I'm looking to buy dedicated wheels and tires for the track and I've heard different opinions from people. 1st question: Should I stay with the same size stock wheel and tire? I have a 2014 911 Turbo coming in June with 20" wheels with center lock. Some people say I should go with an 18" wheel. Any advise? 2nd: I don't have a trailer so I have to drive to the track. Any recommendations on tires? I heard Michelin Super Sport Cup 2 are great. Any recommendations?

 

What tires will be on the car when you get it? What's your track driving experience level?

 

I've done a few weekend DE at Sebring with my current 991S cab. I'm replacing it with a turbo which will be mostly a daily driver. I'm planning for 5-6 DE / year.

Pirelli P zero max performance are standard
Wheels are with center lock
Front 245/35zr20
Back 305/30zr20

Thanks for your input

 

I'd suggest you stick with stock tires for now (maybe for your entire first season), especially since that's going to be a helluva car at the track to get used to. You can always upgrade to R-compound tires later as you also upgrade your safety gear. All you will need for now is a good tire pressure gauge and monitor tire pressures closely.

Center locks are not a good choice for track driving as it is not as easy to change wheels as your standard nut and bolt set-up. I think the breaker bar alone is $375 and the tightening torque is 370 ft-lbs. You'll need a giant torque wrench for that. Lubrication of the nut is also important and that's why your owners manual will state to have your wheels changed at your local Porsche dealer.

 

Thanks for your advise. Unfortunately the car is in production and I cannot change the center lock wheel setup. I see so many GT3 with center lock wheels I figured that was preferred.
Any advise on what pressures I should be running on the track?

 

You'll be fine. Changing wheels will just be a little more challenging but save that for later.

With respect to hot tire pressures, aim for having those close to your recommended cold tire pressures. That's usually a good start. This means that you'll need to take off about 5 - 10 psi from that mark to set your cold pressures. That might seem low to start so work yourself up carefully and take a lap or two to heat up your tires. My Longacre tire pressure gauge was the best piece of equipment I every bought. Your instructor or coach can help you along the way.