I'm curious as to how much heavier my solid spoke turbo's are, and what perceptable difference hollow spoke versions would make? Would it be worth making a switch?

 

I have a 993 C4S which came with solid spokes. They are approximately 5-6 pounds heavier per wheel. When I switched to the hollow spokes, I immediately felt a slightly better ride and somewhat improved handling. It might be worth it if the cost of the upgrade is reasonable but maybe not.

 

You can occassionally find deals on Ebay on Hollow Spokes, or else check with Wheel Enhancement or one of the places in Excellence or Pano that sells take-offs. You'd be surprised how many TT owners dump their hollow spokes for something else. I was thinking of using HS's for the track, but haven't found a good deal recently so I might go with something else.

 

I purchased a set of hollow spokes off of ebay for my 02 C4S and I agree with Viken's comments - there is a perceptible improvement in ride and handling. Not huge - but definately noticeable.

The ebayer that I bought mine from was a Porsche dealer who represented that they had been take-offs from an 03 Turbo after only 1K miles and they came with PZeros. I paid about $2,500 including shipping, which I felt was a fair deal given that the retail price of OEM hollow-spokes and tires is about $6-8K. Plus, I have my solid-spokes with Contis which will serve as my "winter" tire.

 

Just out of curiosity, how do you tell if the wheels are hollow or solid spokes? Is there any visual difference such as a marking somewhere?

 

Hollow spokes: Metal valve stem AND smooth spoke backs.

Solid spokes: Rubber valve stem AND ribbed spoke backs.

 

I bought a set of hollow spokes off E-Bay. They were "used", as they had been taken off a car in the showroom that had 24 miles on them. Could not believe the price, so I put in a bid. Surprised the heck out of me, not to mention the wife when I won it.

I can't really tell the difference in peformance between the two. I use it more as a second set of wheels for track tires than as a "better" set of wheels. For that purpose, the price can't be beat.

 

any pics of the hollow ones? or do they look identical and i just got a cost cutting piece of crap because i got a c4s instead of a TT. turbo look?

 

Turbo II and Turbo Look II look identical.

 

You didnt get a cost cutting p.o.c. you just got solid spoke wheels that weigh a little more but look the same. Some people don't like the hollow spokes because they've damaged them (bent rims I assume) on bad roads, potholes, etc. It would be nice of the Carrera 5 spoke wheels came in the same size as the C4S/Turbo wheels because those are evidently both light and strong. Hollow spokes are only one option for the track there are several aftermarket wheels (HRE,etc.) that come in suitable sizes and weigh less than the standard solid spoke wheels, although they might not be as easy to clean.

See there are trade-offs in everything...

BTW, I noticed you were in Arkansas, are you a PCA member and if so are you doing the multi-region Oktoberfest event in Hermann, MO?

 

GhostRider,

No, I'm not in Arkansas. I put USA in my sig. I'm in the Cleveland area. And you also had the sequence of purchase reversed. I had the solid spoke P.O.C. when it came with my C4S, and I bought the hollow spoke POC off E-Bay for a lot less than even the solid spoke list price. BTW, I like them both, and I can't tell the difference in performance. I can't tell the diff in durability either, since they both stand up fine to all the abuse I put them through.

 

Palting,
Actually I was replying to KWC4S, but accidently quoted your message instead of his. My bad. Kudos on the hollow spoke score, care share with us how much you nabbed them for? Feel free to PM it if you don't want it publicly known. No difference on the track eh?

KWC4S that response was to you despite my bone-headed misquoting of Palting's post.