So I know there's a lot of info out there... I've searched a good bit but would appreciate a clean thread of feedback.

I'm interested in upgrading to 20's as I don't put a lot of miles on my ride and love the larger look (who doesn't). That said, the two resellers that I spoke to told me, independently, that they've had numerous 997 owners downsize to 19's after a relatively short period of ownership (especially when the tread reaches about half life). They reported the 20's have been otherwise reliable in standard driving situations and even when tracking.

Again, my apologies if this topic has been beaten down but I'd really appreciate any counsel.

 

I just received 2 rear 19 inch PSS to replace the 19 inch P Zeros that came with the car.
I have 18 inch Alpins on now for winter. I would never consider going to 20's on a 997.
Think how long the engineers who developed the tire suspension system spent optimizing the design. Hours of computer simulation and real time testing. They must cringe when they hear of people screwing up all that work by putting on a wheel tire combo that wasn't meant for the suspension. Remember the 991 is an entirely new suspension. The 20 inch wheel was part of that design from the ground up. Just my opinion. I have no real data to back up my position.

 

I "downgraded" from 20s to 19s. The 20s had very little sidewall so I was forced to run higher tire pressures to prevent from bending the rim over potholes. It compromised both handling and comfort.

 

I actually think 19" looks better more performance look than 20" with those very skinny side walls.

 

I have 19" summer and 18" winter on my 2009 C2S. I will now go to 18" summer... I hate the larger wheels. I bent a 19" rim this summer... first rim I ever bent in 35 years of driving. I hate the ride of larger tires and can not see or feel the performance difference.

Fashion means nothing to me.

YMMV, IMHO, etc etc

Peace
Bruce in Philly

 

well it all depends on what you like, how your P car is being use, and where you live...

Although i do agreed on the comments mentioned here. I am favoring a set of 20" for my 997.1 C2S because:
- Texas roads are mostly smooth, pot holes free.
- Drive less 2k miles/year on the P car.
- Rotation between 19"/20", 7 mths/5 mths respectively.
- Different "shoes" looks
- Use the 19" for long trips.

I would NOT consider 20" as permanent set.

 

Your line of thinking is similar to mine. I appreciate the counsel.

 

So what you running in 19" now?

 

Bruce in Philly, I live in Haddon Heights, NJ, right over the bridge! Thanks for the feedback. I hope to see you at a cars and coffee sometime in the future.

 

I never had 19" on my pcar before since it originally came with 20" oz ultraleggera hlt. Drove 1200 miles with my 20" and had no issues. I agree the sidewalls are smaller but I don't track my car so that's not an issue for me. I also use my car as my daily driver and so far, I love everything about it.

 

Love my 20's. Never had an issue. I don't track my car so I never had the need to switch to 19's. With any low profile tires/wheel you need to be careful when you are out.

 

I'm running Michelin PSS in 235 front 295 rear now, on BBS CH-R wheels. Big improvement in ride and handling from the 20s I had. 20s made me run some higher tire pressures to protect the wheel and it sacrificed handling and comfort.

 

I'd love to see some pics!

 

The BBS CH-R's are in my consideration set. I've heard they're heavy and the unsprung weight is very noticeable. Have you experienced this?