Wheel size question - 2001 Porsche Boxster Base
 

Hi,

Does anyone know what the standard wheel size was for the 2001 Base Boxster? Was there an option to upgrade to 17"? I noticed this morning while walking out the door that all my tires are 17".

Front - 205/50/ZR17
Rear - 255/40/ZR17

Wondering if the previous owner upgraded the wheels since everywhere else online I see that the 16" wheels were standard equipment.

Thanks,
Amit

The 2001 Base car had 16" wheels standard and the S came with 17".

But most 986 Base models came from the factory with the 17" upgrade (option code 396 on the label under the front trunk).

Also, most people upgrade the front tires when its time to replace them to 225/45/17 to improve front end grip and reduce the amount of understeer.

This information is in owners manual

Thanks thstone!! That is interesting information.

Well lkchris, I thought the manual would have generic information since they don't write different manuals for different variants within a year unless it's something drastically different.

But I took a tape measure to the wheels this morning and measuring inside the lips(not including them), it's 17".

My 2001 base arrived to me with 3 piece 18" aftermarket wheels. They have more bling but I think the ride suffers a bit as a result. 17" wheels is the sweet spot for me.. On my list of things to switch.

So here is an interesting question then - I want to get my rotors and brakes replaced, will they be the size of the Boxster S or the base then? Do they have anything to do with one another? How can I tell what size rotors I have?

You need base rotors.

base rotors are what you will need for replacement with the stock (black) calipers. if you were looking to do a brake upgrade to the "s" type ones you will have the clearance required to do so with the 17" wheels. with the 17" wheels and decent tires you should have plenty of grip on acceleration with the base engine unless you are bouncing off of the rev limiter when you dump the clutch (not recommended).

Boxster S brakes were not an option on the base models cars - you had to buy an S model to get the bigger S brakes OR someone had to manually install the larger S brakes after the purchase.

The base brake set has proven to be more (in fact, much more) than adequate such that very few people feel the need to upgrade.

This is another good link on the subject: http://986forum.com/forums/general-discussions/30308-boxster-vs-boxster-s-brake-calipers-rotors.html

I'm trying to get my head round why you measured the wheel when the information is stamped on the sidewall of the tyre?

Edc,
Just me being over paranoid. I've ordered things in haste before and realized I should have done some basic due dilligence to understand and measure parts before placing an order. I realize now it is probably not possible (theoretically) to install a tire of a different diameter on the wheel. I had bought a used Suzuki Esteem when I was in school for $1000 and I can't remember the specifics now but the previous owner had mounted a mismatched tire on one of the rears that wasn't meant for the rim and though the tire was good, I had to replace it. Only added to my paranoia this time around.

Thanks Paul, rdass623, thstone for your advice,
For reference, I ended up purchasing a set of Cooper Zeon RS3-a's from discount tire. Cost under $400 with new valve stems included and there was a $140 rebate on them too. As far as brake pads/rotors, after a lot of debate, I ended up biting the bullet on a brake motive set of cross drilled and slotted rotors and ceramic pads all aroundfor $211 shipped. Read a lot about them on many forums and the general consensus was good. There are several boxster owners using them as well. Brake warehouse had a good deal on a set of Centric C-Tek blank rotors and ceramic pads for $263 shipped home as well. Plan to do the rotor and brake install myself but I will end up taking the tires to a shop to get professionally mounted, balanced and get a laser wheel alignment too.

Do people on here do their own tire changes on their cars?

I usually do if I have the permission to. A close friend of mine that still manages a Goodyear that I once worked at usually lets me do my own. It's not as much as mounting the tire I'm worried about (unless there a tpms sensor), it's the balancing of the wheel that I'd much rather do myself.

If I currently have 255/40/17 on the rear with original Porsche rims, can I increase the width anymore? Wider is always better looking as far as I am concerned, but I don't want to change wider aftermarket rims. Any suggestions? I'm running 225/45/17 on front btw.

Thanks guys for anticipated input