Since I'm probably the only one left on this forum with 17" wheels, I'm planning to upgrade to 18" wheels by buying a set of OEM Sport Techno wheels. Front 8x18, 50mm offset (with 225/40x18 tires) and rear 11x18, 63mm offset (with 295/30x18 tires), which the fitment that Porsche specifies for narrow-body 996's. I've heard that on 1999-2001 models, the rear fenders have to be rolled to avoid rubbing on the fender lip. But, I've also heard there's no issue. Can someone with these wheels/tires on a 1999-2001 please comment? Thanks.

Photo of Sport Techno wheel attached.

 

Hopefully you won't have to roll the fenders. Porsche's most recently released information on wheels and tires for the 996 was 06/11, and as you mention is does talk about the possibility of having to make adjustments to the rear fender for cars up to the 2001 model year. Hopefully somebody else has done it and hasn't had any issues. Are you running a standard suspension, or is your car lowered?

The Technos will look great on your car.

 

Yes, I really like the look. My suspension is stock. Hopefully, the ride won't be noticeably harsher. That's why I didn't order my car with 18" wheels at the outset.

 

Let me know - I already have 18" on my 2001 C4 - I am def wheel shopping tho

 

Oggie, I have those same wheels on my MY2000 C2 and they fit without any issues.
I have 265 35 18's on the back but I don't think you would have any problems with 295 30 18's. I went with the size I did because I only replaced my rears and couldn't find tires in that size that matched my fronts brand-wise. If you're worried about the tire size, you could go with 285 30 18's on the rear.

 

Wyovino, that's good to know. Although since 265's are 30mm narrower than 295's, I still wonder if 295's are going to rub.

In terms of using 265's on an 11 wide wheel, I'm going to check and see if that is wide enough for an 11 inch wheel, which is 279.4mm, so the wheel is actually wider than the tire. At least with 285's, the tire would be slightly wider than the wheel.

In terms of height, 295's are 634.2mm, 285's are 628.2mm, 265/35's are 642.7mm. 245/40 fronts are 637.2mm.

 

Oggie - Porsche recommends 265's on 11 inch rims for Winter tires, so I assume that Summer tires of the same size wouldn't be a problem. I would go with the 285's and I don't believe you'll have any problems. I have plenty of room left. I would have gone with 285's if I could have found them in the same brand/model as my fronts.

 

Given a stock suspension, a 295/30/18 at the rear will not rub. This has more to do with the 63mm offset than the section width. Matched with 225/40/18 up front, your diameters will be near perfect. Go for it.

 

I didn't know that about 265s recommended for 11" wheels. For the C4S, they recommend dropping to a 10" wheel for the 265 winter tires.

 

I might be losing my mind. I thought I saw it but now can't find it. Anyway, my Sport Technos came with a set of 265 winter tires and they were fine. I put the 265 summers on and they also seem fine, but just go by whatever Porsche recommends.