Petza914

The 991 is really a completely different car. Longer wheelbase, wider front track, electric assist steering and they are trying to keep up with the fad of larger wheels.

mickfluff

Does this comment also apply to cayman and boxsters also being offered By Porsche with 20s. Can't say I would agree Porsche would sacrifice certain key things like performance to chase a fad. That said, can see Porscshe working certain trends into their designs... Wheels have simply gotten bigger through the years...I had 18s on my 964 and 19s on my 993tt and both handled great albeit were considered by some a size up from what was maybe the norm.
Still reading up on 20s and do appreciate your views and replies.
Tx

Petza914

If you've found 20s you like, then give them a try. If you keep them in good shape you can always resell them to someone with a 991 or Panamera if the offsets are the same (I don't know). There is usually a particular wheel size that looks just right on a particular car. For example IMO 19s on a 928 don't look right - 17s are OK but won't clear some of the larger brakes, but 18s are just right. Are there people dunning 19s on their 928s - you bet.

I feel the same way about 19s on the 997, unless you're tracking the car, then the consensus is that 18s may be better performance-wise.

What you don't want to end up with is the look of 24s on a Caprice. Not saying 20s on a 997 are that extreme, but they're a move in that direction.

If you go with the 20s,let us know your impressions.

chuck911

Porsche going to 20" is not a fad and is not like going to 20 on a 997. Going to 20 on a 997 is "plus sizing" which involves shrinking sidewalls and the rougher ride that goes with it. Going to 20 on the 991 they increased not only the wheel, but (for the first time in 911 history) the rolling diameter of the tire. That's why you see a 20 on a 991, it doesn't have that non-existent sidewall.

So on the 991 it is not just the wheel but the wheel/tire together that got bigger. Why? Mostly (I think) because a larger diameter has big advantages in terms of rolling smoothness, the ability to roll over the road smoothly. Secondarily, as tires go lower profile it shrinks the contact patch in the direction of travel. The contact patch gets wider with the wider wheel/tire, but narrower front to back. Going to a bigger rolling radius gets back some of whats been lost over the years going to ever lower profile tires.

I don't ever recall reading anything from Porsche about the reasoning behind this evolution, but its not that hard to figure out. The current LSA suspension designs are probably good enough to get good results (in terms of ride) from the original 24" overall diameter wheels. But going larger will improve the ride. (Suspension (elastomer) improvements hide the small negative of the unsprung weight increase.) Plus they get the contact patch benefit. Part of the larger diameter they negate with gearing. The rest, with horsepower. The hp increase from 997 to 991 was way, way more than needed to offset the larger wheels.

Of course, between the wheels (and the track, and the wheelbase- and especially the electric steering) a lot of us think they over-did it. But that's a whole 'nother story.

stevepow

That red 964 with the RUFs is the bomb! Damn!

mickfluff

Thanks again for your input and replies.... will no doubt keep the forum updated. Happy to be back, 997 form is by far my favorite...lots of activity, many like to mod, helpful input etc...

Thanks for the comments, would the same info apply to the Boxster and Cayman regards to how their new platforms have been designed to accept 20's etc? As 991 clearly a bigger overall car then a 997 but 997 still bigger then either of te mentioned. (boxster-cayman).

Although wish I never sold it (either air cooled cars from the past) I am happy to be back in a 997. Air cooled are neat but to me the 997 is the best of the cars with blended considerations of value/performance/reliability/safety/options and styling. 991 amazing but imo just to big and more a GT car then sports car (not a bad thing and may own one someday) and prior air cooled cars don't have the options, balance of power and handling (well 993tt may have but these days now out of reach $), creature comforts, safety in modern day abs/airbags/crash design etc and gotta say the design of the 997 cars is really a great balance of new and classic Porsche going away from the 996 front end design/lights. (996 great car also) For the value and price point IMO 997 is the best option and why I am back! But will always miss my past air cooled P cars...

sober_owl

car is dirty from not getting used enough!! but i like my forgelines all i need is the aerokit to complete the look i want

j beede

OZ Ultraleggera 20s, no spacers. Techart springs for a 1" drop

mickfluff

Car looks great. Can I ask what size tires your running? Most curious on sidewall height. Rears 305 25 20?

mickfluff

Went champion 20s.
Waiting to get center caps done to match...
Just updating the thread.
Tx

SJP3003

Looks great...I also went with Champion (19s) on my Atlas gray:

mickfluff

great set up.... looks fantastic, such well built wheels

Wheel Dynamics

Flow-Forged Light Weight F-1 Wheels

This new flow-Forged F-1 wheels is an amazingly light weight wheel at a very good price. The weights of this wheel compare to those of a full-Forged wheel compared side by side.

Front: 19x8.5 (off-set 45) at 20-lbs (Brush & Silver or Gloss Black)
Rear: 19x11 (off-set 55) at 21.35-lbs (Brush & Silver or Gloss Black)

mickfluff

I strongly considered your wheel mentioned.... looks great and the $ was fair and seemed to be well made. That said, my car already many Champion like mods so went with Champion wheels to continue the theme of the car having F77 power kit parts etc

JD911

A personal favorite (HRE P101)