Original Boxster Wheel Question - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

jim_hoyland · 02-07-2010, 06:04 AM

Am I correct that the original Boxster wheels were 6 x 16 and 7 x 16 ? If so, when was the change made to 7 x 17 and 8.5 x 17 ? Is the picture below the original wheel used ?

Lobo1186 · 02-07-2010, 09:29 AM

im not sure of the official change but, my box has 7x17 and 8.5x17 stock wheels and it is a 2001 non s

Aron in Toronto · 02-08-2010, 12:23 PM

The 16" wheels were the standard wheels and the 17" where the optional wheels from day one. That said most were ordered with the 17"s. In 1998 18" wheels also became optional. I'm not sure if or when the 16" wheels were dropped as the standard. I picked up a used set to use with my snow tires.

Adam · 02-08-2010, 12:52 PM

Last time I checked the base model still comes with 16's as standard equipment, however most are optioned with the 17's. It's rare to see a Boxster rolling on the factory 16 inchers.

Steve Tinker · 02-08-2010, 01:20 PM

It would be intersting to hear from people who have experience regarding the difference in handling between the 16" and 17" wheels with summer tyres. Sometimes, bigger is not always better....

Topless · 02-08-2010, 02:54 PM

My 1998 came with 16s originally. When I started performance driving I mounted a pair of 17s so I could max my tire widths for stock class. I think the widest recommended tire on a 16x7 wheel is 225. Otherwise the car handled just fine with 16s and tire costs were less.

16 wheels are the trick setup for a base Boxster with snow tires because the larger sidewall gives better pothole protection, 16 snow tires are a lot cheaper and a narrower tire actually offers better traction in the snow.

Kim-M · 02-08-2010, 04:08 PM

I'm using 18" Carrera

Tho I think I need spacers, gonna consult my mechanic in the summer

70Sixter · 02-09-2010, 12:05 PM

The 16" wheels were 6J front with 50mm offset, and 7J rear with 40mm offset.

mikefocke · 02-09-2010, 12:35 PM

brake interference due to the larger brakes on the S.

Consult your owner's manual.

RGH · 02-09-2010, 04:48 PM

My '04 base came with 16's (the same as shown in Jim's message below). I just recently swapped them for 18" Caymen replicas. No discernable difference in handling in day-to-day driving, I just liked the way they look.

calvani · 02-09-2010, 05:26 PM

Hey Folks,

I have a set of used 16" Porsche Boxster factory wheels for sale - in case you want to use these with winter tires. They come with the Porsche caps as well. All in truly excellent condition - $450 obo (plus shipping by UPS). They are also listed under the classified area...

Let me know if you are interested.

Cheers,

Humberto-

jim_hoyland · 02-10-2010, 06:08 AM

Thanks for the input to my original question. My thought ( and I've been a Porsche owner since 1982 )was my Boxster DD is over-tired. I'll be looking for a set of 6's and 7's--pm sent to Calvani.

Thanks again,

Jim

Aron in Toronto · 02-11-2010, 05:32 AM

Let us know what you think of the 16"s when you find them.

I switch between 18"'s in the summer and 16"s in the winter, and can feel a smoother ride on the 16"s but I'm also feeling the difference between summer and winter tires, so the comparison isn't apples to apples. I also experience less grip with 16"s, but this is again is with winter tires and cold road conditions.

I would be interesting to see real world performance comparisons of various size wheels for the Boxster on the road and on the track.