1997 Boxster 18 inch Rim fitment Question.

[dirkdiggler]

Looking to put some 18 inch rims / wheels on my 97 Boxster 2.5.

Found some 8x18(front) and 10x18(rear) staggered rims I might buy.
Not sure on brand but they are from panorama.

Font 8x18 with 245/50 r18 tires and 50 offset

rear 10x18 with 275/45 r18 tires and 55 offset

This rim/tire cross reference is a nightmare to me so just wondering if anyone knows if these 18 inch rims/tires will bolt right on and go??

thanks in advance for any input

[Redboxs]

Doubtful. Mine has 18's with 285 tires in the rear and they had to add spacers and do an alignment due to clearance issues. Others may have more insight. Maybe even call a local indy shop.


These are my 18's. They are Victor brand. Good luck!

[RandallNeighbour]

My 18's require 5mm spacers, but this may have as much to do with the fact I've lowered my car all the way around via my coilovers.

I say this because my 17's also require the spacers.

[husker boxster]

As far as offsets go, the front is an exact match.

The rear should be 47, so according to the 1010tire offset calculator, a 55 offset will move the wheel IN 8mm.

[RedTele58]

You may want to do some searching about placing 18's on a '97 Boxster.

I think Porsche specifically states it's NOT a good idea, based on some fatigue and wear issues specific to the '97 models.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by RedTele58

You may want to do some searching about placing 18's on a '97 Boxster.

I think Porsche specifically states it's NOT a good idea, based on some fatigue and wear issues specific to the '97 models.

That is correct and actually applies to all models prior to 2000.

[RandallNeighbour]

I've had 18's on my car and even tracked it with 18's on it and it has not been a problem. There's a couple of guys on this forum running 19's on 1997's as well with out problems.

The thought was that 18's may stress the sub frame on the 97's. The sub frame was altered in 98 to be sturdier from what I heard. Of course, JFP is probably right about it being MY 2000 instead of 98... he's "in the business" and I am just one guy with one experience to share.

FWIW, As long as the OP isn't tracking the car and driving up on rumble strips/track curbing at speed and stressing the car to the max, I can't see how it would be a problem.

[Steve Tinker]

Originally Posted by dirkdiggler

Font 8x18 with 245/50 r18 tires and 50 offset

rear 10x18 with 275/45 r18 tires and 55 offset

The tyre aspect ratio is also wrong - should be 40 (F) not 50 and 35 (R) not 45.
This tyre / wheel combo will make your car accelerate slower and feel sluggish around the twisties.....

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

That is correct and actually applies to all models prior to 2000.

The structural changes and 18" wheels were introduced in model year 1998.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

I've had 18's on my car and even tracked it with 18's on it and it has not been a problem. There's a couple of guys on this forum running 19's on 1997's as well with out problems.

The thought was that 18's may stress the sub frame on the 97's. The sub frame was altered in 98 to be sturdier from what I heard. Of course, JFP is probably right about it being MY 2000 instead of 98... he's "in the business" and I am just one guy with one experience to share.

FWIW, As long as the OP isn't tracking the car and driving up on rumble strips/track curbing at speed and stressing the car to the max, I can't see how it would be a problem.

Just went and checked, according to Porsche TSB #4407, dated March 4, 1997: " Eighteen inch wheels are not approved for use on Boxsters. Use of eighteen inch wheels on Boxsters under severe conditions may result in structural failures of the body and/or suspension".

As far as I can tell by the paperwork, it applied to 1997 and early production 1998 models, so my statement on up to 2000 was incorrect.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by particlewave

The structural changes and 18" wheels were introduced in model year 1998.

Incorrect. When the Boxster S debuted in 2000 it came with 17" wheels standard & 18" were optional.

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by JFP in PA

Incorrect. When the Boxster S debuted in 2000 it came with 17" wheels standard & 18" were optional.

Incorrect. 18" wheels were introduced as an option in 1998. Fact.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Incorrect. 18" wheels were introduced as an option in 1998. Fact.

For once you might actually be correct.................

[particlewave]

Hahaha! You just can't let it go, can you?

Sorry to the OP for turning this into a little pissing match. JFP and I just like to have a little fun (we both like to think we know it all, but neither of us do).

FWIW, my '99 came from the factory with 18's as an option.

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by particlewave

Hahaha! You just can't let it go, can you?

Don't get all chuffed up about it, even a completely blind squirrel finds and acorn once it a while..............

[husker boxster]

Remeber the forum member who was a MD State Patrolman who had in his sig he was cheating death with 19" wheels on his 97?

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by husker boxster

Remeber the forum member who was a MD State Patrolman who had in his sig he was cheating death with 19" wheels on his 97?

If you ever saw how the early cars fail because of this, you would understand his signature.

[dirkdiggler]

Thanks a bunch guys...yeah I think I will pass on these 18 rims. I dont want it any slower than it already is and want to deal with ****************ty handling.