the 18". My used Fikse FM10s got sold to someone else, so I guess I'm wide open to ideas. I just can't rationalize spending ~$4000 for a set of wheels, so I must find some used. Actually, I CAN rationalize spending the ~$4000, its my wife that doesn't understand the need ("You already have 4 wheels? They're round? Huh?").
I think I'm getting convinced to stick with the 18". My used Fikse FM10s got sold to someone else, so I guess I'm wide open to ideas. I just can't rationalize spending ~$4000 for a set of wheels, so I must find some used. Actually, I CAN rationalize spending the ~$4000, its my wife that doesn't understand the need ("You already have 4 wheels? They're round? Huh?").
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03-13-2003, 01:50 PM
#8
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adscab911: What you mention is exactly true. There was a RADICAL 993TT sitting next to mine this weekend that had the 19 inch RUF wheels on it. Our suspensions were lowered a similar amout. I have 295.30.18 on Fikse FM-10s and he had 285.30.19 and his wheel to fender clearance was less than mine due to the extra height of the wheel.
03-13-2003, 02:26 PM
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[QUOTE]Originally posted by Jeff 993TT:
[QB]Here's a pic of some 19" ruf rims in chrome optic finish, you might consider as well:
Jeff,
Where did you get the clear front signals? I know some people take exception to this modification, but on a black or silver porsche I think it is a much cleaner look than U.S. stock yellow.
[QB]Here's a pic of some 19" ruf rims in chrome optic finish, you might consider as well:
Jeff,
Where did you get the clear front signals? I know some people take exception to this modification, but on a black or silver porsche I think it is a much cleaner look than U.S. stock yellow.
03-13-2003, 03:33 PM
#12
</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Originally posted by Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems:
<strong>Be aware that those beautifully made Ruf wheels are quite heavy. You would be surprised,.... </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Of course it become less of an issue is your car is a Ruf CTR <img border="0" alt="[jumper]" title="" src="graemlins/jumper.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[jumper]" title="" src="graemlins/jumper.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[jumper]" title="" src="graemlins/jumper.gif" />
Steve how much do those weigh - about 29-30lbs?
<strong>Be aware that those beautifully made Ruf wheels are quite heavy. You would be surprised,....
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Helvetica">Of course it become less of an issue is your car is a Ruf CTR <img border="0" alt="[jumper]" title="" src="graemlins/jumper.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[jumper]" title="" src="graemlins/jumper.gif" /> <img border="0" alt="[jumper]" title="" src="graemlins/jumper.gif" /> Steve how much do those weigh - about 29-30lbs?
03-13-2003, 03:39 PM
#13
Umm, guys, that's not my car.
I wish that it was, but it isn't. If you look at my signature, you'll see my polar silver TT.
As far as getting the clear turn signals, you can get the full length ones from <a href="http://www.carnewal.com" target="_blank">www.carnewal.com</a> or you can get the pre cut ones from <a href="http://www.ajusa.com" target="_blank">www.ajusa.com</a>
I'm planning to change the turn signals soon. As soon as I find a way to hide the expenses from my wife!
I wish that it was, but it isn't. If you look at my signature, you'll see my polar silver TT.
As far as getting the clear turn signals, you can get the full length ones from <a href="http://www.carnewal.com" target="_blank">www.carnewal.com</a> or you can get the pre cut ones from <a href="http://www.ajusa.com" target="_blank">www.ajusa.com</a>
I'm planning to change the turn signals soon. As soon as I find a way to hide the expenses from my wife!
03-13-2003, 06:08 PM
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Regarding changing out the turn signals - do you have to remove the black "bumperette", and if so I imagine that part of the bumper needs to be repainted? Anyone have experience with this?
03-13-2003, 06:20 PM
#15
Nordschleife Master
Thread Starter
Jeff,
Sorry about the mistaken identity of the black TT. So, here comes the hard, very technical question: how the heck do you hide ANYTHING from your wife? Well, I confess, mine knew about the Gemballa ECU that installed itself one evening. Maybe this deserves a new thread?
Sorry about the mistaken identity of the black TT. So, here comes the hard, very technical question: how the heck do you hide ANYTHING from your wife? Well, I confess, mine knew about the Gemballa ECU that installed itself one evening. Maybe this deserves a new thread?