997 possible purchase
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 186
From: Seattle-ish, WA
Congratulations on the purchase! I too recommend downsizing the wheels - go with 18 for max function, 19 are good for looks, and with the right set they can be very functional too. Fisters are quite civilized when not stomping on the pedal - I havent managed to irritate my neighbors yet during my morning getaways 😊
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 152
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From: Massachusetts
Put the 18" rims on it today that came from a 2006 997. So much smoother on rough roads. The 20" rims are monsters, 2" bigger overall diameter and 1" wider. While I did not have a scale, my back tells me they are heavier too. they look good, but on the road the 18" are more comfortable and feel good on corners. Probably stick with the 18" and keep an eye out for some 19".
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 28,544
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From: Clemson, SC
Put the 18" rims on it today that came from a 2006 997. So much smoother on rough roads. The 20" rims are monsters, 2" bigger overall diameter and 1" wider. While I did not have a scale, my back tells me they are heavier too. they look good, but on the road the 18" are more comfortable and feel good on corners. Probably stick with the 18" and keep an eye out for some 19".
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,579
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From: Maryland
Put the 18" rims on it today that came from a 2006 997. So much smoother on rough roads. The 20" rims are monsters, 2" bigger overall diameter and 1" wider. While I did not have a scale, my back tells me they are heavier too. they look good, but on the road the 18" are more comfortable and feel good on corners. Probably stick with the 18" and keep an eye out for some 19".
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 14,880
Likes: 2,801
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Goldilocks- try 19"'s. That's what I run daily, and I like the look a lot. Otherwise, either are fine. Those 20"'s actually look pretty good. I put my 18"s on one of my 928's, and they sure modernized the look of that car too.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Clemson, SC
Keeping rolling circumference the same with a 19" wheel tire setup vs a 20" wheel tire setup using the same brand and model of wheel, the 19" will always also weigh less, so lower unsprung weight that helps the car be more responive and the suspension to work better and accelerate quicker. The ultimate setup is forged wheels and PCCB brakes as that combination probably removes 15-20 lbs from each corner.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 225
Likes: 131
From: Northern NJ
Plus I'm a big form follows function kinda guy, so I have to say the 18's are the better choice, even if they make the car look more its age (versus more contemporary like to 20's, if you even care about that).
All that said, the car looks terrific either waylove that smoky Atlas Grey!
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Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,530
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From: North/Central, NJ
!8's look fine, just add some spacers ie 7MM front /15 MM back and get rid of the cheapo looking black and grey center caps and get the colored ones for 150$ or so and you'll be all set.
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Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 122
Likes: 15
I vote 20s. To me, it looks like your car hit midnight and turned back 8-10 years. Though, I'm biased and ride on 20" factory wheels with 997.2 4S. Its fantastic. In the winter I swap to stock 19s and its all I can do to swap back as soon as weather permits. To each their own..