Hey guys

I am wanting to get some black rims for the 996. I really would like 19inch because they would get rid of some of that fender gap and probably look a lot better. I have 18inch turbo twists already. I really dont know if I want to do 18 again because I would have to lower it for it to look better and that is more money that could go to the engine. I saw those GT5 rims on here before with the red stripe that looked pretty cool. If any of you have gone up to 19s could you please tell me how much different it is in driving and whatnot and if maybe I should just stay at 18s?? Any advice/knowledge is much appreciated!!

THANKS!

 

I've got a bumpier ride and they'll rub the wheelwell liners until you remold them.
Looks great though and fills up the wheel wells better.
Mine are also lighter than stock although I didn't see much performance difference.

On the other hand, I've got some H&R lowering springs for sale...

 

is it lowered? If not, it won't eliminate the gap.

 

I have 19s and have minimal time with 18s in other pcars. I find my car with stock suspension stiffer and more responsive then the stock pcars with 18s. The responsiveness was a surprise though, I would have thought 18s were going to turn faster.

Not looking back at 18s now.

 

BTW c2mojo is correct. properly sized 19s should have minimal overall dia. size change. Tires will be lower profile thus same overall dia. Lowered suspension is only way to get the gap gone.

 

really??? they look like they would help it out some.... what do you guys think?? They do fill up the well better i think

 

it is a daily driver BTW..i know some say those low low profile tires are risky

 

The proper tire size in 19s vs 18s should have very close diameter to each other thus the gap will remain the same given that the new wheels you get have the same offset.

Lowering it is the way to get rid of the gap. Another work around is to get spacers for your current 18's to bring the wheel out and more flush with the fender and it will look like there is less gap.

 

how about ride? reliability? better handling or not really much change?

 

+1 correct sir. I have seen virtually no difference in handling (actually better, because the rubber is better though). 19's nice bling, but not known for performance (i.e., track). Some say ride is rougher because there is obviously less rubber between the rim and the road, but I haven't noticed it.

 

The 996 and 986 essentially have the same suspension. My 986 was stock height with 18s, my 996 is lowered with H&R and 19s. The ride is a night and day difference. For regular city driving the stock suspension and wheels are not beatable, but for looks and lowering the center of gravity, it is something I am more than happy to put up with.

 

yeah i worry that it might beat it up and get annoying for driving every day

 

I hear a decent set of adjustable coilovers make a big difference but I have no personal experience with them.

 

I noticed very little ride difference going from 18's to my 19's. I stuck with the same tire brand/model. I've tracked and auto-x the on the 19's and think it is good. I did not ever take it out with the 18's for comparison. The only way to get rid of the gap is to lower it. The best way to lower it is with adjustable coil-overs. Those will also give you a BETTER ride than stock suspension when set to soft.

 

I agree. Fwiw, I had the stocker 18's on my car pre drop, then the 19's. Remember, the actual diameter of the wheels/tires for the 18's and 19's should pretty much be the same to avoid any calibration issues. Lower the car with the 18's first (unless you're all about the 19's). When you lower the car you'll get better handling (coilovers are optimal but I have springs and they do the job). What's the point in throwing $$$ in to the engine to go faster if the cars still sits up high.