The crazy thing is, the distance we live apart could be a couple states in the northeast!

I was sold on bronze, just couldn't pick which one. My wife finally said she didn't want to talk about it anymore. I wish the pics showed it better.

Yours look great too, I just would never have the guts to go to 19's

 

haha me too until i tried them. Makes my TT ride BETTER, handle about the same, less NVH, more clearance. Ultimately, it makes the cr feel more modern and put together, less "aftermarket" (body kit, PSS9 max drop)

 

you need to drive a properly set up car with 19". Its shocking how good it is!

kinda too late now, but 19" made my 18" setup feel like a skateboard on steel wheels in comparison.

 

I'm sure a properly setup car is fine. I'm not sure how you get less nvh though. Tire type would be a variable there.

I would think handling wise would be hard to differentiate without really pushing the car.

Less sidewall just doesn't seem like it would fit where I drive. And the general weight isn't as attractive either.

 

I can't explain it myself either. I spent years denouncing 19". Again, I know it does not make *sense*, but I used to look at 19" as a ghetto set up (its not compatible with 996 front geometry!!!!) lol,etc etc yada, yada. all BS.

I've used pirelli, michelin, conti, sumitomi and Nitto on 18". On 19"s I've only used Hankook V12s. But yes these tires have handled great and made the car way more quiet and "modern".

I think it actually has to do with the taller diameter and slightly heavier corners smoothing the road out if you will.

I've not been to the track since making the switch, but on the street, the car feels the same if not better. I'll make it to a cpl POC events this season and report back with #s.

 

I actually run slightly MORE sidewall in my 19" sizes than the stock 18" sizes.

As far as the weight difference, pick the right wheel and tire combination and the difference will be negligible. I was considering getting 18's a while back and was researching what tires I would get. First, I wasn't happy with the tire selection, but then I was noticing most of the 18" tires I would consider weighed more than the 19" tires I use in Michelin Pilot Super Sport.

Factory 996 rear wheels plus PS2's: 31.5 (wheel) + 27 (tire) = 58.5 pounds
19" CF10 + PSS: 24.5 (Wheel) + 30 (tire) = 54.5

Sure, you could get a lightweight 18" wheel and beat the 19" but you're still stuck with not having as good of a street tire selection. Another benefit of the 19" package is there will be less overhang beyond the tire which is nice when we have a rear engine car.

So, pro's and cons for both packages, but a 19" package is definitely not the performance ruining demon some think.

 

awesome, they are my #1 pick, and again,.. the only wheels i would eat my criticisms over 19's enjoy!

the bit about the skateboard and 18's is pushing it tho.. lol one benefit i can add might be that you can run, the rs3 on those cf10, but i'm astonished you have been ok with the v12 but that my criticism of those! lol is very last year(s) so, moving on

agree, and of course the only time it makes or could make any "discernible" difference.

 

I would guess...and I mean guess bc I'm not sure.

But dont the V12's have a softer sidewall than Porsche approved tires? So you still absorb cushion more in those than a stiffer side wall.

Are the sidewalls really taller on your 19's? What size tires are you running?

I'm on 245/40 and 315/30...I couldn't possible fit anything taller, so I would most certainly have to reduce sidewall height.

By no means am I saying 19's are a demon... Seems like sometimes we split hairs on things.

there is a thread on rennlist where the guy has a tune and is making a chart for weight v back pressure of exhaust systems...

A vendor offered their exhaust (which is cool) but he is required the weight data and back pressure data...I chuckled.

 

I am running 305/30 for the rear so the sidewall will be slightly taller than the stock 295 and slightly shorter than your gt2 sized 315/30.

 

oh, hell yes and not possible lol

i chuckled also, and dont think he even has a tt lol

 

would my 315/25/19 tires fit on the rears or is that too big?

 

Most likely it will fit. Your best bet is to go to the tire manufacturers web site and check the specs to see what wheel width is appropriate for the tire. They should give a minimum, maximum, and ideal.

 

Next time I head up to LA, I'll try and bring my TT up so you can run it and see what 19"s and V12 feel like. I dunno, my car FINALLY felt right after 8 years of ownership. I know its a frankenstein car, but for whatever reason, the custom PSS9 (harder springs) 19"s and V12s are such a sick combination on the street.

My TT was getting a bit jarring to ride in and just did not feel like a $100k+ car. The 19"s/V12 completely transformed it.

On another tire transformation, I just put a set of Michelin pilots on my Mazzy. The stock PZeros lasted exactly 4822 miles (on all FOUR corners). The PS2s smoothed the car out, improved handling acceleration (less wheelspin)...

<3

So yeah, tires....NICE.

 

incredible, that my experience is the diametric opposite of yours. they don't work on mulholland hwy/piuma/stunt rd etc or the "snake". i am 100% certain of that.. in relative terms,.. e.g. vs 18's. they.. just.. don't. danger danger will robinson lol

but i'd welcome the chance to a/b them both, to show you they won't you will lose dental work riding 19's up/down these mtn.'s. on flat streets city streets? sure, np. i can see that. if i was running around beverly hills i can see running 19's without issue.. until you get up the hill to mulholland

yes, it seems tires will always be the bane of our cars' existence. truly sucks the choices.

 

I think part of the issue us that my car was lowered to the max that ps9 will allow. With 18"s, it was just too low for the street. Car scraped everywhere. It was cool when I was 34, but then it got old feeling like I was driving a clown car.

I even raised the height but still had issues. The taller 19"s fixed all that and they still grip great.

The other difference is your car's suspension. I know from the other thread that you have several issues re: it. Perhaps it plays into it?

EIther way, you'll love the a/b. I know I did!
Can't wait too do a Mulholland run. It's been years.