OEM 997 Turbo wheels on Boxster?

[Boxtaboy]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

I think some members are missing the point here. Regardless of size, whether they're 17, 18 or 19 inches, when it comes to upgrading wheels, the objective is to reduce unsprung weight and rotational mass. I have a set of one piece forged Champion wheels, the heaviest of which weighs less than 20 lbs. Compared to the 18 inch oem wheels that were on my vehicle, I have shaved off nigh on to 80 lbs !!! With all of the modifications that have been made to my vehicle, this was arguably the most significant in term of improved acceleration, braking, overall handling and performance .

That's a nice objective, but not everyone upgrades to a larger sized wheel on the Boxster to reduce unsprung weight. Some do it for the look of the larger wheel/wider stance, regardless if they gain a little weight/lose some performance from the swap to larger wheels. Not everyone can drop $5k+ on new HRE's, Dymags, or Champions, but still want the look of the larger wheel setup.

[ChrisZang]

I am with you on that.
My street wheels are 18" and my track wheels 17"
Why?
Because I go through track tires like there's no tomorrow and 17" tires are cheaper than 18"

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

That's a nice objective, but not everyone upgrades to a larger sized wheel on the Boxster to reduce unsprung weight. Some do it for the look of the larger wheel/wider stance, regardless if they gain a little weight/lose some performance from the swap to larger wheels. Not everyone can drop $5k+ on new HRE's, Dymags, or Champions, but still want the look of the larger wheel setup.

The fact of the matter is, most, if not all, of the "high end" wheel companies (particularly, the ones that you mentioned) begin their line up of wheels starting with size 19. Therefore, for those of us who embrace the concept of less weight/rotational mass, there are few choices but to move up to said size and spend the money. Otherwise, unless one is looking to simply change the appearance of their vehicle, they are better off leaving the oem wheels in place.

[Boxtaboy]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

The fact of the matter is, most, if not all, of the "high end" wheel companies (particularly, the ones that you mentioned) begin their line up of wheels starting with size 19. Therefore, for those of us who embrace the concept of less weight/rotational mass, there are few choices but to move up to said size and spend the money. Otherwise, unless one is looking to simply change the appearance of their vehicle, they are better off leaving the oem wheels in place.

Again, your original post implied that the objective for everyone should be to embrace the concept of less weight/rotational mass, but my point was that not everyone necessarily has that objective when sizing up. Some just want to size up for looks, or just want cheap larger looking wheels for asthetic reasons, which is why you see so many replica wheels out there. These type of consumers don't care if they lose a little performance by sizing up with heavier/larger wheels.

In addition, there are wheel companies like OZ and others that offer 18" lightweight wheels too. Just because you buy a larger lightweight wheel, you still have to pair it with the larger rubber, which also is heavier than the smaller sized tire, so you don't always end up on the better end with a larger set up, performance-wise. How many people do you see track their cars with 19" tires/wheels? In many cases, a smaller tire/wheel set up will yield faster track times vs. A large 19" set up. I also distinctly remember an article in Excellence on a Manthey Racing (sp?), prepped 996 with upgraded engine and suspension, and they specifically put 18" wheels/tires on the car because they said that the car performed optimally on 18s.

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

Again, your original post implied that the objective for everyone should be to embrace the concept of less weight/rotational mass, but my point was that not everyone necessarily has that objective when sizing up. Some just want to size up for looks, or just want cheap larger looking wheels for asthetic reasons, which is why you see so many replica wheels out there. These type of consumers don't care if they lose a little performance by sizing up with heavier/larger wheels.

In addition, there are wheel companies like OZ and others that offer 18" lightweight wheels too. Just because you buy a larger lightweight wheel, you still have to pair it with the larger rubber, which also is heavier than the smaller sized tire, so you don't always end up on the better end with a larger set up, performance-wise. How many people do you see track their cars with 19" tires/wheels? In many cases, a smaller tire/wheel set up will yield faster track times vs. A large 19" set up. I also distinctly remember an article in Excellence on a Manthey Racing (sp?), prepped 996 with upgraded engine and suspension, and they specifically put 18" wheels/tires on the car because they said that the car performed optimally on 18s.

It seems to me that the premise of this thread began with a question regarding wheel fitment. Subsequently, some members then engaged the topic of wheel size with respect to changes in performance. I reiterate, for those who are performance minded, the goal is to reduce unsprung weight and rotational mass. I understand that under certain racing or "track" applications, wheel and tire size are subject to great debate. However, at no point did I suggest that changing wheels for the sake of appearance was wrong provided that said wheels had the correct fitment . In fact, the only point that I stressed was that there was no way that an 11 inch wheel would ever fit 986 boxster. Lastly, other than the OZ wheel that you mentioned, I challenge you to name a few after market companies that offer a high quality 18 inch wheel that is strong, light weight and reliable and is designed specifically for a Porsche. I know of very few .

[Boxtaboy]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

It seems to me that the premise of this thread began with a question regarding wheel fitment. Subsequently, some members then engaged the topic of wheel size with respect to changes in performance. I reiterate, for those who are performance minded, the goal is to reduce unsprung weight and rotational mass. I understand that under certain racing or "track" applications, wheel and tire size are subject to great debate. However, at no point did I suggest that changing wheels for the sake of appearance was wrong provided that said wheels had the correct fitment . In fact, the only point that I stressed was that there was no way that an 11 inch wheel would ever fit 986 boxster. Lastly, other than the OZ wheel that you mentioned, I challenge you to name a few after market companies that offer a high quality 18 inch wheel that is strong, light weight and reliable and is designed specifically for a Porsche. I know of very few .

Challenge? Lol. What, are we in third grade? Ok, here's a few 18" wheels from decent wheel makers...
HRE: 563R, C95, 593R, 560C
BBS: RSGT 2-piece forged
Volk TE37

I can research some others if you like, but I'm about to go on a 5 HR flight, so we can continue this when I get back if you really want to. IMO, on the 986, 18s work well as a good balance of attributes, and on the 987, 19s work ok. But again, that's off topic.

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by Boxtaboy

Challenge? Lol. What, are we in third grade? Ok, here's a few 18" wheels from decent wheel makers...
HRE: 563R, C95, 593R, 560C
BBS: RSGT 2-piece forged
Volk TE37

I can research some others if you like, but I'm about to go on a 5 HR flight, so we can continue this when I get back if you really want to. IMO, on the 986, 18s work well as a good balance of attributes, and on the 987, 19s work ok. But again, that's off topic.

If you get stuck I will allow you to phone a friend or use a "life line". lol !

[9mmkungfu]

I was looking on the Wheel Dynamics website and saw their replica wheels. Does anyone know what size (18" or 19") they are using on the pictured Boxster? I emailed them a week ago and received no reply :/

hot link:

http://wheeldynamics.net/AA%2003-11-08%20310.jpg

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by 9mmkungfu

I was looking on the Wheel Dynamics website and saw their replica wheels. Does anyone know what size (18" or 19") they are using on the pictured Boxster? I emailed them a week ago and received no reply :/

hot link:

http://wheeldynamics.net/AA%2003-11-08%20310.jpg

I believe that they are 18's.

[9mmkungfu]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

I believe that they are 18's.

Thanks for the info. You wouldn't happen to have the weight info too, would you? Do you know the weight of the OEM 997 turbo wheels?

I'd love a set of lightweight Champions but I can't justify spending the coin on a new set. A lightly used set seems hard to find.

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by 9mmkungfu

Thanks for the info. You wouldn't happen to have the weight info too, would you? Do you know the weight of the OEM 997 turbo wheels?

I'd love a set of lightweight Champions but I can't justify spending the coin on a new set. A lightly used set seems hard to find.

Keep in mind, that the oem 997 turbo wheels are a one piece forged design (purportedly made by Fuchs) . Whereas the replica wheels are simply a cast version thereof. The difference in weigh is like night and day.

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by 9mmkungfu

Thanks for the info. You wouldn't happen to have the weight info too, would you? Do you know the weight of the OEM 997 turbo wheels?

I'd love a set of lightweight Champions but I can't justify spending the coin on a new set. A lightly used set seems hard to find.

If you are looking stay with 18's, I came across a Japanese "tuner" awhile back who offers what appears to be a beautiful one piece forged wheel for really reasonable money.
If you like, I can post the link for you and others .

[ekam]

Originally Posted by 9mmkungfu

I was looking on the Wheel Dynamics website and saw their replica wheels. Does anyone know what size (18" or 19") they are using on the pictured Boxster? I emailed them a week ago and received no reply :/

hot link:

http://wheeldynamics.net/AA%2003-11-08%20310.jpg

The real OEM wheel is 19"s, but the replicas do come in both 18"s and 19"s.

[9mmkungfu]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

Keep in mind, that the oem 997 turbo wheels are a one piece forged design (purportedly made by Fuchs) . Whereas the replica wheels are simply a cast version thereof. The difference in weigh is like night and day.

Yes I am aware. That is why I was wondering what the weight difference would be. Maybe I'll give them a call on Monday and they can give me more info.

Yes I would like more information on the Japanese wheels you are referring to.. thanks!

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by 9mmkungfu

Yes I am aware. That is why I was wondering what the weight difference would be. Maybe I'll give them a call on Monday and they can give me more info.

Yes I would like more information on the Japanese wheels you are referring to.. thanks!

The Japanese "tuner" that I was referring to is Jubily. I don't know much about them other than it appears that they offer some high quality items; namely wheels and exhausts. Last I knew they had an importer in the US called Zero R International. I'm not sure what their status is, however, I'll post their link . I know in the past Vivid Racing sold their products.

http://www.zerorinternational.com/wheels-parts-store.cfm?page=16&action=detail&prod=25&CatID=7

[Johnny Danger]

This is a clip of their exhaust on a 987.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhez8I_VFGQ

and a 986
http://www.zerorinternational.com/porsche-multimedia.cfm