hi group! Happy 4th to all.
I have an opportunity to pick up some used 19" Gemballa racing wheels, but apart from some cosmetic Gemballa pieces, I'm unfamiliar with their wheels. They look great. They are 3 PC wheels FYI.
2 questions:
1. Moving up to 19" vs stock twists at 18". Any issues, concerns, thoughts?
2. Who knows anything about these, and what can you share?
Thanks as always.

 

In general three peice wheels look nicer because of the ability to create a very large outer lip, however there are some compromises. Only the centers are forged. The inner and outer hoops are not. Hence they are not as strong as a once PC forged. This something to consider when going to 19" wheels as you'll be running 25 aspect ratio tires in the rear (315x25x19) given the poor condition of our streets. (I've bent three out of 4 inner barrels on a unmarked steet gully). They are cheaper to rebuild then replacing and entire wheel. They are also heavier do to the extra hardware to assembly them. While a pound or two doesn't sound like much it's a double whammy on 3pc as they add both both unsprung weight and rotational mass causing poorer handling, acceleration, and deceleration. What ever you do don't get chromed wheels, they corrode at the bead and cause leaks.

 

Nobody makes a 315 series 19" rear tire that will fit on the car anymore. This has been a major pain. I scour Discount tire's and ebay looking for tires and collect them just in case I get a flat.

The next natural size is a 295 with a taller sidewall.

The gemballa wheels are great - my buddy has them on his black 996 and loves them. Very expensive to repair - as Gemballa is an ultra premium designer brand.

 

Can't comment on their quality but you will indeed notice a deterioration in handling. I've changed to heavier wheels before and it does make a difference. I haven't noticed much in regards to acceleration; I think that is negligible as long as you keep the overall diameter about the same.

Other obvious downside is ride quality given a lower profile tire.

 

As usual great advice from the forum. Especially about true size. They are shod in that size right now! I'll double check availability before pulling the trigger for sure!