I have predominantly have had cars with OEM wheels on them (sole exception was Kinesis K5 on my 993TT as track wheels back in the days...).

As I am looking at different options, I am now getting 'educated' with respect to different features. I used to be able to go with 'cast vs forged' (go w/ forged - stronger...).

So here are my questions to wheel experts out there:

1.) which is the ideal forged wheel if main concern was weight and strength (1pc vs 2pc vs 3pc)? I'm thinking that 1pc forged would be the way to go for a wheel.

2.) I suspect the 3pc are done to make it possible to create different offsets, so is having a 3pc a compromise to make it more flexible?

3.) I know several here love the Champion RG5 wheels. Those are 1 pc forged (and very light). I think they only come with 18x8.5 and 18x11.5 wheels but offset on the rears are 44mm. Is that a big deal?

4.) For those that run 18s, do you run 18x8.5/18x12 or 18x8.5/18x11.5 or do even 18x9/18x12?

 

i think the rear offset is too high for a 996 TT. It should be around et 30

 

Too high meaning it is too aggressive or you think it's too far inside the wheel well?

 

yellowturbo,


Most people change from the stock BBS made wheel not out of necessity but because they want a different look.

I'm no wheel expert, but I can pass along my personal experiences-
-Multi-piece wheels are just as strong as 1pc wheels. They require a little more maintenance, but are easier to fix if damaged. If money is not an object, there are some really light 1pc wheels being produced now$$$$.
- No compromise, 3pc allow you to build a wheel to your exact dimensions.
- Stock offset is 45mm, so 44 is really the same(+1mm). The wheels are 1/2" wider overall or 1/4" on each side. This is probably the widest for stock applications since some cars with 12"'s require fender rolling.
-All these sizes will fit, but I am not sure of any performance advantage for a street car. The wider wheel for these cars usually requires wider tires and possibly some body modifications.
-z

 

Stock offset on the rear is 45mm!
-z

 

I always try to stay with 3 piece where possible. Especially because we drive our heavy (yes they are!) cars on roads that leave a lot to be desired... you'll need to "fix" them sooner or later.