fpb111

Barn996
1960 Sprite 1318#
http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/d...=8175&i=2#menu

soverystout

Lighter rims and tires are an effective way to make your car feel faster and lighten your wallet.

It is amazing the difference in the same size tire. Continental seems to have the advantage here. The Conti 3s 2s DWSs and DWs all have a fairly decent weight advantage over most of the competition.

17 Volk or BBS RGRs will make a dramatic difference to. You can sometimes shave 10lbs per corner with the right setup. Now that is assuming that you are switching from gravity or low pressure cast wheels to 1 or 2 piece fully forged wheels and going to a lighter tire.

If you go to tirerack.com, you can compare the various weights of different brands of tires.

number9ine

This isn't a funny answer at all, it's the right one! I think the OP wants that light car steering feel, and smaller wheels will do that for you. I just replaced the lobster forks on my 997 with Sport Classics and you feel the extra weight of those wheels in the steering and sometimes the clutch. On my wife's Boxster the steering is featherweight and nimble on 17s, more so than my Box S was on the 18" MY02 lightweights.

To OP--there's no noticeable handling penalty for 17" on your Targa, tires are cheaper, and the wheels can be had for a song. Go for it and don't look back!

Barn996

Thanks fpb111...I thought my bugeye was 1700+ lbs NOT 1318lbs. Thanks for the info.

Optical TDI

I like these black Vorsteiner wheels http://www.vorsteiner.com/Wheels/1PieceCast/01/3.jpg , but not sure how much they weigh. I would like to stick to 18s for summer, but maybe a lighter weight wheel. However I already have the "lightweight" Carrera 18s. If I could loose 5 lbs per corner that may help.

nick49

I notice how light and nimble my wife's Boxster feels as well. I always think that my Carrera feels great, quick steering. and light. But then a quick blast down the street and around a couple of turns in the 17" shod Boxter, and my car feels like a tank in comparison.

I may get a set of 17s just to try. I doubt you'd even notice the difference in traction on the street even driving fairly aggressively.

ivangene

well I vote NO on the ROW - not gonna do it for ya..

the X73/X74 or some combo of lower springs and bigger sway bars will make a differance - alignment is a majoy plus - I put in the CF GT3 Euro seats and some other things and to honest my car felt great....till I got in the 86'.... now I am thinking I would buy q 71-73 next time

I can tell you - drive a 997 C4S and you will think your car is already light !

BruceP

Funny thing is, the reference wheel for the design of the 996 suspension was 17". I think the 18" is regarded not as the best wheel for the car, but as the best compromise between looks and performance.

dresler

Optical time delay and integrate?

I sense another nerd in our mist.

Pac996

Drive faster

quickxotica

If you are after "feel" the first step should be to inspect all suspension bushings and motor/tranny mounts to make sure they are all still within spec. Worn bushings and mounts can generate a lot of slop which makes the car feel heavy and non-responsive. Then, get a good alignment, possibly to settings that are more aggressive than stock.

Given that you are starting with a Targa, getting actual weight out of the car may seem pointless... but you could always try some of the following and see if the car "feels" better in your opinion. If not, reverse. If so, win!

CHEAP Items lbs.
remove all 4 floor mats -5
remove spare tire + toolkit -30
LW battery (e.g. Oddessy 925) -20
remove rear seatbacks -20
empty glovebox & cabin -7
drain wiper fluid -11
run 1/4 tank gas (-11 gls @ 6lbs ea = 66lbs lighter than full tank) -66
remove stereo, install center console delete -23
total cheap items (182)
EXPENSIVE stuff
install GT3 seats (pair) -40
LW mufflers (pair) -35
LW Flywheel -15
TRG Carbon Fiber hood -21
Grand Total (272)

Barn996

If your weights are accurate, then 182lbs is significant on the cheap. Unfortunately, 1 passenger pretty much negates that reduction.(unless you track a lot). Good info.

eggodynamics

182 lbs. feels like an additional 50hp.