255/55/18 Pirelli Snow and Ice were great for me last winter in heavy snow

 

That's good because I just ordered a set from Tirerack -- same size, "H" rated and XL. Just noticed, however, that there is a new TSB for tires, and now Porsche approves an NO version of the Pirelli Snow and Ice, but they are "V" rated -- just try to find those (not on Tirerack website). BTW, the Dunlops that are on the list are "H" rated, so I feel OK about my choice.

Sorry, I can't post this TSB 4440 because it's view only on the Renntech web site. If you are a member, go take a look.

 

I capitalized those words to differentiate between normal street driving and tracking the vehicle. I said that any (good) quality aftermarket rim would be fine for normal driving.

Higher standards would apply for track usage...but that doesn't mean you have to, or even should, use a Porsche rim.

Spend your money as you wish....but I can't see any reason to spend money for a Porsche rim for a set of snow tires that will see extremely limited winter use.

In order to get Porsche's seal of approval a tire needs to meet Porsche's standards AND the manufacturer typically has a "business arrangement" with Porsche that is tied to the endorsement.

 

tahoe, So my thinking is confirmed, you have no evidence that says a replica is inferior. After all the money we spent on these trucks, why throw away another $500 or so to SAY you bought "real" Porsche rims for winter. Because you know what, nobody will ever know the difference. You know the old saying "fools and their money are soon parted".

 

Brent--
Yoiu don't seem to be thinking very clearly. The questions is what evidence is there to suggest that a replica is equivalent? You are in the minority of C owners who would put replica wheels on their car, but I hope they work out great for you.

 

I'm with tahoeblue -- perhaps the altitude has gotten to us, but the real deal doesn't cost that much more, so why risk it? Next thing you know, you get the replica's and then get a vibration -- what's the Porsche dealer gonna say; it's just another variable to the equation of an already complex vehicle. I'll bet there are some real good aftermarket products out there, and some that are not so great -- that's why I got the OEM's from ebay. Tahoeblue has a real good suggestion on post 20 if one needs a winter set at a reasonable price. While my solution was cheaper, I had to work for it -- monitor ebay, mount the new tires, etc.

 

Well, the attitude is a result of some guy who really doesn't seem to know what he is talking about. What proof do I have that replicas are just as good? Well, for starters they are TUV approved and built to ISO 2001 specs. Do you know what a company has to go through to get ISO certification? In addition they are tested to another standard I don't have in front of me and are exact replicas right down to every thickness on the wheel. The ONLY difference is not having a direct relationship with Porsche, which really does nothing but cost the wheel manufacturer money and hence the consumer. Second, I have been watching guys run replicas on the racetrack, season after season for the last five years. No bends, no cracks, no problems, and the history of this goes back further than I have been involved. The price difference IS big enough to make me think twice about buying a used set of wheels with no warranty. What if I get a set some guy bent, or that doesn't balance out correctly? I have the road force readouts for my wheels and tires, the highest one was nine pounds, the lowest was one pound. You guys are buying into a myth, but hey, thats your choice.

 

I think the point is most of us dont feel sure the "ONLY" difference is not having a direct relationship with Porsche. And I agree with philg3 that buying replicas will put you in an awkward spot if problems arise that should otherwise be solved by the dealer.

But if you feel good about your wheels and the extra money in your pocket, more power to you. For others, I would suggest a good used set or check with Justin at Brandywine ($2100 new, wheels and tires already mounted and balanced).

 

Wow, you sure read a lot into the wheels! A little research, some of which I already provided, shows what the only difference is, but to each his own I guess.

If a problem arises, the wheels come with a warranty. From the road force and runout measurements, it looks as though these wheels may be better than what came on many Cayennes, at least they are better balanced. You ignore the fact that there is a chance of getting a bad set used, who will you run to then?

There are thousands of sets of "Cup" type replica wheels running around on Porsches all over the country. People continue to buy and use them without problems. Obviously there is no convincing you, even with technical evidence and over a decade of experience with replicas.

Anyway, my point is made, I saved $600 over the new wheels you list.

 

I don't mind "replica wheels," although under no circumstance would I EVER put them on my TT.
What I mind is a company like "Highline" advertising 50 sets of "take-offs" which are really "knock-offs." Each of the 100 sets they have on EBAY allegedly "came off a showroom Cayenne" and to me that's just out and out FRAUD. If you want to sell wheels made out of X.....go ahead....but at least tell the truth.

Just my 2 cents.

Steve

 

I agree with your opinion of Highline. I even mentioned the issue to him in an email. The communication was so poor that he lost my business. I bought the same wheels from AAA in Michigan. Good communication, much cheaper shipping, no lies on ebay.

 

Anyone have any strong feelings regarding where to take new tires to be mounted? Tirerack has some ideas -- lots of Goodyear dealers, and some other shops, but I've seen a lot here and elsewhere that balance is very sensitive, and it's tough to get it just right. It use to be just have the wheels balanced on a computer balancer, but I don't think that works anymore. Now, I read about road force and matching. Prices I've seen are $20-25/ wheel. Should I just take it to the Porsche dealer, and what are they likely to charge?

 

Would highly recommend you try www.tiretrends.com

great prices, just ordered a set of winters for wife CS there..no one can beat them.