michollock

I was hoping to put some factory GT3 MKII wheels on my NB MKI 996. The fronts are 18 x 8.5 with a 40mm offset. It turns out Porshe also make these wheels in a 18 x 8.5 with a 50mm offset and these are the ideal fit for my car. The 40mm offset is more aggressive for the GT3 and works because it has different inner fender liners and more aggressive camber then my stock suspenion 996.

Has anyone made these wheels work on an early NB 996? Can I roll the fenders out to make them fit? Also how will this offset affect the handling of the car. I am currently running the stock 17 inch twists.

Thank you all in advance for the help!!

Paul 996

Sorry but you have that backwards. The 40mm offset will stick out further than the 50mm wheels. Which is what you want with your stock suspension. The 8.5ET50 wheel will likely touch your stock spring perch.

The 996 GT3 is a narrow body car. The stock GT3 wheels will fit your car w/o and changes.

-Paul

michollock

That does make sense. 8ET50 is standard for 18s on NB. So if the wheel is wider by half an inch the offset will need to be smaller so the wheel is pushed out to make up for the wider wheel. I spoke to a Porsche Wheel expert today who told me that this wheel will rub on my car.

Anyone konw what these wheels will do the ride and handling of my car?

gota911

The 8.5" wide wheel with 40 mm offset will extend (move out side) 16mm more than a 8" wide wheel with a 50mm offset. Many guys put either 7mm or 15 mm spacers on their front wheels to push them out farther.

Check it out for yourself on the offset calculator: Wheel Offset Calculator

The 8.5" with 40mm will work on your car.

smshirk

I have had no issues with the fronts on my car. I do have one rub mark on the inside of the left rear that I'm not sure about, and I can't recall anything happening.

AudiOn19s

As long as you intend on running the stock 235 tire size you should be fine. Paul's right in that you'll probably rub the spring perch with a 50mm offset and 8.5' wheel.

LVDell

I put my GT3 wheels on my wife's 996C2CAB and it fit just fine without ANY issues whatsoever. It actually looks BETTER than the stock sizing for her car

Paul 996

For once we all agree !!! LOL

gota911

Since I posted before Dell did, that means that he agrees with me. I HATE it when it is the other way around!

michollock

Smshirk thank you for the pic. Those wheels look awesome! How will they change the ride vs. my 17's. I would imagine the ride will firm up a bit and there will be a little more tire noise due to the wider contact patch. Anything else I should be looking out for.

smshirk

I put a new set of Pilot sports on when I got these wheels, and the net is much better ride, and handling. I attribute most of that to the tires, as I have always had 18s. They are phenomenal. I've had pretty much every tire brand on it, including a half worn set of PS when I got the car, but this is the first time I've had new ones. It is a different car. The 11 inch rears may indeed be helping as well. I have a lot more confidence going in and coming out of any turn. I haven't had it on a track, but I know it will be a lot better than the last time.

quickxotica

Just a thought: Unless you are in love with their looks & getting a great price on these GT3 wheels, I would explore LIGHTER WEIGHT wheels if you can. According to Wheel Enhancement, those mk2 GT3 wheels are heavy, heavy, heavy (22lbs,10oz each up front and 27lbs, 11oz. each for the rears).

Much lighter (and forged!) wheels can be had for similar (or less) money if you are paying retail for those GT3s. For example do a search for CCW one-peice forged wheels, like their "C10" design. No affilation, just a happy customer.

Happy hunting.