ervtx

Old timer on Rennlist, but new to the 997 GT3 forum, so apologies for a question on a previously covered topic. I just want to confirm that my conclusions are correct from sifting thru prior posts...

I have a set of 18" Volk TE37's, and want to know how well they would work on a 997 GT3. (18x8 in front, 18x11 in rear). I currently mount 225's and 285's on the TE37's for use on a 996, but if I were to mount wider tires on them (say, 235's and 295's), how would the car perform on the track? My understanding is that I would not be giving the car all of the rear rubber that it could utilize, and therefore, it would be more prone to oversteer or breaking loose than if I were running 305's or wider (which would eliminate reusing my TE37's as an option).

If the TE37's are not recommended for track use on a GT3, would I at least be able to use them on the street, mounted with something like PS 2's, and instead use the stock 19" wheels on the track with something grippier than the stock MPSC's?


Either of these options would be preferable to having to buy another set of track wheels, and selling the TE37's I already have.

TIA.

fc-racer

Hi there, welcome to the GT3 board. I've done 15 track days in the past 1.5yrs on my GT3 and feel that this car likes a lot of tire. I've run 255/315's and 245/305's in 18" on my car. Both work well, although I feel the 255/315 combo works best. I've settled on the 245/305 combo because it fills the wheelwells better (same diameter as stock tires).

With either setup, I can push the car hard for 20-30mins sessions without any major degradation of the tire due to temps. I think you'd run into tire temp issues with a 225/295 setup, especially up front. You may have to back off for a few laps to let things cool down and the push again. Anything is doable, it just comes down to how much compromise you're willing to accept.

CWay27

11 inch wheel will accommodate 315s no problem. The question is more towards offset. You will definitely be needing spacers.

ervtx

Thanks for the help; I think I'll at least try the Volks, and look for wider tires. I wanted to go with Sport Cups for longer tire life, but they max out at 295 for this wheel size.

I'm taking delivery of the new car this weekend.

sasportas

I use the Volks. They are very good wheels. Try either the Hoosier R6 245/35/18 x 315/30/18 or 255/35/18 x 315/30/18. R888 265/35/18 x 305/30/18 or BF Goodrich R1 265/35/18 x 335/30/18.

The 335 might be a stretch for your rims but the 315 would be no problem. The R1 will give 50% more life than the R6 (about 9 track days).