18" Wheels

[evomind]

Hey guys, Im shopping 99 Boxsters and I have a wheel question....
I seem to recall reading that Boxsters ordered from the factory with 18" wheels had additional suspension parts or upgraded suspension in the rear OR SOMETHING, but I don't know exactly what or if I was smoking something at the time and hallucinated it all.
Were there any changes to the car when ordering 18s? (Besides the size of the wheels? )

Thanks

[Johnny Danger]

I believe concerns regarding the use of wheels larger than 17 inches pertains to 2.5 vehicles.

[evomind]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

I believe concerns regarding the use of wheels larger than 17 inches pertains to 2.5 vehicles.

2.5 cars? You mean the engine?

[BoxsterSteve]

Originally Posted by evomind

2.5 cars? You mean the engine?

IIRC, early cars, specifically the '97's couldn't be fitted with 18's for track duty due to structural issues from the factory. I've read that 18's were fine for strictly street use, though.

[golonaus]

18's on 97 are not recommended
but on 98-99 its just fine

[Johnny Danger]

Originally Posted by evomind

2.5 cars? You mean the engine?

Yes. Early boxsters (1997) are often referred to as 2.5's.

[evomind]

Originally Posted by BoxsterSteve

IIRC, early cars, specifically the '97's couldn't be fitted with 18's for track duty due to structural issues from the factory. I've read that 18's were fine for strictly street use, though.

Right, and I believe I read that in 98-99 if you ordered the 18s the structural issues were addressed.
Just trying to confirm.

[thstone]

All 1997-1999 are 2.5L engines. The 2.7 wasn't offered until 2000.
1997's were limited to 17" wheels due to structural concerns.
1998-99 were strenthened for 18". No concerns.

[jcb986]

My 2000S with 3.2 liter has factory 18" Turbos. I would assume the springs and shocks are different than the base unit. I drove a base then an S model. Would never own a early base unit at all. The newer ones not sure since I haven't driven one.

[evomind]

Originally Posted by jcb986

My 2000S with 3.2 liter has factory 18" Turbos. I would assume the springs and shocks are different than the base unit. I drove a base then an S model. Would never own a early base unit at all. The newer ones not sure since I haven't driven one.

Ive driven a few of the early model cars, 97-99s...Theyre not "fast" but theyre fun cars to drive and reasonably priced. Seems buying the "S" versions people want a kings ransom while the early cars are fairly cheap.
Id buy an "S" if I find one affordable to me but I don't want to spend too much.
I have a Viper in the garage so I don't need the Boxster to be my fastest car.