alexb76

First winter with the P-car... so, I did some research and decided to go with 18s for winter. I couldn't use the Carrera Sports anyways as they are too wide (11.5) in the rear.

Was gonna go with Sport Editions at Tirerack, but I just couldn't feel comfortable using Chinese wheels on a 997! So, found a MINT, almost new set of Carrera Classic 18" wheels from Brian at einmaligporsche [great service] for a great price. They fit perfectly in the rear as I got spacers, so the 10" wheels stand wide enough just like the regular widebody wheels.

I also downsized the tires to Carrera winter size instead of C4 size, as it's 265 vs. 295, and 265 was on a MASSIVE SALE on tirerack, so got Michelin PA2 (265/40R18, 235/40R18).

Washed the car and wheels very nicely, and took the 19" wheels/summers off and stored away, installed the 18s last night, and it actually looks great! I was a bit worried about 18s and how they might look, but they look fantastic, a bit more tire wall, but that's probably best in winter conditions. MUCH BETTER than a replica crap I almost got myself into!

Just one thing, my Porsche centre crest is a different colour, as my Carrera Sports are Grey in the middle, not sure if it's worth the cost to get another set... it would probably look the same color when it's dirty!

Will take pics later...

Anyone with Michelin PA2s experience in snow?

Retrofishy

I actually just installed my winters. They are those same Michellins from Tirerack (they rock). I did in fact get the "Chinese" OEM turbo twist rims from them with the TPMS. They are nice!!!!
Now I have to find a set of Wheel caps as I did not want to pay $32 per cap. I think Sunsport sells them for $12.95...

alexb76

Oh, ONE MAJOR PROBLEM!

For some STUPID REASON, I thought I could DISABLE TPMS, in the menu for Winter/Summer tires... but I just couldn't find an option for it.

Any idea HOW to disable it for the winter? I just couldn't justify $500 for TPMS!

Edgy01

I did the exact same thing--same summer wheels and winter. Forget the TPMS. Just try to ignore it. Otherwise you have to spend the bucks--and for how many days in each season? Not worth it.

Good luck. I have a 2WD so no spacers were added.

sgruskin

Anyone know if the Alpin PA2 265/40R18 will fit the rear wheels, when the original summers are size 295/35R18? Car is a 2010 Targa4, and rims are 11J width. Thanks.

ADias

Dan: You have winter tires !?!

Coochas

The dealer can use the PIWIS to disable the TPMS.
This is my first winter with TPMS. I am NOT running sensors on my snow tires and am planning on just living with the warning lights. If I lived next door to a Porsche dealer (and had the time) I would just get it disabled for the winter.

Edgy01

Tony--I have winter tires for all my cars EXCEPT the Porsche right now. (I have the wheels, but haven't put the snows on the Classic IIs yet).

You know the awful winters we get here!

alexb76

No! I had the same issue with 11" rims, 265s won't fit properly (11"~279), so minimum 285.

alexb76

Is it only at dealer or any shop with access to Porsche system? I just KNOW that my stealer's wanna charge me an arm and a leg to disable it!

alexb76

I may get an extra set of basic center caps just in case...

Shall I do standard Black logo?



or 4S center cap?

Coochas

I think any Porsche 'authorized' center has the PIWIS.

sharmat

I would go with whatever option is cheaper for the winter wheels. If they are the same cost then get the one you dont have currently so then you have a set of both.

alexb76

Almost the same price ($10 diff).

I don't have either of them. Got the Colored Porsche centre caps in GT Silver color (for my Carrera Sport wheels), which obviously is closer to the Black crest.

sharmat

^ Maybe just get the 4S ones then as they are in keeping with your C4S model.