SoCal Karl

Guys I am considering installing 997 Turbo rims on my non turbo 997. I really like the appearance and statement that the turbo rims make and present on the 997. Any thoughts out there on the pros and cons in making this switch?

SoCal Karl

Here is the rim style I am considering. Right now this 997 is equipped with the "Lobster Claw" style rims.

skalpel

As super fans of our 997s, it’s always fun to think about tinkering with them. Rims are a great and easy way to change the look. I had a 997.1 C2S 6MT with the turbo rims. Very clean and high end look. But to me they looked kind of soft, or non aggressive. When the lobster forks came out I wasn’t a fan, but now that these 997s are sort of classic, I find myself really liking them. There’s always opinions discussed here. Black rims or over it, center locks or too much hassle, etc. Regardless, we are fortunate to be part of the Porsche community and talk about our cars.
Preferences are so personal, and that’s the whole point isn’t it? Go for it if it’s gonna bring you joy every time you see your car!

ATX_Native

Do more reading.

Narrow Body and Wide Body cars have wildly different offsets.

street rod

A lot of non turbos have these rims. Very high quality. If you like the look just do it.

DZ Carrera

I switched to turbo wheels. Rear wheels don't require any spacers. On front I use 10mm spacers. I think they look very nice on narrow body cars.

Patrick E

Agreed - the stock turbo wheels are a different offset than found on the NB cars. However, isn’t there an aftermarket manufacturer of turbo look wheels with NB offsets?

PapaC4S

Go for it if you like the look. Love mine!

wjk_glynn

Porsche themselves actually make the 997.1 Turbo style rims in different sizes/offsets as follows:

The actual 997.1 Turbos sizes rims:

• Fronts 19x8.5 ET56
• Rears 19x11 ET51

Narrow body Carrera version:

• Fronts 19x8 ET57
• Rears 19x11 ET67

My particular 997.2 C2S was originally optioned with that last option (Code 404, for $890).

The specific part numbers and tire sizes were:

• Front: 997.362.156.02 (8x19, ET57) - 235/35-19
• Rear: 997.362.162.09 (11x19, ET67) - 295/30-19

Here's how they look with spacers:






While they don't rub in the back, I think I'll drop down to a 12mm or 10mm in the back. The fronts are perfect (for me).

Karl.

PS: Just a gratuitous pic of them in motion (PCA-GGR Autocross at the Naval Air Station Alameda)...

JC997

The turbo wheels came with my 997 4S, and they look awesome on the car. It is all personal choice. Many folks are fans of the lobster forks, but I prefer the turbo rims.

4Driver4

Fork, not claw.
An understandable mistake, given that you probably don't get much New England lobster in SoCal.
#petpeeve

Petza914

What you really want to net out the front fitment is an 8.5" wide wheel with an offset of 50. If running an 8" wheel you need 6 more mm to have the outer lip end up in the right spot, so et44, but low 40s ets on 8.5" wheels have too much poke for my taste.

These are custom Forgelines - 8.5" wide et50 and the perfect look from a stance perspective IMO. My rears are 19x12 et 74. The turbo rims don't come in a 12" width, but the GT3 ones do. Have those on my wife's car.

rileyracing1

Turbo wheels look nice and were my stock wheel of choice then with time my sport classics grew on me and I like those better now, then I switched again to a Ruger mesh wheel .. I would suggest finding a good pair of OEM ones if possible as they do pop up for sale at decent prices ...found a nice set here in T.O not too long ago for $500.

If OEM's are not available find a decent aftermarket brand as there are many knock off's and they are not all created equal.

I find wheels like running shoes you need a half dozen or so

soundbehindyou

Go for it!!! Major upgrade look!

linderpat

agreed, great upgrade in look. No sin swapping out different style wheels.