sharkster

The SharkWerks gang has always been keen on weight savings and not just adding power. Hence, if you're going to change wheels we always think it's fine it they "look nice" but we've always wanted something that's forged, strong and yet lighter than what you're taking off. (Less is more in terms of unsprung weight and rotational inertia for optimal acceleration, handling and braking performance). Designed specifically for track and street applications we've partnered with HRE to outfit our 3.9L 996GT3 project with their new 18 inch R40 one-piece forged (using 6061-T6 forged aluminum) wheels in crazy blue (a la GT3RS in Ze Europe). The R40 is available in 18” diameter and widths ranging from 8.5” – 12” in Multi-lug and Center Lock versions (soon-ish). Note the rattle-gun friendly open dish shape for fast wheel changes! The R40 wheel was derived from and used on race cars that won the 2010 Grand-Am GS Championship.

Let's start off with the factory 996GT3 wheels (also pleasing on the eye) which on the 996GT3 were considered somewhat "light". The stock rears with stock 295/30/18 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires mounted are 56.5 pounds:


After the tire is removed the wheel itself comes in at 28.5 (not too shabby):


And over to the fronts with the stock tires mounted (48 pounds):


No doubt these aren't the lightest tire but here's the front wheel with the tire off (25.2 pounds):


Here's the front 18x8.5 HRE wheel weighing in at 18.3 pounds:


And now mounted with the same stock tire (40.5 pounds):


Over to the rear 11 inch wheel coming in at 20.2 pounds:


And with the tire installed it comes in at 47 pounds (check the machining on the inside of the spokes):


What we have here folks is a pretty neat weight cut of 8.3 pounds per corner in the rear and 6.9 pounds per corner in the front. That's a total of 30.4 pounds. It all starts to add up with the 54 pounds taken off of the rear, the light-weight seats, battery, brakes etc... With the wheels themselves being comparable in price to a new set of these factory GT3 wheels lighter is the way we're going

Rear wheels installed:


Front wheels installed. And yes we've got the 8-piston Brembo GTR brake kit to fit with plenty of room to spare. For those of you with PCCB's 18s is not an issue:


On her way home:

Barn996

I like the look and love the weight reduction where it really counts.

Mfletch

Great project Alex. Thanks for posting your progress. Reminiscent of project "white shark".

Hardback

Tasty

francars

Those wheels look great on the white GT3. Well done

sharkster

Thank you sir!

Cheers!

Thanks man and I miss that car;(

Thank you sir! Yep cutting weight is good fun... not easy or cheap but rewarding