Switching to lighter wheels

[alexc0814]

How much of a difference does this make?

I'm currently on turbo twists ~25lb/front wheel and ~29lb/rear wheel. I'm looking at some apex sm-10's (-4lb per front, -8lb/rear). Is this worthwhile/will I feel the difference?

There's also the VS5-RS which is -7.5lbs per front, and -11lb per rear but its a little more than I'd like to spend.

[78F350]

I've seen posts here asking about specific wheel weights, but nothing with a quantitative comparison of performance. Until someone comes up with a 986 specific answer for you, check out these threads on the GRM Forum:
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/articles/are-lighter-wheels-really-better/
https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/grm/37-pound-difference-per-wheel-noticable-difference/20771/page1/

[husker boxster]

What kind of driving are you doing? If you're doing this for track driving, then it's probably a good idea. If for the street or canyon carving, the difference would be less perceivable. And most race tracks aren't full of potholes while streets are. You don't mention where you're from but it sounds like most roads in the US are rough. Unless you're going with carbon fiber wheels, chances are lighter weight means less strength, which means they'll bend easier. Something to consider.

If you're buying to change up the look or you love the style, I say go for it. If you're buying them strictly for the performance adv for the street, there are better avenues to spend your $$$ on.

[alexc0814]

Thanks for the replies, yeah no track driving the car is a daily. Roads aren't too bad here in orange county but that is a good consideration.

Now I'm looking at a set of OZ alleggerita's which would be around ~36lb weight savings total if I did my math right. My motivation is for both a new look and I'm also hoping to feel a difference as well based on everything I've read. I'm not getting my hopes too high for a completely different experience but I'm still excited to feel some more lightness.

[DWBOX2000]

Would different sway bars change the feel? Asking.
I just went from 17’s 986 boxster S rims to 1st gen 18”cayman S wheels. I didn’t measure but carrying the wheels, the Cayman wheels were much heavier. Didn’t notice any real difference for regular driving. I imagine on the track, any advantage helps. Good luck.

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by DWBOX2000

Would different sway bars change the feel?

Oh Yes indeed!

You could order a set of K&R sway bars, if I remember correctly, only the rear bar is adjustable, this was the first upgrade I made to my then new 987CS and it made a nice difference to reduce understeer.
On the 981CS, I went for the Tarett GT3 bars which are both adjustable.

[husker boxster]

Go out to Tarett, there are plenty of suspension options that will make a world of difference. 1st item to buy would be their monoball bushings. Then rear toe arms and the red hockey pucks.

I'm hoping to add their drop links this yr.

Be careful, this website is like crack.

[986andmx5]

Here is another article for you that I had stored in my memory bank:
https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a15130598/upsized-wheels-tires/

I have cut 7lbs of a wheel and tire combo before and yes, I could feel the difference. It was a different car than 986, but I'm sure you would notice.

[alexc0814]

Hmm I’m so torn but I do really want to get them. Does anyone know if an 10x18et40with a 265 fits? My car is lowered on B6’s and HR sport springs. If it works it looks like it would be just barely.

[husker boxster]

Here's an offset calculator:

https://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Wheel-Offset-Calculator?srsltid=AfmBOopjutRKkLANJKt1GMDvJdsMvdU fzLQBixsg2FtLnF1bHItAWG2B

It will help you determine how far in / out a wheel will be compared to your existing ones. My guess is with an offset of 40, you'll have clearance issues. Keep in mind on the rears you have the suspension arm to deal with along with the e-brake cable (that can be pinned down).

Keep in mind if you have to add mild spacers, you'll need longer lug bolts. Thick spacers of 15mm and more will kill any weight savings you get from new wheels.

[alexc0814]

Yeah I’ve calculated the fitment a hundred times by now lol. I’m not interested in tying back the cable so I was hoping that with 10x18 et40 I wouldn’t need to but I guess I’ll just go for the 9 inch wheels and some 10mm spacers.

My current setup is 9et52 with 20mm spacers in the back and the 10 inch would poke out 4mm more. It’s already pretty flush so I’d also be concerned about rubbing on the wheel arch when the suspension is compressed with another 4mm.

[LoneWolfGal]

I guess I'm the only 986 owner on the planet who loves the stock 17" Turbo Twist wheels. But then, I also see nothing wrong with the "fried egg" headlights. And Arctic Silver is my favorite 986 color. Furthermore, I prefer the base model's black instrumentation and single large tailpipe. In other words, my stock 986 is absolutely perfect for my tastes. Different strokes.

[alexc0814]

I really don't mind the wheels, mine are the 18 inch ones but I like the sport design and sport classic wheels a lot more. So I started looking into what those would cost, but without a performance upgrade it would be pretty tough to drop that kind of money on something purely aesthetic so I started looking at lighter aftermarket wheels and really liked the way that a lot of the lighter wheels looked too.