Boxster S Wheels 17" or 18" ???

[timlawton]

I'm having a new (to me) 2004 Box S delivered to me. The original owner put every doo-hickie option on the car except going larger than the standard 17". Is going up to an 18" wheel going to make much difference? Is it worth the expense?

The only thing I have for reference is my stolen (recovered 10 minutes later, totaled) Box Base (1999) that had 19" wheels on it and the big Brembo brake package. the rears were 285x30/19, fronts 225x40/19...and NO, they didn't rub anything (they came with the car when I bought it 5 years ago) anywhere, at any time. They definitely kept the rear from stepping out.

Tim

[Racer Boy]

If you are going to track the car, 17" tires are a lot cheaper to buy than 18s or 19s!

[PaulE]

I've got sets of both OEM 17's and 18's for my 2003 S. For everyday street driving, I don't think you'll notice any difference. I do think the extra half inch of sidewall you get with the 17s is worthwhile given the condition of our roads, and the 18 inch light Carrera wheels are more susceptible to bending than the 17 inch Boxster II wheels.

[marsheng]

I went from 16 to 18 on a 1998 986. Main reason was the over read by nearly 10% on the speedo.

Went up to the next size tire and now only 2-3 % out. Any bigger and it scraped the inside of the wheel arch. Front and rear same size. For a 200hp car, I don't think it makes too much difference.

Got the rims for $160 (original Porsche) and I put on Chinese tires (after much reading of reviews) for around $700. They were more expensive than 17" but it will probably be 3-4 years before I have to change them again.

I had a track day soon after it was all fitted and the tires felt fine. May be different in another country's but the speed limit here of 100KPH, recycled plastic bags would probably do just as well for 99% of the driving.


Before the wash !!!

[Jim 'n' SC]

I painted my 17" Black to make it look more updated and aggressive. I'm happen with them. Also 17 will spin up faster.

[timlawton]

I appreciate every ones input. I'll quit worrying about moving up in wheel size...at least for now.
I do like the black wheels on Jim's car but the one I have coming is graphite silver so painting them black would kind of throw off the contrast.
I will say that the 19" wheels I had on my '99 did make for a really firm ride, but I could drive it for a five hour stint without getting beat up.

another question...would it be worth going up 10mm on both front and back wheels on the standard 17" wheels?

tim

[marsheng]

Originally Posted by timlawton

another question...would it be worth going up 10mm on both front and back wheels on the standard 17" wheels?

tim

Check your speedo with a GPS and correct if necessary.

[Topless]

Originally Posted by timlawton

I appreciate every ones input. I'll quit worrying about moving up in wheel size...at least for now.
I do like the black wheels on Jim's car but the one I have coming is graphite silver so painting them black would kind of throw off the contrast.
I will say that the 19" wheels I had on my '99 did make for a really firm ride, but I could drive it for a five hour stint without getting beat up.

another question...would it be worth going up 10mm on both front and back wheels on the standard 17" wheels?

tim

10mm in tire width? After 10 yrs in a 986 I felt that 225/255 17s worked best street or track. Also the best selection of tires.

All 986 speedos are "optimistic" reading 4-6mph above actual GPS speed by design. If that freaks you out you can choose a shorter sidewall tire like 245/40/17 and get closer.