Inexpensive Aftermarket Wheels? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

MikenOH · 02-05-2009, 11:16 AM

Look for used Boxster wheels on ebay. 18's look nicer but are usually heavier along with more costly rubber.
If you're not getting OEM wheels, check with the vendor on wheel weight. Many of the Porsche knockoff wheels are a lot heavier (4-6lbs/wheel) than the real deal. Extra unsprung weight is not good.
personally, I like the classic 5 spoke light weights on a 986--I'll find a picture and post it.

MikenOH · 02-05-2009, 11:39 AM

These are Boxster"replicas"; 17" with proer offsets. not sure on the weight. $400+ shipping.

ChrisZang · 02-05-2009, 11:53 AM

seems I am the only one who actually clicked the link that Rev. Al provided

http://www.wheelsandcaps.com/specials_packages_item.asp?id=20&part=ALY67304U#ALY67304U $569 + tax for a set of Carrera lightweights - that ain't bad!
No idea about the quality though

ekam · 02-05-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisZang

seems I am the only one who actually clicked the link that Rev. Al provided

http://www.wheelsandcaps.com/specials_packages_item.asp?id=20&part=ALY67304U#ALY67304U $569 + tax for a set of Carrera lightweights - that ain't bad!
No idea about the quality though

Am I the only one who actually read "will not fit Boxster" because those are made for 996 and you need 15mm rear spacers to make them to fit?

blue2000s · 02-05-2009, 01:15 PM

Not all wheels are created equal. Porsche's wheels are forged, which is a process that creates a very strong, light wheel. Most of the cheap-os are cast, which uses a softer alloy of aluminum and without the work hardening of the forging process, they are much easier to bend and damage. I'm not saying the lower price isn't justifiable, but you are getting a better product by paying more (in general).

Here's a good read:

http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/tech/0205scc_wheel_tech_guide/index.html

Rev. Al · 02-05-2009, 05:01 PM

Thanks for the feedback.

MikenOH · 02-05-2009, 06:15 PM

I don't know anything about this company but there was someone else out with Porsche replicas last year based in CA that was selling the classic 5 spoke light weight design for around $1k; these guys are selling them for at least a third lower. My guess is these are manufactured in China (what isn't) so the quality might not be up to OEM standards.
I'd still suggest looking on various sites for used Porsche OEM wheels; they are light strong and being used, they should be priced right.

unklekraker · 02-05-2009, 06:30 PM

Hey Mike, are you talking about this one? This is what I got from Wheels Dynamics and really happy about how much I paid for it.