Rim Size for 1997 Boxster

[1G Turn]

I had heard that there were not only fitment issues but technicial ones as your describing. I'm really trying to find Rims that look like the New Sport Classic by Fuchs in a 17 in or 18 in are they out there somewhere ?

[jonnycool]

My 97 runs fine on 19's nice to drive, not as agile but seems smoother somehow, and all I do is drive on twisty country roads. I could do with lowering mine an inch though.

[Johnny Danger]

If Porsche's reasoning for discouraging the use of larger diameter wheels on the 2.5 platform is largely in part because they feel that the additional weight and increased load bearing can compromise the vehicle's suspension; then regardless of size, this concern can be mitigated by simply utilizing a wheel set that reduces unsprung weight and rotational mass . That would be my thought .

[jonnycool]

only pics I can find at the min my hard drive went down a while back and lost most of them

[mikefocke]

Rear body structural change included redesigned wheel wells and coil spring mounts, lower engine compartment bulkhead, rear wall cross-member and rear axle mount reinforcements.

Doesn't sound to me like Porsche thought just lighter wheels was the solution as this was to allow 18" wheels, not 19" or 20".

Other downsides of larger diameter wheels are the cost of tires and the increased risk of something penetrating through the tire and destroying the wheel.

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by mikefocke

Rear body structural change included redesigned wheel wells and coil spring mounts, lower engine compartment bulkhead, rear wall cross-member and rear axle mount reinforcements.

Doesn't sound to me like Porsche thought just lighter wheels was the solution as this was to allow 18" wheels, not 19" or 20".

Other downsides of larger diameter wheels are the cost of tires and the increased risk of something penetrating through the tire and destroying the wheel.

Mike,

With all due respect, your logic is erroneous. If indeed the prevailing concern is that the 2.5's suspension was not designed to support the increase in weight and additional load bearing that a heavier, larger diameter wheel would presumably impose, then its logical to think that by substantially decreasing unsprung weight and rotational mass one could not only rule out this concern, but, perhaps improve the performance of the vehicle. The misconception here is, that larger diameter wheels weight more. While this can be true of most oem wheels, and this would explain why Porsche discouraged the use of larger wheels on this model, it's clearly not the case with many of the high quality after market wheels that are available. Indeed, depending upon the the wheel application, boxster enthusiasts can reduce unsprung rotational weight considerably on their vehicle. Take it from some one who has done this. By upgrading to a light weight one piece forged wheel, I eliminated nearly 100 lbs. of unsprung weight/rotational mass from my vehicle. And, the effect it had on handling, braking and overall performance was nothing short of transforming !!!

[jonnycool]

Just a thought but would front and rear strut braces help relieve any stresses that might occur with larger diameter wheels? obviously porsche cannot do this as it limits access to both luggage compartments but I would say this would be a good upgrade for anyone that may be a little worried by this phenomenon. Personally I still think you would be pretty unlucky if your rim size induced damage to your car.

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

Mike,

With all due respect, your logic is erroneous. If indeed the prevailing concern is that the 2.5's suspension was not designed to support the increase in weight and additional load bearing that a heavier, larger diameter wheel would presumably impose, then its logical to think that by substantially decreasing unsprung weight and rotational mass one could not only rule out this concern, but, perhaps improve the performance of the vehicle. The misconception here is, that larger diameter wheels weight more. While this can be true of most oem wheels, and this would explain why Porsche discouraged the use of larger wheels on this model, it's clearly not the case with many of the high quality after market wheels that are available. Indeed, depending upon the the wheel application, boxster enthusiasts can reduce unsprung rotational weight considerably on their vehicle. Take it from some one who has done this. By upgrading to a light weight one piece forged wheel, I eliminated nearly 100 lbs. of unsprung weight/rotational mass from my vehicle. And, the effect it had on handling, braking and overall performance was nothing short of transforming !!!

40+ lb. wheels on a Boxster WOW good thing you got those off your car