I want to get a dedicated set of tires for the track, and I'm considering getting some 18's due to availability/cost reasons. Couple of questions:

1. Are there any disadvantages in using 18's over 19's on the track?
2. Am I obliged to use 5mm spacers for the 997TT?
3. Can anyone recommend some good value lightweight 18in wheels?

I'm thinking of getting a set of Carrera III 18 inchers (replicas) because I can find Pirelli Corsas or Michelin Sport Cups for them more easily (and cheaper) than for the stock wheels.

Any advice much appreciated!

 

I use the factory C4 offset Carerra III's which I got off eBay from a dealership in FL. At first they were selling them for about $1300 a set but since they they have cranked up the price to close to $2k. They are reasonably light and the perfect offsets. Even cheaper than the MPSC and Corsas (and better grip as well) would be the Hoosier R6's. Since you are overseas you can also get the Nitto/Toyo 888 which I hear is also an excellent track tire. Both are much cheaper as well. MPSC and Corsas are really more like super expensive street tires than the 2 true track tires/slicks I mentioned.

 

Any issues with PCCBs fitting in 18s?

 

I dont think you can fit 18's with PCCB's

 

From Rennlist


<HR style="COLOR: #555576" SIZE=1><!-- / icon and title --><!-- message -->
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I hope 18s will fit on an S,....they're on my car right now (winter format).

I am almost positive that 18s will NOT fit around the PCCBs.....they barely fit around my 4S brakes.

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Dave,

My brother has a 997S launch car with PCCB. He put his 18" turbo twist (from his ex-996TT) with winter tires on and the car runs smoothly with no rub.
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->__________________
Tim

2006 Porsche 911 Club Coupe #13
2004 Porsche Cayenne S
2006 BMW 530xi
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I don't think the 997S PCCB is the same size

 

I think I remember reading that the TT brakes were bigger - 380mm on the front versus 350mm on the S

 

They are bigger so fitting 18" wheels might not be possible.

 

Thanks, and the wheels on your avatar look good! I assume those are 18's unless the Carrera III's come in 19?

I found a set of Carrera Classic 19's (similar to the look of the Carrera III) which are priced well, but I'm no expert on wheel sizes, so bear with me:

They come in 19x8 ET57 for the front (vs stock Turbo's at 19x8.5 ET56) and 19x11 ET67 for rears (vs stock Turbo at 19x11 ET51). Will I have a problem fitting these straight on to the 997TT? The offset on the fronts are only 1mm off, but the rears are 16mm so these are my main concern. I have the stock red brakes BTW..

 

You would need spacers in the rear or else the tires will rub the inside fender wall/suspension. Anything from 15-18mm should work.

 

Seems answers have been found! Good Luck

 

Porsche already did the homework for you on this one. You should pick up a set of stock rims and mount sport cups, n rated, in the same sizes as the street tires on your car now.

 

Folks-

Unless you also account for suspension modifications, running 18" wheels is a problem at the track.

-Gerry