tooloud10

OK, I am not a wheel expert by any stretch of the imagination, so I need some help. I want to get a used winter wheel/tire package for my '99 C4. I'm going used because I really don't drive the car much in the winter, but I'd like to be able to and I don't want to spend an arm and a leg. Here are my options right now:

Option #1:
Aftermarket Porsche Cup style rims
Front: 17" x 7.5" rim with 52 offset and 5x130 bolt pattern and 205/55/17 tires
Rear: 17" x 9" rim with 47 offset and 5x130 bolt pattern and 235/50/17 tires

Option #2:
Aftermarket 17" turbo twist look wheels with same size tires as above. Do not know offset, but they came off an '07 Cayman S

Option #3:
OEM Porsche rims from the base 986/996 cars
Front: 17" x 7" rim with 55 offset and 5x130 bolt pattern and 205/50/17 tires
Rear: 17" x 8.5" rim with 50 offset and 5x130 bolt pattern and 255/40/17 tires

I'm leaning towards the first option, but I don't even officially know if any of these will fit on my car. Like I said, I am clueless when it comes to rims and am worried about offsets, etc.

Thanks!

Van

Options 1 and 3 have about the same "mounting plane to outside lip" dimensions - so they'll look roughly the same mounted on the car.

For snow tires, skinny is better.

I'm surprised that the wider rear rim (option 1) has the 235 tire on it - and the narrower rim (option 3) has the 255 tire on it...

Option 2 will probably fit, too.

More importantly, what brand of winter tires are you going to put on? Get a good brand! (Blizzaks, Winter Sports, Hakipaledias, etc.)

BruceP

I wouldn't rule out 18s, if that's what your car runs on now. I use 18" wheels for my winter tire setup here in Toronto, with excellent results, and this would eliminate your fitment challenge. Here's a pic of my car on Pirelli Snowsport 240s and some economy-priced BSA rims.

The conventional wisdom is that narrower tires are better, but for snow that most urban Porsche's will see, I disagree. The wisdom of narrow tires applies to situations where you need a tire to find its way through deep snow to a hard surface below. If you drive in deep snow, then narrow is better. But if your driving is typical urban winter driving, you're giving up some handling and braking margin for no good reason.

Van

Until you need to come to a quick stop at a slushy intersection!

I don't think it's practical to run 185 width tires... but, given the choice, I think 205 is better than 225 - and 235 is better than 265.

BruceP

Define 'slushy'. If it's deep, then as I've already clearly said, narrow is better. But if it's not, I'll take my tires any day and call the flatbed for you. For the situation you describe, the 'contact pressure' of a narrower tire on the pavement won't do much for you. Managing moisture is a function of tread design, not width. And friction is a function of compound and contact patch.

The win is in picking the right tire for the conditions you mostly drive in. There is no tire for all of them.

Four years driving a 996 with no traction assists in Canadian winters, and over 30 years of Canadian winter driving before that, including several years in automotive marketing and even some time advising Goodyear. I'm afraid I'm pretty committed to my opinion on this. ; )

Dharn55

I would be careful on buying any of these sets of wheels. None of them are set up for a NB 996, they are fore Wide body (C4S/Turbo or Boxster/Caymens). The fronts probably won't be a problem as the stock offset is 50, but the stock offset for the rears is 65, so the first set moves the tires out 18mm and the last set moves them out 25mm. And Boxster/Cayman's use a lower offset than NB 996's. With 17" wheels you might get away with it, but with 18" wheels you would need to use a lower profile tire.

Just a note to be careful so that you don't have a rubbing problem.

pongobaz

I've been running 18" Snowsport 240's for the past three winters on my C4S and it goes through snow better than most SUVs. BTW, my rear winter tires are 295's!...same width as the summer tires.

tooloud10

That's what I'm worried about! I want a PROPER fit and don't just want to throw something on there.

Thanks...

fbgh2o

I believe that the 65mm offset to which you refer is for a 10" wide rear wheel.

Assuming option #1

The fronts clear fine
The rears stick out an extra 0.4" which should be okay

Assuming option #3

The fronts clear fine
The rears stick out an extra 0.3" which should be okay

I run the latter on my 1999 C4 and I believe those were available as the 17" option on the 996.

Jake Ok

Run stock 18" with 225/40 front and 265/35 rear

BuddyK

I have 18" turbo twist replica rims with Pirelli Snowsports (Porsche N spec, so it was an easy choice) on my 1999 C4.

I have been happy with them. Saskatchewan winter too!

I too have heard of a lot of people going for 17" for winter, more economical I think, and possibly other advantages, I don't know for sure.

fbgh2o

Big time on the tires.... and also better availability and options.

Dennis C

If you call the guys at www.wheelenhancement.com they will give you the proper offset and size for winter wheels for your vehicle. They sell OEM wheels, replica wheels, used/reconditioned OEM wheels and other aftermarket wheels.

I bought mine there. They mounted Blizzaks and shipped them right to my door ready to install. My experience there was great.

FWIW - I went with option 1 (replica wheels). Mine are replica Sport Technos and are the indentical offset and size to the OEM recommended winter wheels and tires.

Good luck!

AudiOn19s

Buy 17's if you can get the right fit of wheel. Tires are much more economical and the slightly taller sidewall provides a little more insurance against pot holes or sliding into something in slippery conditions.

I drop from 19" wheels to 15" wheels on my A4 in the winter. It looks silly but its effective and economical. I think I spent $280 on a brand new set of 4 Dunlop snow tires a couple weeks ago for it.

skiracer

Tire Rack has great occasional deals on 'scratch & dent' wheels - I got a set of 17" turbo twists and put on Dunlop snow tires on my '02 C4. It's a great setup for snowy Colorado winters - I am very pleased and it was a very affordable setup. Don't try to cut too many corners here - one slip off the road and you'll be cursing yourself for being a cheapskate.