GBG

Is it a problem to put 19" wheels on a 996 that has the x74 suspension? My mechanic recommends that I don't do it because he says that the x74 suspension isn't designed for 19" rims, and the larger wheels may cause problems over time. (Not sure what type of "problems" he is refering to).
Anyone have any experience here? Thanks.

GBG

JS

He is right, stick with 18".

TT Surgeon

The x74 was designed for 18's, only. If you change to 19's, changes all the dynamics of the system. Keep the 18's, 19's are useless on the track anyway.

GBG

Thanks guys, just saved me some $$.

jetskied

19" has no handling advantages, and may even reduce performance number( very minimal though), but I don't see it as a true detrimental to the car. If you are using it for the street for looks then go for it. True 18" is better for the track. The shorter sidewalls of 19" hurts handling by the tire not having as much flex so that the contact patch is optimal, and it does have some extra roughness in ride. The extra couple of pounds can effect handling too, but they are not gonna make your car fall apart. I think your mechanic thinks that the extra weight can cause wear on the ball joints and other suspension parts, but since most of the better wheels are about the same weight(26 lbs) as the OE non hollow spoke turbo 18" wheels, I don't see how can this be. Also consider the suspension parts do wear any way and that there is no way to tell that the wheels can do it more. Get them for looks, but if you're expecting better performance save your money.

gonz911

I have a '99 996 and am also interested in putting 19"s on my car. I just bought some H&R Sports and going to have them installed, then buy the wheels. Which year and/or models have the X74 suspension and is this realy an issue if you don't track the car (just like the look)?

rmani

what exactly is the x74 suspension?

gonz911

Beats me. I read this on the thread and wondered myself. Just want to know if I'm going to blow $5k on a set of 19" wheels as a mistake. Love the love but worried about it and anything mechanical.

Moogle

x74 is a suspension upgrade for the 996 carrrera, it is an option.

details here:

http://e-partssales.com/Merchant2/me..._Code=996sport

rss997

dont put 19's w/hr springs...i had that set up and could not tke the ride anymore so i put 18's and loved them on my 996.....

19's were to noisy and rough w/ hr springs....still handled awesome with proper alignment and 18's!

rmani

Wow porsche offers a coilover system form the dealer? At least those pics from the link looks like coilovers. Thanks for the info moogle.