i was really hesitant to do it. If it wernt for my cracked center locks and a set of 19" forgestar f14 in stock ready to go, I would still be a 19" naysayer.

Now, I'm sure that the really sticky tires may be hard to come by in this size and that the normal street size has been phased out, and I'm sure the 996 platform performs best on 18" wheels...

BUT DAMN has my car been transformed! Its lowered with PSS9s but i cant believe that the extra 1" of ground clearance makes the car a lot easier to live with and drive fast. It's also much smoother and more comfortable, really feels like a more "modern" car than its 13 years.

I followed the advice of a cpl guys here who rec'd a 245 up front. You can instantly feel the extra front end grip without any perceptible decrease in turn in, in fact - I would say its even sharper? if thats possible.

if any body is on the fence re: 19" vs 18" I say do it now. i only wish I had done it sooner!


oh yeah...how does this go??

 

Very cool and good to hear. I"m switching from stock wheels to some F14's in about 2 weeks (whenever they finally get done with them)

I saw your other thread where you went with the 245's, and I'm glad to hear there is no rubbing and the .5 diameter difference isn't a big deal. I'm probably just being ****, but just wanted to check the exact specs you're running:

1) Are you running Pilot Super Sports?
2) 8.5 and 11 for wheel widths right?

 

19's are great when your car is sitting in the driveway. just kidding. seriously though.. looks great. your f14's are sure cleaner than mine are.. and the front end mods look great too. sorry they only had 19's lol.

 

No rubbing what so ever. At full lock its close to the inner liner, I'll look for wear there after a while, but I just ran the car through a rough street ride and heard no rubbing or clunking - just amazed at how well the car gripped the road AND how smooth and comfy the ride was.

1) I'm running Hankook V12s. I'm a sumitomo guy and think this tire is way better than the sumi HTRZIII. really its 90% the PS2 at 1/2 the cost. No brainer.

2) 8.5/11 yep

 

please say you went with a 12" rear?

 

be careful breakin in those v12's. can be squirelly when new.

 

yeah thats the thing - this setup blows my 18" setup away. I did a little "street circuit" last night, then did it again w/ the new kicks. Not only was the grip and stability better, but the ride was sooo smooth.

Put it this way, I would NEVER take this car out for a date night with my wife. Maybe 7 years ago, but now its just too rough a ride for a nice time out. However, with the 19" wheels, the car is smooth enough for date nights.

I cant wait to try these wheels on the track, but I went with them largely b/c they're the only sub $2k wheels that track guys commonly use.

Either way, to each their own, I'm just happy I didnt buy into the "group think" re: 19" being bad for the 996.

That said, I think it really comes down to the wheel weight and the tire choice.

I'm sure a 325/25/19 rides a lot different than the 305/30/19. Similarly, I see some ppl used 225/325 . i can see the issue here with giving up front end grip as I came from a 235/18. But the 245/35/19 up front?

So nice to carve the twisties with them!

 

lols, most tires are.

However, so far they have exceeded my previous setup.

I went with a 11" w/ ET 36. I think a 12" Et36 would rub a bit? Either way, they had 11" in stock I wasnt waiting. I knew I wanted the 305/30/19 - so 11" fits that fine.

maybe i'll get 12" in my 18" set I'm going to order...

 

i hear ya. 19's aren't bad for the street at all. but i'm certain they're not nearly as certain as 18's are for fast canyons or track. when i had 19's on my last car, i really liked the freeway ride. but not so canyons. since the majority of my driving now is canyons i prefer 18's and swear by the difference. though if i were street/highway driving i would consider 19's, but not now.

ps.. not for nothing.. the only time i've ever been in any serious trouble going too fast in too small a space was when my car was equipped with 19's on hankook v12's. so, now i don't drive any slower, per se.. just smarter.. i think? hankooks? never again. ever. lol and as for date night? i never take the 96t either. she gets her head stuck under the steering wheel while i try to work the pedals.

 

my experience with the kooks was scary. this should not happen to you ever!

ya gotta go 12 rear. even if the front is 8. better to be 8x12 that 8.5x11. actually i think 9x12 is best but forgestar wants to make 8.5 max. at least with the older barrels. they're great wheel though,.. for the $.

ps.. i was talking about the "kooks being squirelly/dangerous before being scrubbed. my ps2's through my multiple set experience(s) are NEVER scary.

 

Looks Good! What kind of bumper is that?

 

like the best looking front end refresh ever.. right? i'll give him that looks like led's fitted and some paint to match eyelid covers. wish i had the patience.. i would do it. looks great. where's the thread on that ttpopo!? lol

 

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-my-996tt.html

It kinda happened in stages over a cpl years. Thanks for the compliments. Its a 9ff 997 bumper that I had customized to fit the 996. the LEDs and Painted lights happened approximately a year later - it really completed the look.

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...lles-mesh.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...oken-eggs.html
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-led-drls.html

 

looks truly awesome man. you'd beat me in any parking lot

.. and ya shoulda kept those 18's! lol. i just did a paint job on my bike. same exact scheme, different colors. you have good taste.

 

Bring that parking lot talk down to Socal, we can run some canyons and then go down to Mexico (not "Mexico") for some fun...


You prolly had ebay V12s on your car and some Victor Equipment 40lbs bricks...