Rather than hijacking the Wheel Boutique 20" thread, I thought I would start a new one asking about 18" wheels on a 997 (.1 in my case). I have repeatedly heard that:
1. Original 997 factory test drivers wanted 18" wheels on the car
2. That people who track the car often use 18" lightweight wheels
3. That 18" wheels offer improved compliance and resultant adhesion
4. That 18" tires with lightweight wheels reduce unsprung weight compared to the equivalent in 19" or 20"
Though I've been happy with my stock wheels, I continually consider treating myself to a new set, and presuming that the answer is 'true' to 1-4, I'd want to go that way. Are there others out there who has 18" wheels on their car? Any commentary? Any recommendation for lightweight but streetable wheels? Pictures?
Thanks

 

I drive to and from the track on CCW C10 9x18 and 12x18. The car looks great with tme on....very meaty looking.

 

Now you are talking !!!! Porsche used to make cars with 16in (993) and upped to 17 . Then the public outcry for 18's came with the 996 and now Porsche had to redesign with 19 in in mind to meet consumer demand .

All of your points are valid .
I do not like 20's , even worse are the recent silly looking chrome wheels . Both are IMO gawdy ,tacky, ill fitting , performance inhibiting , and not suited for a car of this caliber . They are about show instead of go in a manner that I find flamboyant and screaming for attention .

In fact I often wonder if it all stared with the Big wheel -- " da coolest" .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjTAA_da97w

 

I run 18x9 18x11 for the track (Volk TE37) and I have run 19's (OEM), to me the jury is out as to what is better. Slicks are only in 18's but how many are running slicks? I am running Hoosier R6's on my wheels next, but the come in OEM sizes, so it really comes down to preference. I find the 245/40/18 and 315/30/18 sit lower then the OEM wheel+tire height, otherwise no problems with the 18's (no ABS light, etc).

 

Yrralis, you crack me up... "You ride low and neat!"

 

+1, 20's look to bling IMO

 

Photo?
Everyone is always showing off their 20's, but never their 18's. I'd sure like to see an aggressive set on an 's'.

 

If I didn't already own a set of 19" Volk TE37s (that I just put new R888s on), I'd be buying a set of OZ Aleggerittas from Tire Rack in 8.5x18 and 11x18. The only problem is 18" R-comps that fit properly (ie: have the correct rear diameter) are dropping away. No longer can we get PSCups in the correct 18" size, the Corsas are gone too. So, I had to decide whether to stick with 18 that I've run on other 997 Porsches I've owned, I held onto the 19s and am experimenting with the R888 (235/305 w/ correct diameters). Jury is out...

 

when i'm good enough to tell the difference, somebody will probably come up to me at the track and tell me i what i should be doing with my equipment

in the mean time, i'm told PASM was designed with 19" wheels in mind. i use takeoff lobsters that are 19" for my track wheels - painted black. they're the lightest OEM wheel and the lowest cost alternative i found for a new set of wheels. not the coolest but they work for me. i'm sure in time, i'll have a new set of track wheels that are lighter.

there used to be big $$ advantages in tire choices with 18s but that's not as pronounced as it once was....

 

My car, on the lot had the 19" Carrera S II Wheels. I was so used to looking at the configurator with 18" Standard C IV wheels that I had the dealer swap them and took the credit for the difference. To me, the whole BIG WHEEL thing is way out of hand. So that was my personal protest.

Sure, the CSIIs looked really nice, but I felt the CIV looked just as good - maybe better for me, had a chance of smoother ride (or not ), and saved some money I could put into other options I really wanted.

18's are plenty fine and I love the way my car looks.

 

You can put on the standard C2 18" classic wheels.
In my experience, unless you buy some nice track 18's, you will have a VERY hard time selling aftermarket 18's after you are tired of them. Nobody wants them. The bling kings want the 20's - I wouldn't - but there is a market for them. Very few people want to move smaller. No argument though, they are lighter, and ultimately unsprung weight reduction will make the car faster. 18's and PCCB's!

 

Well then there should be some great deals on pre-owned ones
But the earlier post about the diminishing availability of quality 18" tires is worrisome. Guess I'll have to do more research.

 

You are correct PASM was designed around 19" wheels.

 

Is there an aftermarket 18 that's not a track wheel? Every set of 18s for 997 cars I've had in the past has sold quickly and for top dollar to a fellow track guy. I think if you wanted to try 18s and went with a BBS, OZ, Volk, Fikse, Forgeline, etc. and changed your mind at some point, you'd have an easy outlet to sell them.

 

CCW C10 or C14's are another option for 18's. They are a highly respected track wheel and resell very easy. The C10's also look very good on the car.