996 wheel size & lowering
#1
Racer
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996 wheel size & lowering
Wouls you guys recommend 19" or 20" wheels on a 996 C2? Also, do I have to lower my car with 19 or 20" wheels or will it look really high if I dont lower it?
#2
Rennlist Member
I wouldn't go above 19" - the size of the rim shouldn't change the height of the car, as you're not supposed to change the circumference of the outside of the tire, if you do it right. You just need a lower profile tire each time you increase the rim size. That said, most people who go to a 19" will probably tell you they lowered their car as well - it usually looks very good.
#5
Poseur
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If I had a 996 I would not run 19s on it. Porsche did this intentionally when designing their 997 models and the stock 996 suspension could not keep up with the dynamics of a 19 in wheel.
#7
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You'll have a rougher less compliant ride on 19's. Even though your OD will be the same, the lower profile tires will have less inate absorbtion over cracks and other road imperfections. The 19's will also be heavier increasing the cars unsprung weight...also detramental to ride quality/performance.
Most owners looking for performance gains go with light weight 18's like BBS or Champion.
Hope that helps.
Most owners looking for performance gains go with light weight 18's like BBS or Champion.
Hope that helps.
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#8
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19" wheels are fine on the 996 - never seen 20" and can't imagine that it would be easy.
19s run 235/35/19 front and 315/25/19 rear tires, which are a firmer ride, but not harsh.
Lowering is a matter of taste - personally I didn't feel the need to lower
If you ask for the official Porsche line, they will tell you that 19" wheels were not approved for 996 - of course Porsche 19" rims did not exist for the 996 when it was produced!
Same as saying that they only approve N rated tires.
My service manager says that the 996 suspension will have no issues with 19s. It's not like the early 986 where 18" rims would crack suspension components.
They do of course reserve the right to say that anything that shakes loose may have been caused by me running 19" rims!
As for rolling weight etc - this is a non issue for most people, normally only of any interest at the track.
19s run 235/35/19 front and 315/25/19 rear tires, which are a firmer ride, but not harsh.
Lowering is a matter of taste - personally I didn't feel the need to lower
If you ask for the official Porsche line, they will tell you that 19" wheels were not approved for 996 - of course Porsche 19" rims did not exist for the 996 when it was produced!
Same as saying that they only approve N rated tires.
My service manager says that the 996 suspension will have no issues with 19s. It's not like the early 986 where 18" rims would crack suspension components.
They do of course reserve the right to say that anything that shakes loose may have been caused by me running 19" rims!
As for rolling weight etc - this is a non issue for most people, normally only of any interest at the track.
#9
19" wheels work very well on the 996. They fit well and are perfectly proportioned for the car. A lowering kit will complete the look, and H&R or Eibach springs will work fine. I would reccomend a 235/35R19 in the front and a 295/30r19 in the rear on 19x8.5s and 11"s. The ride will hardly change at all and the car will take that agressive look that I think you are looking for.
#10
Originally Posted by WHEEL1
19" wheels work very well on the 996. They fit well and are perfectly proportioned for the car. A lowering kit will complete the look, and H&R or Eibach springs will work fine. I would reccomend a 235/35R19 in the front and a 295/30r19 in the rear on 19x8.5s and 11"s. The ride will hardly change at all and the car will take that agressive look that I think you are looking for.
#11
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I lowered my car on 18's
Stock size wheels, H&R springs. I personally would do 19's, but would not lower on 19's. It's probably harsh enough, with just 19's. Lowered 2. If it's a daily driver I would leave well enough alone, though.