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MNBoxster · 05-27-2006, 04:06 AM

Hi,

Yep, TriGem2k is correct! Porsche found that areas of the chassis would not absorb the stresses placed upon it with an 18" wheel, particularly where the suspension members mount to the Car. In addition, it was found that these wheels had a tendency to cause some of the suspension mounting bolts to loosen from the stress as well.

So for the '98 MY, Porsche modified the chassis to accept 18" wheels as an option.

There are some people who have put 18's on the '97 with no apparent ill effects, but Porsche does not, and will not, recommend their use on a '97. It would be pretty expensive to find out Porsche was right! An Insurance Company could go sideways if you ever had a claim and they found the car had an unauthorized modification, especially when the manufacturer expressly warns against it.

Were it me, as an alternative, I would think about lowering the Car to minimize the space between Wheel Well and the Tire to improve the aesthetic. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

05-27-2006, 04:06 AM	#3
MNBoxster Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, USA Posts: 3,308	Hi, Yep, TriGem2k is correct! Porsche found that areas of the chassis would not absorb the stresses placed upon it with an 18" wheel, particularly where the suspension members mount to the Car. In addition, it was found that these wheels had a tendency to cause some of the suspension mounting bolts to loosen from the stress as well. So for the '98 MY, Porsche modified the chassis to accept 18" wheels as an option. There are some people who have put 18's on the '97 with no apparent ill effects, but Porsche does not, and will not, recommend their use on a '97. It would be pretty expensive to find out Porsche was right! An Insurance Company could go sideways if you ever had a claim and they found the car had an unauthorized modification, especially when the manufacturer expressly warns against it. Were it me, as an alternative, I would think about lowering the Car to minimize the space between Wheel Well and the Tire to improve the aesthetic. Hope this helps... Happy Motoring!... Jim'99