996 MY02 - 17" or 18" wheels ?
 

I plan to order a 2002 soon. Does anyone have a 996 with the stock 17" wheels? Do you give up much handling for any comfort and perhaps less chance of rim and wheel damage?

I have the 17's for now. I decided to get a set of aftermarket rims (probably Speedline's) before I swapped my '99 for the '01. I still haven't decided which ones , however I've already had my new '01 for a month! 18's are definately the way to go. The new 18's (MY02) are coming. In the early pictures I've seen, they look very different than the current wheels. Make sure you see a picture before you commit to them. I think they're pretty nice for a "factory" wheel. Had they been out for the MY01, I might have gone for them. If you like them, get them. If they don't really appeal to you, get the 17's, and upgrade later. You'll have the luxury of having a second set of wheels (great for harsh weather states or for track time). As far as handling, the 17's are a little on the soft side. At least with the Conti's that my '01 came with. Though I must say, they are very forgiving on poor roads. If you live in an area with poor roads, you may want to get the 17's.

[ 30-05-2001: Message edited by: Ofer ]

Of course, the chances of rim damage are greater with 18's than 17's. However, you don't necessarily give-up any handling if you stay with 17's provided you end-up with a performance tire. The 17" wheel and tire combo is also usually lighter than the 18" version. If you have any concerns at all about damage, repair and cost, stay with the 17's and you won't be sorry. The 18's are mostly good for looks, anyway.

I agree with Viken. Take the standard 17s and use the $$ for a "unique" set of 18" upgrades with your own tire choice. Much greater availability/better price on 17" track tires as well--save the 18s for concours, etc. I bought a set of 18" OZ Racing Velas (reminiscent of a 3 piece "Fuchs") and use the standard 17s for everything but PCA concours events. FWIW. Van

Viken,I'm sticking with my 17's, and shortly it will be time for new tires. I'm leaning heavily towards michelins.The newer pilot sport seems like a better tire than the mxx3, but has not shipped on OEM cars, yet.My goal is to improve handling over the contis, and still get a half decent tread life. Should I go with the pilot sports, or am I missing something?

Perry, I just got my second set of the new 17" Pilots on my BMW 540i Sport. They are absoluty the best tire I have had on a sport sedan. Porsche is installing this tire on the 996 in the 18" size but still using up their MXX3 stock in the 17's. If you are due for a change, I wouldn't hesitate one bit to get the new Pilots.

Also, you might be interested to know that the Pilot Sport SX is installed on the GT3 and, as of last month, on the 996 Turbo as well. Both have the "N0" designation.

[ 01-06-2001: Message edited by: Viken Bedrossian ]

[ 01-06-2001: Message edited by: Viken Bedrossian ]

Viken, which Pilot tyres specifically? Pilot tyres on Michelin's website are Pilot XGT Z4, Pilot MXX3 and Pilot XGT V4. From Tirerack's site, am guessing you mean Pilot Sport and NOT Pilot XGT Z4 though I couldn't figure out what Pilot Sport was called on Michelin's site. I have the Michelin Pilot MXX3s on the M3 and they are great - even better than the SO2 (they dont beat the SO2 in looks but thats okay :)
(Whoops. caught you editing and so will i then. here is the link -
http://www.michelin-us.com/us/eng/ti...og/highpro.htm

[ 01-06-2001: Message edited by: Ran ]

Ran, Michelin's US web site is still in the dark ages. Go to www.michelin.fr for better info. However, the tire we are talking about is called Pilot Sport SX (without MXX3) and is the latest top of the line Michelin. Also, the Tire Rack web site has a pretty good lineup of the Michelin tires:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/michelin/michelin.htm

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/image...ilot_sport.jpg

Viken, Thanks. The 17'S at this point do not have the NO designation..should I be concerned ?

No, do not be concerned. Just get the ones without the "N" designation.

Still think the 18s are better.

Gotta agree.
now back to the archives to find some other interesting 10 year old thread

14-1/2 y.o. thread resurrected...that's impressive!

It's a trend. Ostensibly for the benefit of those new to the forum.

You might find some good discussions from this era comparing the Nokia 8250 to the Mororola StarTAC. Personally, I liked the Nokia better. If only Apple would make a phone!