nkhalidi

As y'all know, the 997S comes from the factory with 19" wheels. I plan on using the car 50/50 street/track (arrives in mid-October). Should I run 18" or 19" wheels?

My instincts say 18" because in the smaller size, r-compound tires are easier to find, cheaper, and more sidewall = more protection from rumble strips.

But many track-oriented cars (M3 CSL, 360CS, CGT, 997S, etc) come with 19" wheels, and with time I'm sure we'll see more r-compound options in 19".

What do you guys think?

I'm new to the Porsche scene, as I'm moving from an E46 M3 (Champion wheels and Michelin PSC tires 18x9 265 front, 18x10 285 rear, just for comparison's sake). I'm part of the school of thought of 'stuff as much rubber under the car as possible'.

38D

I believe that the MPSCs are now available in 19s.

MJR911

Go on the hoosier site and look if they make 19" sizes. I haven't seen any 19" wheels around club racing, and would be most concerned with getting the most width under as possible. What sort of tires do you want to run?

nkhalidi

Hoosier doesn't make any 19" tires. The only 19" r-comps are PSC (235/35-19 and 265/30-19) and P-Zero Corsa (225/35 and 285/35). Those are OEM sizes on M3 CSL and 360 CS, respectively.

I run PSC right now - I think it's a very good street/track tire for my purposes - but I'm open to other suggestions. Ecsta V700 has been good for me. I hear great things about RA-1.

What I'm thinking is 18x9 in front and 18x11 in rear with either Fikse or CCW wheels. My only concern is using 18" wheels with a car (997 S) which was supposedly designed for 19s. Also, my car has PCCB, and from what I understand, 18s should fit fine over the brakes.

Dan in Florida

If you're really interested in tracking the car, get 19s. By next year you'll have no problem on sources.

lawjdc

nkhalidi: I saw a set of Hoosiers in 305/30 x 19 at the Hoosier Tent at the Watkins Glen Indy Car race. Absolutely beautiful tires! Contact the Hoosier people directly and they should be able to help you out.

Gary R.

NKhalidi - If I were you I wouldn't touch the wheels and run it the way it is. I ran my 997S with stock 19" wheels and MPS2's and found them to be extremely capable once heated up. Put 2000 miles on the car (break it in properly), change the oil/filter, and go for it! You will find the car, right out of the box, has more capability that you can possibly use for quite some time. Learn to drive the car at it's limits, then worry about modifications.

nkhalidi

Thanks for the link and photo, lawjdc. I'm not mentally prepared to go to Hoosiers quite yet - I think they're overkill and not long-lasting enough for my hotlapping purposes. I like the V700s and PSCs because they're streetable; I can drive on them to the track and if there's a little rain, they'll still be okay.

Gary, I appreciate your comments. Maybe I was unclear in my original post: It's not about me wanting to modify things; I want a second set of wheels so I don't tear up the OEM 19 wheels and tires at the track. I know from experience at Sebring with a 996 turbo and E46 M3 that street tires get chewed up quickly with stock alignment settings, and that 19s are more vulnerable to damage than 18s due to less sidewall. Not to mention that r-comps are just more fun to drive on than street tires (yes, I do keep laptimes).

I learned that CCW's custom-made motorsport corsair can be had in 18x9 and 18x11, and I think that'll be a good combination with a 235 or 245 up front, and a 295 or 305 in the back. The 996 GT3 guys are running as much as 265 and 315.

Gary R.

Gotcha nkhaldi... I still would say to run at least once on stock wheels/tires to know just what you have going on under you, then you may have a better understanding of the car and be able to make a more informed decision on what to run as a track wheel/tire combo. Just my opinion of course, enjoy that 997!!!

VB997

…I’m selling a set of 19” Carrera Classics in great condition for $1,500.00…I have a set of 19” Kinesis K19’s and a set of Fikse Profi 13’s and don’t need the Classics. Additionally, you will probably find that the Michelin Cups only come in a 10” rear and you need an 11” so Pirelli Corsa is probably going to be the best bet for slicks until Michelin comes out with an 11” for the rear…the fronts are not a problem.

…some pics of my 997 track car.

RJay

I'll go the other way. If you're getting a second set of wheels for the track, I'd go 18s. 19's wheels and tires will cost more, the tire selection will be limited for some time to come and the package will weigh more. Other than looks, is there any real advantage? Its hard for me to imagine that the lower profile of a 19 would be buying you that much.

tkerrmd

running 19" MPSC at Sebring, no problems! See ya at the track!!

Eli K

I'd stick with 18's or even dare I say 17s. The smaller the wheel the less it weighs, the less rotating mass, yada yada yada. Plus, you'll find plenty of rubber. As you go up in size the selection narrows...

Eyal 951

I agree, I would go with the smaller wheel for all the reasons you mentioned (replacing factory porsche 19's all the time will get expensive, and the 18's (or 17!) or lighter. there is no benefit in the 19 aside from less movement in the sidewall, and this benefit is far outweighed by the benefits of the smaller wheel.

karlooz

dayum that's GORGEOUS!