Wider front tires

[clickman]

2001 base with stock 17" wheels. I need new tires and some have recommended moving from the stock 205/50R17 to the wider 225/45R17 in order to reduce understeer. I'd like to do that but:

1. Are there any negatives?
2. Are spacers required?
3. Should the air pressure be adjusted from the stock tire Porsche spec of 29 psi?

Thanks

[Newsguy]

1. No
2. No
3. I’m at 33 front. Where did you see 29?

[clickman]

Originally Posted by Newsguy

3. I’m at 33 front. Where did you see 29?

The owner's manual.

[theiceman]

In cars in general the wider you go in the front the more tendency the car will have to tramline. ( the tendency to want to go straight ) and will require more input to correct. If this is noticeable by the driver is the real question and is it an issue. it might feel slightly less " nimble" with wider front tires.

[Marc_986]

I wouldn't expect any issue with that with 225 tires, they are not really wide for the type and weight of car. I am also strongly considering 225/45/17 up front. Seems more balanced with the rears.

The only thing giving me some doubt is that for some reason Porsche decided to go narrow up front (compared to rim width) and wide in the rear (again compared to the rim). So looking at the angle of the sidewall, they differ. They must have done that for a reason, but I don't see it yet.

[clickman]

I’m actually having second thoughts. I believe Porsche designed the car towards understeer because it’s easier for the average driver to recover from a problem than if the car is set up with more oversteer. I’m not a racer, so am without any of the training to easily pull the car out of a bad place when the rear end breaks loose.

[Marc_986]

Yes, all road cars are designed to understeer. For training on counter steering a load of snow is ideal. I guess the biggest issue with oversteer is not correction that, but preventing the snap-back when traction recovers (and your front wheels still counter steering). Had that happen once on a poorly setup Fiero.

[fridsten]

I've done just that, and it works very well. Highly recommended! Especially if you track the car occasionally.

[Newsguy]

I really find no downside to it. It handles more neutrally, and the ride is even better.
Overall, actually a better driver than my 997.2 S.

BTW, regarding your understeer concerns, that low front tire pressure accentuates that condition. Add air where you want to grip, generally.