Other than for aesthetics, is there any benefit to switching out a set of 19" stock carrera S wheels for a set of 19" "high end" custom wheels? Am I spending $6K wisely? What am I getting for my $?

 

Dont think of mods as an investment. If you go with a high quality wheel like HRE you will get a lighter wheel and a better looking wheel.

 

Aftermarket wheels will...

Save several pounds per wheel if forged.
Possibly have wider width and more aggresive offset.
Distinguish your car from otherwise "stock" 911's.

I love the 19" carrera classic 5 spoke wheels. They are heavy but made by BBS and just look right on the car. I have lightweight forged 18" wheels for the track.

dr

 

If you currently have the Lobster wheels you're not going to save much weight as they are the lightest 19 wheels Porsche puts on the on 997's. For $ 6 large you may get better aesthetics but not much in the way of noticeable weight loss.

 

Style and/or performance (weight) are the two reasons why people switch out their wheels. If you can't justify switching, don't. Some people just can't stand the look of their wheels therefore the need to switch. While others need a lighter and or stronger set of wheels for performance reasons.

 

same here but with 18" carrera classics. after jumping to aftermarket i went back to them for street set and like them more and more. it just takes time i guess.

 

definitely custom. It's way more agressive looking (stance wise)

 

If you are only street driving, then for $6k I'd say you are just getting another "look". In theory, the car might accelerate and brake ever so slightly quicker by losing weight at the wheels, but not something you'd notice on the street. Honestly, I don't care what others think of how my car looks - I'm usually driving.

If we're talking about tracking, then I'd say it's worth it to get a set of forged wheels. My 18" Volk TE37s are a fantastic value, extremely light and strong, about $2k for the set of 4 at close out. Too bad TireRack discontinued carrying them...

 

Assume you know.....not all non-OEM wheels are 'custom'.....many are just 'non-OEM'....so research and choose. You are in the right ballbark if you are talking $6K (though you do not need to spend that much or can spend more).....and if you are talking 19 you are talking 'street'.....track criteria different as others have said.

Buying wheels is fun, very personal, and probably has the largest single impact on total appearance & personalization of your car.

You ask the benefits....here would be my list in order of priority.

1. Looks
2. Looks
3. Correct Offset (without spacers).....i.e. looks
4. More Servicable.....less spokes are less to clean, clear coats and power coats can help make a finish almost indestructible & easier to keep looking great, repair-fix (sh#t happens, 3 piece means a bent outer barrel can be replaced vs a whole wheel), tires....your new fitment matches better what rubber you really want to run
5. Looks

I do not even include weight in bling street wheels (cause, to me it's imperceptible on the street &, more important, being hung up on weight may conflict with one of 5 above. Lastly as mentioned, keep in mind the rubber you will for the rest of the time you have that car.....maybe you are just going size-to-size OEM, but some people buy rims, then find they don't like the 2 options they have for 'correct' rubber.

Good luck.......have fun !

 

I chose mine for looks and weight, plus strength. High quality forged wheels are worth it IMO - street or track