I know, this is the opposite of the normal... bigger is better right? Oh wait F1 uses 14" wheels...hmmm.

Not my reasoning...

My reasoning, is that I was curious what the smallest wheel and tire combo can be run on a 997.1 Carrera S for driving in snow.

The old 911's used to rip around in snow on the same size front and rear wheels and super skinny tires. They didn't really need the AWD. They worked just fine...

But now we run such wide tires that even with snow tires installed, they do okay, but not great.

I was thinking of expirimenting this next winter with as skinny a tire as I could, both front and back and seeing how it does in snow. I bet it does fairly well... but haven't a clue as to what the smallest wheel and tire combo can be mounted. As long as it fits over the brakes I imagine it's fine. Anybody ever try this?

 

Don't know about the smallest size, but do you really think that the smallest/thinnest is better for winter setup? Why don't you ask TireRack or some authority which can shed a prof answer to your question rather than throwing on some cart wheels?

 

My experience running snows is narrower to a certain degree is better as they cut better through the slush than the wide tires on our cars.

I'd try Tire Rack, ask Porsche what are the approved sizes (remember you need to clear the brakes), and maybe a good porsche wheel/tire shop like Wheel Enhancement.

 

Yes the smaller and narrower is the better for winter/snow. However, you can re-confirm with tire rack.

 

I once fitted 17in boxster wheels on my 997.2 C4 and they just clear the brakes. Hope this helps.

 

How about a minus 1: 18 inch with deep thread that can channel the slush?

You could safely go with 235-40/18 and 265-40/18

 

Running narrower tires reduces your contact patch to the ground while distributing the same weight over those smaller contact patches allows you to cut through the snow and slush better. But there are other factors such as the aforementioned brake clearance issue, and the fact that the type of tires are critical, dedicated snow tires over all season over performance treads. People tend to think about whether or not they can move in the snow, but stop is just as critical. Nothing stops better in snow than some snow tires. ABS, narrow contact patch, stability control are just icing on the cake.

Yes, I've also used snow chains and even had studded snow tires, but they are not legal everywhere.

 

I love to see the jacked up 4WD pickup truck motor past me in the winter only to see it sideways in the median a few miles up the road.

 

Unfortunately the drivers of those massive 4x4 vehiles tend to forget that their 4x4 does not aid them in stopping, and as Alan mentioned, 4x4 invincibility leaves them in the ditch when stomping on the brakes!

 

Agreed. Please give me a call when ready. I'll be happy to help. Thanks.

 

I drove the 17" snow tire/wheel combo from my old 996 on my present (non-s) 997 for the first winter I had it withour a problem. Yes, the narrower tire, the better in snow although, obviously, there is a trade-off in cornering and stopping due to the smaller tire patch. I now run 18's only due to the fact that I picked up a set of classics in 18" which mimic my 19's in looks for my summers. Hope this helps.

 

I grew up at 8500' and had to drive in snow a lot as a kid. Learned quickly that skinny snow tires work best.

Check this out... 195/65 tires front and back...

 

you should also think about the largest overall diameter (tire+wheel) that will fit and along with a smaller wheel go for a higher profile tire (>40 if possible) in smaller x-section. One of the issues with low profile snow tires is that in deeper snow, if the profile is too low, the snow starts steering the wheel which can give you sue really weird effects.

Living in the mountains I run snow tires normally november to April on my Audi Q7 (the Cab stays in the garage). Summer tires on it are 295/35-21 (these are REALLY interesting in snow even with 4WD) and for winter I have run 265/65-18 (normal 18 inch size should be 255/55) and 255/50-19. The higher profile definitely helps.

 

18" OZ Allegeritas definitely fit over the 997.1 C2S Red Calipers. I use these on mine. That said, if you have PCCBs, you're stuck with a least 19" diameter.

 

Used to run 265/ 18's on the rear of my Turbo (winter only) and still I thought they were too wide. The fronts aren't an issue, 225 or a 235 is okay in snow, but would like to run as narrow as possible in the back too... Kills me that the old 911's ran 195 section width tires front and back for snow and did great, but now days everybody is more concerned with form over function and so now its a compromise. Will have to expiriment I guess...