Ride Quality: 19" vs 20" Rims

[Born2Run]

Thanks for the responses. Seems like the consensus is to stay with the 19's. I like the look of 20's, but don't want to change the ride too much. I have experienced plus sizing on rims. I have 24's on my Denali and 22's on my Chrylser 300. The ride is definately more rough in my Denali...just a little in the 300. Was not sure how much the change in rim size would affect the ride with a Porsche. I don't plan on tracking the Porsche...it is just a weekend car. Got some decisions to make.

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[yrralis1]

Originally Posted by adias

The best rim size for a 997 is the 18". The 19" rim is already a looks-driven size. 20" is pure folly.

I am in full agreement here . The 20's change the entire driving dynamics of the car . I don't even find them aesthetically appealing .

[rbuisa]

Stuck with 18" HRE's based on feedback from my regional PCA club members.....they look good and handle well.......I did a ton of research considering the expense.

[JmanE55]

Originally Posted by rvhpno80

well, i have the C97's hre's in 19's, and i tell ya, i wouldn't trade them in for any other wheel. I was actually going to go 20's but when i spoke to over several people in the car game as well as Porsche workers, they said one the ride is going to be a little different, but i was willing to do that, and also i could use the tire pressure sensor's on my 20's if i was to buy 20's. I think that right there put a stop to me ordering 20's. I like to stay close to factory as possible, with a little bit of upgrades. Also on my 19's i have now, i wanna say from the handle being upgrade because of the lightness of the wheel,and the response of the car with that extra weight balance,... you cant beat it!!!! The wheels are pretty expensive, but cannot be duplicate in my eyes, i had bbs, asanti( on my truck) and even the hre's 545r 19's on my 996 i had, but nothing quite compares to these c97's.... I'm a fan for life sorry to go on and on..... but thanks for letting me express my thoughts....

Nicely stated. I would NEVER go 20" again, I've 20" on numerous of my cars in the past/present and the ride is so stiff and harsh where you can feel every bumps on the road.

18" BEST all around
19" factory spec on our car
20" for SHOW

GL with your decision.

[wa1l1in]

19's all the way, 20" if your ghetto and in miami and must require the bling because your horribly ugly and missing teeth or have a semi-permanent guido smile going.

[justatoy]

Originally Posted by wa1l1in

19's all the way, 20" if your ghetto and in miami and must require the bling because your horribly ugly and missing teeth or have a semi-permanent guido smile going.

Read this....might help you understand before resorting to 'name calling'..?

I copied and pasted it from a previous thread I posted on.......

I just thought I would make a post for you guys who really dislike 20's.
I am guilty of having them,but I didn't buy them to offend you guys.
I didn't buy them to be "Blingy" and I am definately not a "Child"
I bought them because I like the look,kinda like you guys like the lighter wheels for the performance!
I like the fact that my sidewalls are almost non-existent,I like how my car looks low without grinding on everything that a city street throws my way,something that can become a problem with the smaller sizes.
My car was bought for my wife and I to go on a nice sunny drive around the streets enjoying the things that this car has to offer,other than "fast times" or "speed"
I just feel that my car on the street doing the speed limit will not benefit from the lighter wheels and the roads around here can handle the lower sidewall of 20's.I have yet for one person who HAS seen my car in person to ridicule me about the 20" wheels,so far they all have complimented it!

I do understand that some people have a knack of pushing the bigger sizes in an offensive manner but the same can be said for the ones who push 18's and 19's !

I wish I had the time/money to race/track my car every weekend,pushing the car to the limits,however,I don't!
But I am still a proud Porsche owner and even more proud to be a part of a great site like this!
A site where we can learn about our cars and help each other with technical questions.
Just because someone does something to their car that I may not like,I still appreciate it !
Like tracking/racing the car!
I respect that you guys like the performance of the car and want to bring every ounce of it out!
I would love to go for a ride in the passenger seat on the track with you guys!
I am going to check out a track event this year forsure,not to race,but rather support my fellow 6speeders/Porsche enthusiast!
They need a hand changing a tire,I am the first one getting dirty to help out!
Besides,I am used to picking up the 'HEAVY' wheels,so your guy's 18's will be a one handed job,LOL!
From one Porsche enthusiast to another,if you don't like a mod someone does maybe voice your opinion but let's leave the name calling to the other less mature sites!
Anyway,sorry for the ramble,just my $.02!
Happy New Year !

Stacy

PS I think all of these cars are crazy gorgeous,no matter what size wheels,what mods have been done or how fast they go!
They look as good cruisin' down the road as they do sittin' on a trailer headin' for the track (those ones look the fastest,LOL)


To add more for the poster....I am NOT in Miami...I would like to think I am NOT horribly ugly(that is probably NOT my decision to make I guess),have every single tooth in my mouth,however I am guilty of the 'smile' thing....I love my car and the way it looks....why wouldn't I smile.....after-all I built it?!

[utkinpol]

Originally Posted by justatoy

Read this....might help you understand before resorting to 'name calling'..?

Stacy, it is probably not the issue to get overly frustrated over, but still, everyone is entitled to an opinion and common opinion still is - 20" rims do not look right on 997 car.

I saw several of them myself and did not like it at all. I also spoke to racing people, to tuning shop owners and not a single soul out there supported idea of buying 20" rims for 997 car. For what it`s worth - that`s the practical reality given to us, so when somebody on the forum asks about this topic I simply repeat pretty much same info over again.

[rvhpno80]

Originally Posted by wa1l1in

19's all the way, 20" if your ghetto and in miami and must require the bling because your horribly ugly and missing teeth or have a semi-permanent guido smile going.

lol....

[justatoy]

Originally Posted by Born2Run

Thanks for the responses. Seems like the consensus is to stay with the 19's. I like the look of 20's, but don't want to change the ride too much. I have experienced plus sizing on rims. I have 24's on my Denali and 22's on my Chrylser 300. The ride is definately more rough in my Denali...just a little in the 300. Was not sure how much the change in rim size would affect the ride with a Porsche. I don't plan on tracking the Porsche...it is just a weekend car. Got some decisions to make.

Originally Posted by utkinpol

Stacy, it is probably not the issue to get overly frustrated over, but still, everyone is entitled to an opinion and common opinion still is - 20" rims do not look right on 997 car.

I saw several of them myself and did not like it at all. I also spoke to racing people, to tuning shop owners and not a single soul out there supported idea of buying 20" rims for 997 car. For what it`s worth - that`s the practical reality given to us, so when somebody on the forum asks about this topic I simply repeat pretty much same info over again.

I do agree BUT stating an opinion is one thing name calling....well lets leave that for the OTHER forums!
I like to think THAT this forum is a mature/classy crowd THAT are open to opinions and suggestions.....

I also agree with you THAT a racing/tuner shop would NOT suggest the 20's,however,the original OP is NOT going to track his car and obviously has knowledge of driving with the lower profile tires and his car is a weekend cruiser,as well as he LOVES the look of 20's and there are alot of guys running 20's....probably more than one would think!

Beside on the street I do not see how the difference between 19 and 20's would greatly affect performance....sorry WAAAYYY too many other variables on the street other than wheel size(pedestrians,dust,dirt and moisture,just to suggest a few)...other than personal preference!
So with that criteria,and his inventory of cars,I think he would be fine with 20's(performance and look).
I guess I looked at his posts in this thread and tried to read what his requirements would be and give him advice according to his background and suggest what may meet his expectations.
Now if it were a known track guy like Northvan997S,for example.....that would be a different story...light-weight all the way,however the OP is more like me and has no desire to track his car!


Stacy

My stock 19's didn't have any noticable difference in ride than my 20's...

[zschicago]

20's look outstanding even without lowering the car. 19's are great but you have to lower the car to make it look great. I had 20's on my C2S and they were awesome. Ride suffered a little, but not much. Now Im going with HRE 19's, but have to lower it with techarts springs to give it that look. About the same ride.

Go with what you like. Everyone has a opinion.

[lig]

Don't fock around.

Roll your 997 on 22"s ::

[Tom@Rennsport-1]

At the end of the day, I'd say it comes down to the condition of the roads where you live. I personally think 20's look amazing on the 997 body. But unfortunately if you live in an area with horrible roads, they just won't be practical. Generally speaking, our roads in South Florida are in pretty good condition, so the ride quality is not compromised very much. We even regularly track a 997 Turbo that is running 20 inch wheels with PS2's. Believe me when I tell you...even on 20's...it sticks like glue!

The main difference is that riding on 20's you will feel the minor imperfections in the road just a little bit more then you would on 19's. Cracks, manhole covers, things like that. You'll also be riding on a few mm's less of tire, so keep in mind that you'll need to dodge potholes and other obstacles that could do damage to the wheel.

If you need convincing that 20's will look good....just take a look at Stacey (justatoy's) car....probably my favorite 997 cab!! Hope this little bit of rambling helps...

[Born2Run]

Thanks for all of the input. Plan on going with the 19's. Now I just have to find the right wheel for the look I want.

[anthony]

At the risk of having more rep points taken away (if that's possible) for stating my opinion on 20s: Stacy and Tom are right on in this thread. Thank god some people still have the guts to stand up and state the facts, even if they are not in line with majority opinion.

[rvhpno80]

Originally Posted by anthony

At the risk of having more rep points taken away (if that's possible) for stating my opinion on 20s: Stacy and Tom are right on in this thread. Thank god some people still have the guts to stand up and state the facts, even if they are not in line with majority opinion.

i respect that.... i feel if you state you opinion in good taste, it is your opinion and people shouldn't judge, thats why everyone is on here, to agree and disagree, as long as it is in good taste you should be fine.... dont worry..