Heres the deal I'm looking at HRE 547R or 545R wheels (would really like 19"w 305r and 235f for the look but may go 18") also considering Kineses K58 (18"). Any input on ride w/19" or wheel manufacturer? I am currently running 18" with pzero 235 f and 265 r.

 

I would run GT3 setup 235/295 18"

 

YES. GT3 Setup for narrow body 996!

 

why go small???

unless you're worried about unsprung weight, go with the 19's. i know it's only an inch, but they look so much better than 18's.

 

The roads in Oregon are not quite as smooth as deputydog95's (or my) Florida roads.

I've driven a 40th with an H&R suspension and Champion 19" wheels. Its a lot harsher than my 40th with X74 and 18's.

 

19 inch wheels will decrease your acceleration as well as affect your suspension/handling for the worst unless you have adjustable suspension (Porsche designed the suspension specifically for 18 inch wheels).They also bend a lot easier. Its a trade of between looks and performance. I prefer performance.

 

can't comment on the ride, but the difference in sidewall is smaller than you think. there was a calculator online at one point that let you input tire size and wheel diameter to come up with total sidewall height in mm's. you actually didn't get 12mm extra with the 18's over the 19's that you think you would get.

3: you sure it wasn't the H&R's and not the wheels? i went from stock 18's to 19's and haven't really noticed much of a difference, then again the roads aren't exactly horrible around here either.

As far as bending, don't really agree with you there. Some of the higher end multi piece 19's are pretty damn strong. you get what you pay for.

Regarding handling/acceleration...unless you're a track junky, who cares? You won't notice it on the street, where most of our cars spend 99 percent of the time.

guess you have to decide what's more important...reducing unsprung rotating mass or how cool the car looks at a stop light i obviously went for the bling. speed limit's only 70 around here anyway

 

i recently purchased 19" wheels and i have to say that i do notice slower acceleration and "worse" handling. It almost feels as though there is a higher center of gravity... I drive my car pretty hard even on street. The changes in performance however, are minimal, and i'd say that the average Porsche owner won't notice too much of a difference. For me the change was night and day but i love the look of 19's way more. I'm keeping the stock 18's for track use with sticky tires.

 

"Night and Day"???

Did you buy a set of solid lead 19's?

I forget what the diff was between my 19" cargraphics and my stock 18" wheels, but it wasn't that dramatic.

 

19's" definitely look better, but "night and day" performance? You've mentioned that the changes are mininal and most averaqe owners won't noticed, yet you noticed a huge difference. Can you elaborate or maybe more details on your setup? What size wheels and tires did you opted for?

 

Unless you're definately after a particular look from a particular 19"wheel....I'd stay w/18s.......but it's personal.
Reverse drop lips make an 18 look very big........personally, I'd lower a car and 'correct' the offset first before I'd go to $470. 19 " rubber. Yes weight is also (some) factor that you should check w/any wheel (especially if these are track wheels).........rolling diameter is a non-issue.

Very little sidewall on 19s. If you have a firm suspension now, this will take it up a notch.........watch the road, definately avoid potholes & pieces of pavement.
Good look to ya.

 

i know it doesnt help, but on the narrow body we do about 50/50 18 vs 19...whereas the turbos and C4S we do about 30/70 18 vs 19...

 

Let me clarify:

From the moment my car had 19's it was very clear to me that i had to sacrifice performance for the better look. When i say "night and day", i meant that i could tell right away that the car performed differently.