Alan Smithee

25lbs is about average for a 19" cast one-piece or forged three-piece performance wheel, with a forged one-piece being in the low-20s. The 18" 996 Carrera thin-spoke wheel is unusually light at about 20lbs; I'd guess the 19" lobster forks are between 22-25lbs.

While the TechArts, at 28lbs (for a 20"?), are definitely heavy for a cast wheel, it isn't the weight that significantly diminishes performance. Tires are part of the suspension, and such a low profile virtually eliminates sidewall flex to the detriment of handling.

Sobe

but they look so good .. how much reduced preformance .. I drive hard but only go to the track every year are so

so why did Porsche go with the 19's even on the CGT ....

Alan Smithee

Ride comfort and risk for wheel damage with such a low profile tire are more significant sacrifices than the performance. Regardless of the wheel/tire combo, if you're driving these cars at their limits on public roads, you're risking lives.

The CGT has 19s and 20s to fit over the massive 15" brake rotors with huge calipers, front and rear. The 911S only has 13" rotors.

BHANE

How big are the rotors on the PCCB? Is it the same 13"?

Thanks in advance!

riotgear

The Techarts look nice in terms of the design, but I don't want 20" wheels on my 911.

Sean

I recently test drove a 987S with 19-inch Carrera S wheels. I had low expectations of the 19s, but was really surprised by the ride quality and lateral grip. Both were superb. Porsche has clearly designed the 987/997 chassis and suspension with these larger wheels in mind.

Using these wheels on the 987/997 isn't the same as doing so on a 986/996 or 993. While I understand the points about appearance vs. performance, there's always a trade off (additional weight vs. lateral stability). Alois Ruf equips his cars with 19s, and no one's calling him a poser.

That said, wheels eventually have to a reach a limit in size...else we'll all be driving wagons!

dealmaker

Actually thats a good point - RUF's latest wheels for the 997 are 20" rear - 19" Front!!

pcar964

Actually, I believe the tire aspect ratios have changed to compensate for the larger wheels, so the sidewall is the same (not any thinner than they were on the 18s). However, the weight is getting absurd, anyone remember the 14lb forged Fuchs 9x16s? Strong and light. Now we're talking 25+ with these 19s and 20s? Anyone who believes Porsche designed these cars for bigger wheels for performance reasons is kidding themselves. Yes they designed them for bigger wheels, but it was driven by public's demand for "bling" primarily. Again, take a look at racing - I don't see any 19s or 20s on GT3s, folks.

Sobe

but you do see them on the CGT and I can not believe that performance compromises were made for bling ..... come on why is everyone so down on larger wheels .... If you owned a CGT would you change your wheels to 18" ..

Sean

I read that the CGT wheels (19s front, 20 rear) are made of forged magnesium, and thus 25% lighter than their aluminum counterparts. So they're the best of both worlds.

Wouldn't it be great if Porsche passed this technology on to all its cars! BTW, won't surprise me at all if the 997 GT3 is equipped with 19s.

MJones

The brake package comprising ceramic discs (PCCB) with 13.78 (vs 12.99 for steel)in diameter at all four wheels and composite brake pads, together with the yellow 6-piston aluminium monobloc fixed calipers at the front axle and 4-piston aluminium monobloc fixed calipers at the rear axle.

Alan Smithee

As I said above, the CGT has 15" rotors (to consistently slow the car down from 200+ mph), 2" larger than the 911S. Take a look inside a CGT wheel, and you'll see that those big wheels are necessary...the brakes fill them up. As somebody else mentioned, they are not typical 'dubs' that are no more than dead weight and 'bling'; they are forged magnesium. The suspension was designed to work with the brakes and tire/wheel combo. Besides, a 30% aspect ratio on 335 tire is still going to yield a decent sidewall.

The 997S is a different story. Slamming it on 20s may look 'tight', but you'll never see such a car turning fast laps at the track. It will be passed as if standing still by cars on 18" Kumhos, Michelin Pilot Sport Cups, Dunlop Super Sports, etc.

People buy these cars for different purposes. A 'baller' would shake his head at a 997S cruising Sunset on 18s, just as a serious track driver will shake his head at a 997S on 20s. From my posts, I think you can see why I'm "so down on larger wheels", but to each his own.

Alan Smithee

No, but like TechArt, he'll happily sell 'phat dubs' to poseurs willing to spend big 'duckets' on them. Preferably along with a RUF shift **** ($395), front spoiler ($2,450), exhaust (tips only, $650), etc.

Last article I read on a true RUF car was the RGT RS (12/04 Excellence), and it had 18s.

Sobe

???

dealmaker

Sobe,

No offence intended - just think you might want to think about changing your avatar - that image looks like an early "photochopped" Techart kit - makes it look like it has a beetle front end ! - think that some real photos are available now?