Technology in wheels and tires and suspension is continually changing and so is our knowledge of how it all works in these cars. The stigma has been that for track 18 inch wheels have been the way to go for these cars.

My question is for those in the know, does the above still hold true. Are 18 inch wheels better than 19's, or has suspension setup, better wheels and tires made this null and void and 19's are as good as 18's on the track?

There were many articles in the past that discussed this issue, I remember reading one specifically stating how poor handling became with 19's in a 996tt. I cannot find that article, but it was from the 2004-05 era.

then there is this article:

http://www.europeancarweb.com/tech/0...res/index.html

so what do you all think?

 

If the car came with 18's leave it with 18s. The shocks were valved for them.
If you really want to go fast on the track, then you know that tires are the
most important issue, and there is no good selection of 19" performance
tires. There are many super-high performance 18" tires. Also, because of the
extra beating that 19-inch wheels have to absorb (much less tire sidewall to
cushion pothole strikes), they are usually either heavier or more fragile or both.
Joe

 

Joe, excellent write up as usual. I agree, but it came up because there so many much nicer wheels available in 19 and not in 18 that I was wondering why that is. for example. HRE monoblocks. Trying getting the p40's in 18? you can't. So I see these top line wheel companies offering wheels in 19 only and am wondering if they know something the rest don't. apparently not?

 

Thanks for the kind words! Yes, the wheel makers know something: Those who
buy new wheels are not typically going to the track or even driving fast regularly.
They are going for the simpleminded bling. A person is just going to have to ask
themselves how much functionality they really need, and how much functionality
they want to give up in exchange for 'nicer'. Girls do it all the time, eg, high heel
escalation. Higher is sexier as long as they're just standing there, but as soon as
they have to simply cross the street you have to feel embarrassed for how clumsy
they become, let alone getting them on the dance floor. Some people's Porsches
are also doing their main job standing still. I don't think you or I are one of those
types though...

 

18's are better because they are lighter and more affordable generally. Also they can look just as good as a 19. here are my Forged Stars on my track car.

 

I think that if more novices (to turbos) knew this, they would not get 19's. It's just that it isn't just wheel makers pushing the bigger wheels it is Porsche as well. They also know that most of their buyers prefer women with high heels

 

I am actually puzzled to know what the two voters who said that
"19-inch wheels 'work best'" mean. According to what measurement?

 

I think Porsche is pushing them so they have room for the larger brakes.

 

so the 380/350 GT2 brake rotors that fit inside 18 inch wheels aren't big enough?

I did not know that all the new cars are coming with rotors bigger than that. I know the panamera and cayenne are.

 

Gomez, those wheels look great! What size/offset are you running?

Joe summed it up nicely (love the analogy)

 

I'm in the market for 18" wheels with stepped lips.
Anybody has recommendations?

 

I have HRE 19" mobobloks and am looking to go back to 18s now. I had 18s before and definitely notice a lot more harshness and bouncy behavior now, although I am not positive how much the suspension has to do with it.

After a Sunday drive of trying to chase down a JRZ'ed GT2 and a PS Cup tired Turbo, both with experienced drivers, I am trying to get competitive and will get some better 18" rubber too. Plus, the 19s are about as harsh as you can in San Francisco.

P.S. Gomez, those OZs look sweet on your ride.

 

Tire rack sells forged, racing approved, 18 inch monoblock style wheels abd you can get into them for under 2k right now for the set. That might be the best deal in a forged wheel. TR motorsports is what they call them