Best sub $1000 wheel swap for 986?

[itsnotanova]

Not to debate that the 97/early 98 isn't weaker than a late 98/99, but I've seen lots of 97 spec boxsters get the living tar beat out of them and the only thing that really breaks on them is the rear subframe. That usually happens when they hit a curb sideways or do some offroading. I'd drive with 19's on a 97 if my boxster was a 97. The reason I wouldn't run 19s is because they weigh a ton and really hurt performance.

[Steve Tinker]

Originally Posted by itsnotanova

The reason I wouldn't run 19s is because they weigh a ton and really hurt performance.

And there lies the real world truth....

Fitting larger (read heavier) wheels to a 2.5 Boxster will kill the performance especially the excelleration and mid range pull.
To me that is not acceptable, just because they look good doesn't mean they work well......

[boxxster]

Per this thread: "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".

So as long as you aren't tracking the car or doing anything really stupid with it I think you should be fine.

[mikefocke]

IIRC the story was large wheels, sticky tires and track testing revealed the need for the frame strengthening.

Not to mention the larger the wheel, the less crush space between the pothole and your expensive rim.

The larger the wheel, generally the more unsprung weight and thus the larger load the suspension has to absorb.

And the more expensive the tire.

Your car, your cash, your image, your comfort, your risk.

[bwdz]

Thanks for the explanation guys. I am not worried about hurting the acceleration with the slight difference in weight of the 18 vs 17 wheel, it is not like a Boxster has any acceleration to talk about in the first place. I don't track the car and it is not like I am running slicks on it, just a 18 inch street tire that gets slid around a few turns a year so not worried about breaking it and if I do break it, oh well, I'll just fix it.