ZeeZee

I use my 996 as a daily driver, and I love the opportunity to really push the curves when I can. Lately, I've been thinking of upgrading my wheels, and I really prefer the way 19s look. However I'm eally concerned that the ride quality will suffer significantly and that the handling profile will actually change for the worse (suspension geometry desgined for 18s max).

I know that this has been beaten to death around here, but I'd still appreciate any opinions from those who have made the switch. I can always wait until I get a second car and use this one for weekend blasts.

Thanks in adavance...

Chads996

I typically caution this sort of thing. However, since you have stated that you understand the consequences, I won't quote the usual.

Typically, there is more mechanical grip, and you will feel this in the steering wheel. I know of one friend who went this route and promptly went back to 18's because (in his words), "It was just too much." He went on to explain, the small bumps and inconsistencies in the road got transferred that much more. And bigger bumps felt like mountains. However...if you do not mind this feel, maybe they are for you.

Chad

riotgear

chad, does that apply to the 997 as well?

Chads996

No...the 997's suspension geometry has been designed to accomodate the use of 19" wheels.

Chad

stiles_s

Another big factor w/the 997 is that Porsche increased the overall rolling diameter of the wheel/tire package (for the first time since the 60s?) to accommodate their customer's cries for 19s.

TT Gasman

19"s for bling, 18"s for go.
Seriously, I don't think the 19s are a good idea on the street, too much chance of damage.

MikeZ

If you want to push the curves, consider going with a lowered suspension like an X74. You will be amazed how much better it makes the handling.

jetskied

I agree with Chads as you will feel more of the bumps. I have 19's with 235/35 and 315/25 and can tell you that you will not gain anything as far as handling. So if you don't mind a little extra bump in the ride then looks is worth it. I don't think there was any detriment to the handling, but I am considering changing tire size to the 997 size in hopes of some better ride.

JS

18" is a better setup for the 996.

SPR

The problem with most 19's are the increase in weight. The only reason to go for the 19's is for the 15" brakes you can stuff in them! This is of course assuming you are going to pay bank for the super light rims to make the "upgrade in size" not a detriment in unsprung weight

gonz911

Hey Fellas, Any chance those of you who are not in favor of 19"s and bought 18"s are regretting it because they look perfect for the 996? It seems to me that anything other than a 19" on these cars look too small. With regard to damage, assuming it's not a huge pot hole, if you have proper inflation you shouldn't have the problem. I'm waiting for Spring to arrive and 19"s are going on mine. Looking at the 18"s in this forum after looking at 19"s look incorrect. Just my opinion.

stiles_s

Those of us that are more interested in function than impressing others are likely to prefer 18s, since they are going to be:
- lighter, with all the benefits that come along with this.
- a size the 996's suspension was designed for, and will likely handle better
- provide a better ride
- better tire choice, with the tires being cheaper apples::apples as well

Being the contrarian I am, i'm seriously considering going with the '02+ "lightweight" 17s. My guess is that 17s are actually the best overall performance size for street (and possibly track too).

ZeeZee

Thanks for all of the input - this board rocks. I think I might look into 18s now that have a better design than mine, plus maybe I'll look into lighter wheels that'll reduce the unsprung weight. I don't totally dislike the way 18s look, I just think that 19s look better, but after reading these postings I'm feeling less comfortable making that move.

So - now the next question: will 18s with ROW M030 ride more comfortably than my stock suspension with 19s?

SPR

02 lightweights for the 996 are 18. I think the lightweight boxter ones are also 18 not 17

stiles_s

Note that I didn't say "carrera lightweight", which are the lightweight 18" 5-spokes. The 10-spoke 17" standard wheels on the '02+ 996s are also much lighter than previous years, hence being referred to as lightweight as well.

http://www.wheelenhancement.com/inde...elDetail&id=44