Well, I've been going back and forth whether to order 18" or 19" wheels. At first, I was concerned that I would have trouble getting the right size tires for 19" for the rear, but it looks like there are a few vendors still offering the 315/25/19 tire size, so I'm not concerned about that anymore.

However, I see a lot of guys that have gone with 19's have not liked them and have switched back to 18's. I'm not concerned with a possible loss of performance due to higher weight, so let's not open that can of worms. I was going to go with a 18x8.5 or 9, with 18x12, and run 315/30/18 and 235/40 with it. I was planning on custom making some Forgestar F14's, but I can get them in 19" also.

So, I'd like to hear from everyone who has had 19" and either liked them, or went back to 18's and the reasons why. I have good roads around where I live, but there are some bumpy roads where I'm sure the 19's would give a pretty harsh ride. For the most part though, where I drive is fairly smooth and I'm not sure that 19's would bother me.

What would you recommend and why?

 

Why do you want to switch to 19's? Bigger is not necessarily better.

 

If I go the 19" route, then the HRE P40 style wheel becomes available as they don't make that in 18". It's really just aesthetics, I think a 19 wheel looks a little better.

 

Its funny how car dependent it is. Before my turbo I had an Audi S5, and an Aston Martin Vantage, both with 19s. When I got the gt2, I was worried 18s would look small on the car... The 18s look the same size on the gt2, as the 19s did on the other cars. I think what size fits the car is the most important.

Ps. Before my gt2, I thought anything under 19 was too small. :P

 

had 19's on my last porsche.. not only was the ride harsher, as you spoke of, had to repair the wheel more than once do to pot holes.. ask yourself this: better handling or more expensive tires with harder ride and more money. once i put coilovers on my car my car , IMO, looks better than 19's, and rides better as well..

 

I'm running 19's now. 305/30r19 in the rear. It ends up being about the same sidewall as stock. The only reason I went to 19's was because I didn't like the tire selection for 18's. If the Michelin Pilot Super Sports or Hankook RS3's become available in stock sizes I will sell these and get a set of lightweight 18's.

 

18's for performance 19's for looks. Although you can get a nice set of 18's if you want the best of both worlds. It depends whats more important to you.

 

I actually think the 19's look just barely too big on this car. I really hate the 20's on the 991.

 

Looks like the voting is pretty lopsided so far in favor of the 18's. I'm the kind of guy who has been modding cars practically my whole life, so I've figured out that the best way to do it is to plan all the mods for the car ONE time, do it, and stick with it.

Same goes for wheels, when I do get a set, it will be the first and last set on the car. My car is lowered with H&R springs if that makes a difference to some of you on how it would look with 18/19's.

 

i have a set of 19" 542 hre wheels that came on my car. they currently are for sale if your interested. now the question. i like the look of the hre wheels on the car but the ride blew chunks. harsh as hell. bought a set of forgestar 18" cf5 wheels and the ride was transformed to a luxury car for me. hitting a ridge in the road i no longer cringe at the thought of the 25 sidewall collapsing my rim. the 30 sidewall makes a world of difference. same for the 40 sidewall up front.

if you truly want 19" wheels i can make you a great deal on mine

 

i've had 19's before briefly. after all is said, it's really a personal preference and i think, impacted significantly by driving style/conditions. i'm sure if all i did was highway/city 19's would've been ok.. but i was not a fan of them.

i think the 18's are really optimum for the car, especially if lowered. i also run the forgestar f14's 9x12x18 lowered w h&r's and as such, am very happy with the stance/ride etc.. it's a pretty decent setup. that route won't lead you astray.

 

NO question,18'' for performance..
I run 295/35/18 rears and 245/40 /18 fronts since I switched to those sizes it has an excellent ride,no more dented rims and I can get under my car easier to work on it..lol..Front spoilers last longer too..

 

I just put 19's on my car this weekend and it looks way better. Still looks like a 4X4, but that's next. Went with a 305 rear tire, so not worried about tire options... I can't tell any difference in the ride, but haven't pushed the car yet either. I won't track this car, so that's not of concern.

 

I mean the difference is going to be very minimal... Its only an inch of diameter... The unsprung weight may be a little more, but its not enough to make a huge difference. If 19" wheels were a major performance loss they wouldnt be putting them on the 997's stock...

 

I have 19's in my car right now. Very hard to the point that I am thinking it can not be good for the construction (I am sure things are being shaken loose) of the car. So I purchased a set of OEM 18 inch Hollow spokes. My next set will be 18 inch for sure.