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Novice driver. 17" or 18" wheels for 2001 Boxster S.
Looking for input on getting a second set of wheels /tires to use at the track vs just more track friendly rubber for the wheels I have.
'01 Boxster S with 18" rims. Currently running Kumho ps31 tires with a 400AA treadwear rating.
I love them because they are comfortable, round, and quiet. My yearly driving is typically around 8-12,000km (5-8000 miles) of mostly straight 2 lane rural roads on my summer commute.
I just did my 2nd trackday of the year, and have put about 250km of short track running on them. The track I visit only has one straight where my top speed has been just shy of 160kph/100mph.
My 1st visit, it was mostly 2nd and 3rd gear, but my 2nd visit I've been getting into 4th more.
My tires screech and moan through almost every turn.
I've been bitten by the trackday bug, and ideally I'd like to go out twice a month and do about 250km each month from May to September (5 months)
Is it worth it to get a more track oriented rubber on a 2nd set of wheels? Changing wheels at home before a trackday is no big deal as I have a 2 post mid rise lift at home.
I would be looking for budget options if I got a 2nd set of wheels (used) and I would like to maximize the amount of track time to tire wear as possible.
if you're looking to do that many track days a year, then yes I would get a second set of rims/tires for the track. stay with street tires but get a lower treadwear rating
Wider rubber in 18" sizes to fit OEM Porsche wheels, more budget rubber to fit the OEM 17 wheels, 225/45/17 front and 255/40/17 is a good combo and relatively budget priced.
i don't know what the weather /climate is like where you live, but if it is not freezing you could get a set of Hankook R-S4 tires in oem 18" sizes (225/40/18 and 265/35/18 but don't quote me) and drive that set for street and track for the first year.That is a good track/street tire and is durable.
We did 18s - - with R compound tires - - but beware that the power steering pump return line may fail at the return to the pump when using R compound tires . . . there are preventative fixes for this . . . we added a power steering hose cooler to the front center Boxster S radiator opening . . . others have used the engine pulley revision . . .
Regards,
There are a ton of great options in 17" tires for that car. The Spec boxsters run 255/40r17 on a 17x8.5 square wheel. I would run that same setup on your 986. A ton of popular track cars (s2000, e36 m3, subaru/toyota brz/86) allow for that same 255/40r17 size on all four corners. All the popular 200tw tires are available as well as nitto nt01, maxxis rc1 for entry level r-comp and toyo rr as the spec boxster tire. Do not see any reason to spend more money on 18" tires...
There is a kijiji ad for some porsche 17" turbo twist wheels for $500. They apparently came off a '99 911. Pictures show sportcontact2 rubber. They are about 1.5 hrs away from me.
See ad copy below
Full set of rims and tires from a 1999 Porsche Carrera 2 996. Will also fit Boxster. Wheels are in good condition and tires are ok. Selling because I just upgraded my wheels - these are ready to mount and drive.
There are a ton of great options in 17" tires for that car. The Spec boxsters run 255/40r17 on a 17x8.5 square wheel. I would run that same setup on your 986. A ton of popular track cars (s2000, e36 m3, subaru/toyota brz/86) allow for that same 255/40r17 size on all four corners.
Does square wheel mean all 4 wheels are the same width and not staggered like stock?
Would they fit without modification to the front fenders?
get a little utility trailer that can hold 4 tires and a toolbox that you can pull behind your boxster and you will thank me....
you WILL wear out your tracktire till they have little/no profile left and are still good for on the track. you WILL drive home on it and get caught in a (bad) rain.... bad stuff happens now.
a utility trailer is a couple of hundred bucks and it will buy you a way to get safely home each and every time. (also imagine you get a flat at the track...)
There is a kijiji ad for some porsche 17" turbo twist wheels for $500. They apparently came off a '99 911. Pictures show sportcontact2 rubber. They are about 1.5 hrs away from me.
See ad copy below
Full set of rims and tires from a 1999 Porsche Carrera 2 996. Will also fit Boxster. Wheels are in good condition and tires are ok. Selling because I just upgraded my wheels - these are ready to mount and drive.
No. These are the wrong offsets AND you don't want a 7" front wheel.
Look for 8.5" x 17 square per advice already posted.
225 or 235 front with 255 rear is a perfect setup. You can also run square if you want although that creates more front drag and can overwhelm/overheat the PS pump. You can mount 225, 235, or 255 on 8.5" wheels.
No. These are the wrong offsets AND you don't want a 7" front wheel.
Look for 8.5" x 17 square per advice already posted.
225 or 235 front with 255 rear is a perfect setup. You can also run square if you want although that creates more front drag and can overwhelm/overheat the PS pump. You can mount 225, 235, or 255 on 8.5" wheels.
Thanks for the info. I will keep looking... I will need to research what offsets I need. There doesn't happen to be a wheel from another car that might fit (if I keep looking at used....)
07-01-2018, 10:22 AM
Novice driver. 17" or 18" wheels for 2001 Boxster S.
