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I checked tirerack a for PS2, they are basically the same weight. The larger diameters only get heavier as they get wider. I didn't expect that.
Weighed my 305/25-20 tire today, came in at 23.5lbs. I've read the stock 19" wheel weighs in at 27.8lbs. With that in mind I weighed my stock wheel/tire 295/30-19 and it came in at 56.8lbs, the front came in at 45.9lbs. That means the tire must weigh about 29lbs based on these numbers! Seems the lower sidewall 20's are about 5lbs lighter even though they are even wider!
Should go without saying, this would help offset the weight difference of the larger wheel.
Front Rear
23 25 18" Carrera 3 OEM
25 30 19" Carrera S (lobster claw)
24 28 19" Carrera Classic
25 29 19" Sport Design
24 31 997 GT3 (8.5x19, 12x19)
Pilot Sport Cups
22 25 235/295 18"
21 27 235/305 19"
Combined 18" set is 45 / 50 Front-Rear
Combined 19" set (lightest) is 45 / 55
Of course this is all OEM wheels, you can easily get lighter wheels in the 18/20 lb range for 18, and probably +1 lb for 19s. So, there's a slight weight advantage for 18s... 5 lb on the rear using OEM and maybe 1 lb front and 3 lb rear.
Ron, I don't doubt that there is a slight benefit for using lower weight wheels (within reason). I do doubt the differences we'd see with real world results are going to add up to much though, maybe if we were Walter R. but we are not.
It's highly likely that many aftermarket 20" wheels are just as likely to weigh the same if not less than the stock OEM's and this is where I suspect the average owner is concerned.
The overall thought of anyone driving an almost GT Porsche 997 could be so concerned with adding a couple pounds per wheel is amusing. If they own power seats, Bose, nav, CD changer, and any additional leather, etc., they really should reevaluate where their priorities are. Maybe a based stripped down 997/997S or GT3 would be a better fit if they feel so strongly about weight. BTW, this last comment is not directed at anyone in particular, just an overall thought on the subject.
I don't doubt there are differences in weights. Those are the published weights from Porsche on the oem wheels. The way I look at weight is this... Every lb comes at a price.
My car came with Sport Seats (manual), Fire Extinguisher, and carpet mats (which come out at the track). No power seats, dvd, cd changer, sport chrono, etc. So my goals require staying light.
I think the debate is more with the idea of taking a loaded up car, spending thousands on performance upgrades (ie: $5k for headers, cats, and mufflers) in order to boost performance when at the same time aftermarket heavy wheels and tires are being put on for "looks". If the goal is strictly performance over looks, then heavy items described above including wheels / tires contradict the stated goal.
As for telling a difference (eat your heart out Walter R.), the difference is in lap times for those of us that track. 10 HP gain (either mechanically or by lightening the car sprung or unsprung) will make a difference. We are chasing 1/10ths of a second and we get it by these methods. The boulevard cruiser wouldn't be able to tell - but I will say this. Every spring when I went from OEM 18s and PS2s to lightweight OZs and PSCs (savings of about 5 lbs on the package), there was a very significant improvement in acceleration.
You want the fastest possible 997S without lots of cost? Start with a stripper like mine, get some aftermarket lightweight 18s with PSCs, and find some 2-piece floating rotors for when the oem ones are shot.
There was a great video I found a few years ago (can't find it again) of a Japanese Porsche racer that was the "top guy" in the East. Porsche had him take out the 997 and the 997S on the track in that order. He loved the 997 and it's balance... When he took out the 997S he loved that too even a bit more (power and brakes) and the only complaint he had was the 19s. He said "Why did Porsche put 19" wheels on this car - it would be faster around the track and drive less harsh with the 18s..." and in his conclusion he reiterated - the 997 platform should have 18s for optimal performance and the improved ride would be a bonus.
This video by any chance? Fast forward to 6:25 where he talks about 18" vs 19"
I have been readin the discussion here regarding tire size on Porsche. I just bought a 09 997.2 with 20" wheels. 245/30 on the front and 305/30 on the rear. The fronts are worn on the inside and need to be replaced, the rear have 50% wear left. Additionally I purchased from the owner a set of ATS GTR alloys on 18s. I love the look of the 20s on the car, but having to replace the fronts and reading here I think I'm going to mount the 18s and ride those to make a decision. Not tracking the car, but I do want to feel how the car handles. Weekend driver. Lots of information to absorb. Thanks guys.
On 20s
I have been readin the discussion here regarding tire size on Porsche. I just bought a 09 997.2 with 20" wheels. 245/30 on the front and 305/30 on the rear. The fronts are worn on the inside and need to be replaced, the rear have 50% wear left. Additionally I purchased from the owner a set of ATS GTR alloys on 18s. I love the look of the 20s on the car, but having to replace the fronts and reading here I think I'm going to mount the 18s and ride those to make a decision. Not tracking the car, but I do want to feel how the car handles. Weekend driver. Lots of information to absorb. Thanks guys. On 20s
In terms of looks or handling? To me, 19s LOOK the best on 997, and have the best combo of handling, looks, weight, ride. 18s would ride the best, and probably handle good on light wheels with good tires, but hard to say as I don't know your specific wheels. If I was in your shoes, I'd sell both and get one set of 19s
In terms of looks or handling? To me, 19s LOOK the best on 997, and have the best combo of handling, looks, weight, ride. 18s would ride the best, and probably handle good on light wheels with good tires, but hard to say as I don't know your specific wheels. If I was in your shoes, I'd sell both and get one set of 19s
+1
I'll also add.. you could have a set of 18" wheels that is heavier than whatever the car came with and that'll have a negative impact on handling. If handling is the goal (and rightly so, since it's a 911).. I'd say getting the lightest wheel you can and some suitable tires will be a huge improvement. Don't forget to get it aligned also!
All informatiin is good information thanks. ATS GT alloy are supposed to be light weight I'm sure the 20s are heavier than the 18s. I'm looking a combination of looks and performance. The 20s with 305s in the rear look good. I'm reading that the 18s well handle better and give a smoother ride?. I'm mounting the 18s and I'm going to ride with them to see. 19s sound great but the selection has it's limitations.
Around here, the smallest wheels you can get with the most sidewall is the only way to go. I went from 18 to 16 on a Lexus SC430 because I got tired of destroying wheels tires and struts in potholes.
This video by any chance? Fast forward to 6:25 where he talks about 18" vs 19"
That Best Motoring review is a classic. But that copy loaded to YT got taken down sometime ago. Here’s another version, and in this one Motoharu Kurosawa ('Gan-san') starts talking about the 18 vs. 19 characteristics with the 997.1 (also) at the 6:25 mark:
03-13-2007, 11:40 PM
