I'm new to the 997s but am anticipating a flat on future road trips. I haven't found much info here on run flat's. Are they compatible for the 997s and if so any particular ones you guys would recommend? Thanks.

 

I don't think there are any that would not necessitate changing wheels and majorly changing the performance of the car.
Some of us do carry the old 996 inflatable spare as an option to ward off evil spirits.
See these threads below which show you everything you need to know. Others have posted similar threads on carrying inflatable spares.

https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...mergency+wheel
https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...mergency+wheel
https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...mergency+wheel

 

All I know about run flats is that BMW makes adjustments to their suspension settings (spring rates, shock absorbers, etc.), and when they're done they still tend to ride rougher and handle worse than regular tires.

 

I don't think you'll find run flats in 997 sizes - also, way too heavy.

 

The only "spare tire" I need is a cell phone and my Porsche Roadside Assistance card. The fix-a-flat and compressor that comes with the car will handle 99% of my flat tire needs, and the other 1% (blowouts) has about a 1/100,000 chance of happening. A spare tire simply is not needed IMO.

 

Maybe it's just bad luck on my part, but the fix-a-flat stuff doesn't have a 99% success rate in my experience, and it makes a heck of a mess inside (not sure of its effect on tire pressure monitors). Plug kits work, if you can get to the hole. I prefer the security of a spare, and bought a 996 turbo collapsible spare, and carry a compact BMW jack kit; already used it once, and it worked great. As for run flats, they have gotten much better, but I don't think you will find them in the correct size. And as for roadside assistance, whether Porsche, BMW, or AAA, I've had some good experience, but I've also spent hours waiting. It's a personal decision, but I enjoy the security of the spare.

 

Down here the nearest Discount Tire is 180 miles away and we have cell service really only in the towns (ATT less than that). I hope your numbers are correct, meanwhile I'm going to look into the spare.

 

I carry a spare that I picked up on eBay. It came with the entire kit (jack, tools, bag to put the old tire in, ...). In addition to taking care of the immediate problem of the flat, it also gives you something to drive on for a couple of days until you can get a replacement tire. The tires on the 997 are often not in stock and take a little time to get to there.

 

I had run-flats on my BMW. They lasted about 8k miles and the ride was bad. You also have to replace the tire incase you get a flat. I switched to regular tires with a "flat kit" just-in-case. IMHO I would not get run flats for any car-they have a long way to go to improve quality.

 

A run-flat tire has a very stiff side-wall, stiff enough to carry the weight of the car without air. That makes for a heavy tire and a very stiff ride. If you want to get a feel for how your 997 ight ride on run-flats, put 50 lbs of air in each tire and take a drive. Report back here.

 

No thank you! I think I'll live with a pump and seal kit.

 

You're welcome. Don't forget to write down the names of everyone that advised you not to get RFTs. That way you will know who to curse when you do get a flat Cheers.