Upgrade questions -- Help!
 

18" RIMS AND TIRES:
I'll soon have a white 1997 Boxster. It's been recommended to upgrade to 18" RIMS for a cooler look. If so, I have some questions:
~ What does this do to the "feel" of the ride (bumpier, better road feel, ect)?
~ Are any additional modifications needed if I do?
~ What rims and tires do you recommend?

SHORT SHIFTER KIT:
Also, after driving it, I think a short shifter kit may be a great thing for me. Questions:
~ Does this make a significant difference in feel?
~ If one is installed, are there any additional problems or complications that can occur?
~ Which brand do you recommend as the best?

Hey Hoser:

18's will look great. Go to www.tirerack. You can configure several different wheels on your car. In fact the "demo" car is white too. I favor a 5 spoke IMHO.

The 18's will transmit more road feel...the good and the bad.

The short shift sponsor on our forum (above) has gotten some pretty good feedback from several members. You should do a search.

One of the negatives with the short shifter is additional shifting effort due to cold weather...but that should not be a major concern for you in California. On a cold morning you'll see the difference, until the car is fully warmed-up.

An additional point to consider is that Porsche did not offer 18" wheels as an option until the '99 models, and did some strengthening of the suspension components to accomodate the wider wheels and tires.
For street driving it's probably not an issue, but if you are going to be tracking or autocrossing the car, it is something to think about.

So 97's may not take 18" wheels?
 

Anyone know for sure?
:eek:

I have a 1997. 18" were not approved for 1997. 1998 was the first year. I do not even think Porsche had 18" wheels with the proper offset in 1997. What I remember is that the BMW Z3 came out with optional 18" wheels and then all of a sudden so did Porsche.

There is a guy on rennlist with a 1997. He has 18" wheels and a 3.4 conversion. Don't think Porsche approved a 3.4 conversion.

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=3130&st=0&p=16487&

They just are not stressed for them. If you don't drive hard you'd probably be okay. But that's no fun!

These posting said the 97 comes with 17" or 18"
 

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2128415

http://www.epinions.com/content_41866727044

http://www.qv500.com/porscheboxsterp1.php