I am getting a Cayenne in the next day or so, and want to replace the 18" wheels ASAP. Not only are they old and tired, but they no where near fill up the wheel well on these trucks. The problem is, I am getting the pipes replaced, and I don't want to spend another few thousand on wheels unless I absolutely have to.

I have looked online, and found that used OEM 20-22" wheels w/tires are around $3k, and knock-offs, or Turbo "Type" wheels can be found for around $1600. That's a 50% savings.

Obviously, there are manufacturing differences and consequentially quality disparities between OEM wheels and these aftermarket knock-offs. This leads to differences in not only weight, which has performance implications (rotational mass), but also safety concerns related to breaking, bending, or cracking of the wheels. The tires are also of a differing grade/quality (Lexani LX4000 vs. Michelin PS2), which could lead to less performance/traction.

Before I take the leap and order the 20" knockoffs, has there been any issue with fitment or quality of the fake wheels? Has anyone experienced shoddy traction or wear with the cheap tires? Or are these a joy to own and have led to a huge cost saving?

Here are a couple examples:

Used OEM

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-21-Por...#ht_500wt_1281

Knockoff

http://www.ebay.com/itm/22-PORSCHE-C...#ht_500wt_1047

http://www.ebay.com/itm/20-PORSCHE-C...#ht_500wt_1047

http://www.ebay.com/itm/22-PORSCHE-C...ht_1248wt_1264

Will all of these fit a 2004 Cayenne S?
...

 

The 21 inch OEM Gts wheels will stick out a little with a 2004, unless you have the small factory extensions. You can add these. Otherwise you can only use the 20" OEM wheels. I am sure the aftermarket ones would fit, but check with the seller. The wheeltech wheels look good, but I have never seen them in person. They have crappy tires mounted on them (Atturo or Lexani - read reviews on Google).

 

There are several levels of aftermarket replica wheels. Some are made in China, and others are made in Italy. Some are cast, some are forged, etc. My preference is always an OEM wheel, but I think you'll be fine with good quality aftermarket wheels. I'd try to match the factory offset and size as closely as possible, and I wouldn't skimp on the tires. Those four little rubber patches are the only thing connecting you to the road, so you want the tires to be good.

I run Italian made replicas on my 911 for my winter wheels, and they are fine. I don't know that I'd feel as good about running them on the track as I would with OEM wheels, but I don't use them in that kind of application.

 

I've had several aftermarket wheels on several cars and have never had issues with them. Sure, they may weigh a couple pounds more but I doubt it would be anything you could notice even if you tried. Personally I wouldn't hesitate to go with the 20s but I'd never go with the crappy tires. Get the 20s but have them wrapped in a nice set of Michies...

 

I have a set of OEM GTS wheels, and they stick out a bit on the front and rear, I will probably be getting a techart magnum Bodykit where I will need to use spacers for it to look good on those super wide flares

 

I bought a set of 20" GTS reps from WheelTech for the winter.....they are good guys and will put whatever tire you want on them too (for up charge). Fit and finish is nice and all were sealed/balanced perfectly on arrival. I would suggest spacers though as the offsets cause them to tuck a bit. I use 15mm front, 20mm rear.

 

I have the 22" GTS replicas and LOVE them. The fittment is great.