Yes, I know there are many threads but....

Keep in mind I am specifically talking about a 997 Carrera S....

From what I have read, 18" wheels could be significantly lighter (tire weights are about the same) thus giving lower unsprung weight. The car then will handle better (the comments from the Japanese test driver video among others), the ride will be more comfortable, the tires cheaper to replace, less suspension wear-and-tear since it will be easier on the suspension than 19".....the only negative is the bling factor.

Am I correct so far?

Aside from snow tires, has anyone followed my logic and gone with full-time 18" ? If so, please tell which wheels and tires you chose !!!

Thanking you in advance

BTW, I don't track the car but do some 'spirited' driving from time-to-time....a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away (when I had expendable income and no wife and children) my hobby was RACING sports cars....which leads to the question, the guys who track their cars on 18", is that because there is a regulation about wheel size, as in most car-racing classes?

 

All your answers await - at the other forum where you asked this question first

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforum...d.php?t=335330

 

So, has anyone HERE put full-time 18" on their 997S ? If so, what brand/sizes of wheels and tires, and what's the verdict ?

 

Most if not all track 997S cars that I've heard of run 18s. If you look at the aftermarket 997/997S wheel makers (BBS, OZ, Forgeline, Fikse, CCWheel, SSR, Volk, etc.) you will see plenty of 18" options (1 piece, multi-piece, etc.). Options pretty much are 8 or 8.5 x 18 fronts and 10 or 11 x 18 rears. Street or track tires - 235/265 or 295.

I don't know of anyone that has spent the time / money to change 19s for 18s on a street car, but many (is it most) of us track guys picked up 18" wheels and R-comps for the track and run the oem 19s on the street (they were "free" with the car, so not going to change them).

 

Reason for running 18" on track - regulations tell you what size allowable, tires cheaper, 19" comp tires hard to get, or it works better?

 

Nothing to do with regulations, rules, etc. 18s provide better everything: Better ride, more tire choices, less expensive tires, better handling through some sidewall flex (R-comps are even stiffer than street tires, so some sidewall is needed), etc. There's no upside to 19s other than the Porsche marketing department said "we need 19s to sell more cars because US market likes Bling..."

 

Anyone else....class...Bueller ?