I am new to driver's ed and time trials, and am just starting to learn about wheels. My 1999 996 has 7X17 and 9X17 wheels on it. I want to upgrade to 8X18 or 8.5X18 front and 10X18 rear. Among the aftermarket wheels, my attention has been drawn to:

The Porsche OEM 5-spoke light alloy wheels look interesting based on weight & price.

I would appreciate thoughts on what is right or wrong with these wheels relative to each other.

Thanks for you input.

 

The four brands you mentioned all make fine wheels, each would work at the track, and each you can spend a bunch of money on. If Porsche has wheels in that size, you might inquire with various Porsche dealerships to see if you can find some takeoffs that would fit your 996.

There was a $1250 (If I remember correctly) oiling upgrade for 996's which you might consider before going on the track (might have warranty implications, too).

 

The oil starvation kit Bill refered to is recommended by Porsche if you run slicks and does void the warranty. If you don't use slicks and especially if you are fairly new I doubt you will have a problem.

As for wheels, the 5 spoke oem wheels seem like a pretty good deal. If you decide, however, to spring for one of the others I would suggest that you consider going a bit wider. Maybe 8.5/10.5x18.

I have two sets of track wheels. 9/10.5x18 Kinesis K28s and 8.5/11x18 BBS mag racing wheels. I plan to build them both to 9/11x18 over the winter. You have a lot of room for rubber on your 996 and eventually you will probably want to use it.
Good luck.

 

You should also add Forgeline to your attention list. They make light and strong wheels.

 

I think BBS is the only one that makes a real 'racing' wheel. Things like 4mm thin lightweight spun rims and pin-drive centerlock centers. I've got a set of BBS Racing wheels in 17x10.5/11.5" and they only weigh 17/18lbs. I'm going to swap in the magnesium centers this winter which should drop another 1.5-2.0 lbs off to be comparable to the 16x7/8" Fuchs that came stock on my car. Who says you have to gain weight with large aftermarket wheels, HAH! <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />

 

We have had these on the market for over a year. They are DOT approuved and have undergone stringent stress testing. They are very very light competition designed from the get go. A 17/10 is only 16#!! We ONLY make 17" and 18" rims from 7" to 14" any offset. They are very inexpensive for the quality and strength/weight ratio at $2000+ a set.

 

I like the BBS Magnesium centered wheels like Danno says. Here's a rear tire shot of mine. It's amazing how light these are compared to my 16" BBS street wheels.

Jim

 

Here's BBS's latest offering for Porsches:


BBS RS-GT 2 pcs fully forged


My car is the first in the country with a set in 8x18 & 10x18

 

More RS-GT info <a href="http://www.bbs-japan.co.jp/showroom/price/rsgt.htm" target="_blank">here</a>.

 

Here are my wheels, they are fantastic!

 

Those are the same wheels I have on my '87 930. To finish them off, I want to buy the faux center locks, but at $250-300, they won't make me any faster.

Jim

 

Jim, most web-browsers can't view BMP pictures. Here it is again in JPEG format:



Where did you get those centers? I think the Fuchs centercaps will fit those BBS wheels...

 

Jim, these wheels are the best racing wheels out there. No use in adding more weight to them for marginally added looks, who really notices when they are all behind us anyway

 

[quote]Originally posted by Danno:
<strong>Where did you get those centers?</strong><hr></blockquote>

Danno,

Weltmeister makes a similar, if not identical, aluminum "race look center cap" for $79.95 ea (#913334). Available from <a href="http://www.performanceproducts.com" target="_blank">www.performanceproducts.com</a> or <a href="http://www.tweeks.com" target="_blank">www.tweeks.com</a>

 

Danno,

Thanks for the picture fix. It showed up on my screen, but I guess it was the only one.

BBS sells them as well as Fabspeed I think.

They may add weight, but it would be marginal and would help finish off the look of the wheel.

Regards,
Jim