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Originally Posted by CRCGuy
Interested in the current views on wheel sizes. Particularly for 987 but not sure if it matters. 17 vs 18 vs 19 All other things equal, does handling noticeably improve going up? Ride quality suffer inversely?
Just wondering what the more experienced owners have to say about wheels on a Box.
CRCguy
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To be perfectly honest, the only thing that is going to make a difference in the actual performance of the car is the width of the tire. The wider the tire, the larger the contact patch connecting the car to the ground, and offering feedback to the driver.
Wider tires, of course, need wider wheels.
Typically, the tire manufacturers recommends a range of wheel widths to fit their tire of a specific size and construction. And they most likely are not going to offer that same tire size in each and every wheel diameter available, otherwise they would have to make way too many molds for every tire they produce.
Also, a smaller wheel weighs less, and that takes less power and effort to change directions, accelerate, and slow it down once its spinning, which makes the car feel more responsive, and nimble.
I think the best question to ask is what are the tire sizes needed for optimal performance. The original 986 came with 205/55-16 tires in the front, and 225/50-16 in the rear as stock. The optional wheel package came with 205/50-17 up front, and 255/40-17 in the rear. I'm pretty sure everyone will agree that a 986 equipped with the optional wheel/tire package out performed the base wheel/tire setup.
So, what's the ultimate combination of tire sizes for the front and rear for superb handling, yet still retains the car's flick-ability, and driving characteristics? Once we have that, then we can probably figure out the best size wheels to mate those tires to the car.
BC.