can 17" (993) wheels perform???
 

I want to preserve my stock cup wheels. I'm willing to upgrade to SO3's or the like for rubber. Am i wasting my time. Could i get superior performance with a tire upgrade? Or do I need to upgrade to 18" hollow spoke technology twists with the same caliber tire? <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Hi, Deano:

What kinds of superior performance are you seeking; grip (dry? wet?), milage, ride quality, reduced noise, visual appeal?

In general, I think the maximum performance tires (like the S03s you mentioned) probably deliver a better combination of desired characteristics than the ultra high performance tires, but at a premium price. Quite a few owners have sworn by several tires in the cheaper category, however. Tires in both categories will allow you to drive much faster on the street than you should, so it's more a matter of personal tastes (and use) determining what combination of characteristics or compromises one prefers.

I think the same goes for the choice between 17 and 18" wheels. The 18" offer both advantages and disadvantages, and also cost more (along with the 18" tires). I suspect that a lot of 18" wheels are sold mainly on the bases of eye appeal, however. But like the two categories of tires, both sizes provide more potential performance than most of us can use anyway.

So my opinion is that you don't need 18" wheels, and you don't even need S03s; but get them if you want them. We P-guys aren't required to give good reasons to get what we really want. BTW, I have 17" wheels with S02s that don't have the decency to wear out so I can get new tires (maybe S03s).