Mike Roblin

I'm a 996 Turbo track guy myself, but my dad just bought a 2001 Boxster S with a 3.4L 996 engine swap that is set up for the track and needs some recommendations for tires. The car came with two sets of wheels that are 18" x 7.5" fronts and 18" x 9" rears which would take a street tire size of 225-40/18 front and 265-35/18 rear. Looking for a recommended tire size as I've heard that some of the Boxster drivers prefer a more even track tire front to rear like a 235 front and a 255 rear, is this true?

Thanks everyone!

Sveach756

I'm running 18x8.5 and 18x10 with 245/40 fronts and 275/35 rear rt615s. I think my front wheels are et50 and the rear are 63, with this setup and coil overs I run a 5mm front spacer (probably not needed) and a 17.5mm rear spacer.
Hope that helps
Shawn

Edit, saw you have a 996 turbo too!! It's such a trip going back and forth between cars! The boxster is a blast congratulations!

mikefocke

986 forum has a racing sub-forum. I'd suggest when you ask there you specify what kind of track and what your experience is as a driver and what tires you'll be running. Also any other mods you have done to the suspension or you intend to do. That way they can match their suggestion to your want/need.

Mike Roblin

Thanks, I'll try that sub-forum and see what recommendations come my way.

Mike Roblin

Shawn,
The turbo is my track toy, the boxster is my Dad's but I'm sure I'll be giving it a good workout when we go to Sebring in a few weeks! I'm looking forward to helping him get the most out of the setup...

Shawn Stanford

I read somewhere that 17" square was the trick setup for Spec Boxster.

JayG

There is a racing forum, but I don't see any 986 sub forum

In any case, what size tire will be determined a little by what tire you are going to run and what sizes are available

A lot of people run 17" wheels, not 18's as tires are a lot less $$ in 17

I run 17's and use 255/40-17 rear and 225/45 or 235/45 front

Since the car is frankensteined with a 3.4, you won't be running Spec Boxster.
also have a look at 986forum.com. It is probably the best Boxster forum around and there are many threads on this subject there

mikefocke

Also Pedro runs at Sebring and could suggest an approach. He is an instructor and runs his own car.

Mike Roblin

Thanks everyone, we've decided to stick to the 225 front and 265 rear using the RE71R tires for the first set. Since there are two sets of rims that came with the car we'll talk to the folks at the track in a few weeks when we are at Sebring for PBOC's Winterfest to get some additional recommendations.

Thanks again!

mikefocke

I sent Pedro a note with your name asking if he was going. He is an instructor, runs a '97 in the Spec Boxster class and does a lot of autocross work.