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I have a 2011 997.2 Turbo S with PCCB and am seeking recommendations for centerlocks wheels.
Currently have OEM RS Spyder centerlocks, 235/35/19 (19 x 8.5 et56) fronts and 305/30/19 (19 x 11 et51) rears.
Recently dropped 0.8-1in. on Eibach lowering springs and now rears are too tucked in (~1in. to flush with fender).
Looking to correct the tucked-in look, and don't mind running running rubber as long as flush with fenders.
It's been nearly impossible to find OEM 997.2 GT3RS rims (19 x 9 et47, 19 x 12 et48) without extortionary prices or reconditioned/repainted status.
Car tracked once or twice a year but never abused.
BTW I am located in Toronto, Canada, and car doesn't see snow.
So, of the options available below, what would YOU do? Decision factors include cost/economics, ease/effort, future resell value, future maintainability, and finally cosmetics.
1. Option 1: Status quo. Too small of an issue and not worth the $thousands to correct it.
2. Option 2: Forgo CL's, convert to 5-lugs, buy new rims and tires (many more options vs CL's), keep CL's for future resell or sell now to offset cost.
3. Option 3: Keep current OEM CL's but extend rears with Tarret/Elephant adjustable control arms, extend axle if needed. Sunk cost as no resell value.
4. Option 4: Keep trying to source used OEM .2 19" GT3RS (or reputable aftermarket) rims; the offsets naturally take care of the gap to fender flush.
5. Option 5: Upsize to 20" CL's from 991 series. Will need help here with new rim size, tracks, and offsets; importantly, to clear PCCB's and suspension bits too.
6. Option 6: Order 19" custom, reputable aftermarket CL's with desired track and offsets set for OEM height.
7. Option 7: Order 19" custom, reputable aftermarket CL's with desired track and offsets set for current lowered height.
If there's an option that I missed, please let me know too!
That's a tough one. If money were no object I would go with:
3. Option 3: Keep current OEM CL's but extend rears with Tarret/Elephant adjustable control arms, extend axle if needed. Sunk cost as no resell value.
Since your wheels (and car) are so pristine, if it were me, I would have a hard time replacing those wheels, but the rear wheel stance would bother me. If the wheels were even a little chewed that would make replacing them easier, or if you can get some value back from those wheels that would be another way to pull this off. If replacing rims was where I wanted to go I would probably look for wheels where I could re-use the rubber, since that could be $1500 or so. If you track it, you could look at putting some R compound tires and living with the offset on the stock rims. For replacing rims, my firing order would be:
4. Option 4: Keep trying to source used OEM .2 19" GT3RS (or reputable aftermarket) rims; the offsets naturally take care of the gap to fender flush.
7. Option 7: Order 19" custom, reputable aftermarket CL's with desired track and offsets set for current lowered height.
Of course some other issues that would influence me would be if I am keeping the car for the long haul or not. Since I intend to keep mine until either I or the car are dust, spending money can be spread out over more years.
Based on my own experience on 20" rims, if you are anywhere where the roads are not well taken care of, avoid them. Even if they are smooth and well taken care of, while the 20's look good, I think they do not improve the handling.
Kinda in the same boat. I got HREs for my wife's 997.1 4S about 4k miles ago but she just traded for a .2 Turbo with the same wheel setup you have. The wheels aren't terrible but have a little rash and just aren't very aggressive.
When reviewing the service records, the PO had been running 5 lug for the entire time he owned the vehicle, but just spent $4k converting it back to center lock before selling. Facepalm.
Anyway, I just happened to look at Suncoast yesterday and found that they offer the RS wheels in every color for a reasonable $8400. Still a huge chunk of change but not as bad as a set of HRE centerlocks.
Hey F,
sharp looking car. I'm in Toronto area too and looking for wheel/tire options. When I lowered my car I ended up using spacers front and rear which gave a nice aggressive flush look. Is there a spacer option for CL wheels? I doubt it but don't know for sure...
Yea & wow that doesn't look good on the car ,from i what i've read & heard there are no spacers available for CL's ,looks like you gotta make an expensive decision any way you go ,i like #6 if you can find an aftermarket wheel you like .
In my opinion, purchasing a set of quality aftermarket performance wheels is the way to go. A wheel like the HRE P101 looks perfect on a 997 and can be built in any diameter, width, offset, and color of your choosing. When it comes time to sell the wheels and/or the cars you get almost all of your money back because of the HRE brand recognition and desire for these wheels.
