Another question about 18" wheels

[BuffaloBoxster]

Depends if you're interested in ride, performance, or bling. Bigger wheels are heavier, and the tires that go on them stiffer. Performance can be a toss-up if the widths aren't getting bigger. Ride will definately suffer.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBoxster

Depends if you're interested in ride, performance, or bling. Bigger wheels are heavier, and the tires that go on them stiffer. Performance can be a toss-up if the widths aren't getting bigger. Ride will definately suffer.

Hi,

Agreed. Add to that, an increase in wheel size increases your Rotational Inertia which can impede acceleration and lengthen braking distances. Also, the most significant thing about the weight increase you mention is that it is Unsprung Weight, very undesireable and something which most Enthusiasts work hard to minimize.

Bigger wheels are pretty much totally about the bling. The performance gains are touted way out of proportion to what they really are in Real World Terms. For the Boxster, the 18" is the best compromise and the biggest you should go. These will fill out the wheel wells nicely without too many negatives.

I know that Porsche sells 19 inchers, but this is totally due to Market Demand and a Sales opportunity. I guarantee they are not running on 19's when they gather their performance data.

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

[Brucelee]

18s on the Box rule!

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by Brucelee

18s on the Box rule!

Yep,

Got 18 Turbos on mine! They look great, can't imagine how puny a 16" must look.

Happy Motoring!...Jim'99

[SoCal]

Still hoping somebody knowledgeable will wade through the details above about the offsets and the 17mm spacers for the 996 Carrera 18" wheels.

Does that info make sense? Any concerns about the offsets and the spacers?

Does it matter that with PASM the suspension will be lowered 10mm? With the 7mm wider front and 8mm wider rear, is there any significant risk of rubbing the fenders or wheel wells on turns or over bumps?