I am currently debating whether to go with some 18's or 19's on my GT3. I appreciate all the benefits of lighter weight and less expensive tires and form following function. However, I'd like to hear feedback from folks on here who have gone from one to the other or back. I know a bunch of folks run 18's on the track, but my car will be 98% street driven. Any negatives to running 18s?

 

softer ride with 18's

more bling with 19's

 

I was going to get 18s for the street but didnt see many street tires that i liked in our sizes.

 

Asthetically I like the GT3/RS better on 19" wheels especially if you're going to be predom. street use. The 18" wheels especially when 3 piece and step lip, the centers look so little IMO.
There are plenty of "R" compound tire choices in 19".

Ranger

 

If it is for street 19" is the best way to go IMO

 

19s for show (street)
18s for go (track)

 

There is very little "in service" weight difference between 18s and 19s.
The lighter weight of the 18s is offset by the heavier 18 inch tires.

 

This^

 

^^What he said that he said.

 

I run 16's. They're mad cool.

 

 

Thanks for the comments guys. Regardless of the size, they will be 1-piece wheels. I'm tired of messing with leaks, etc. on multi-piece wheels.

 

If you have PCCBs most 18 inch wheels won't fit. There is supposed to be a 18 inch wheel out there that does just barely fit. However the clearance between the caliper and the rim is practically zero.

 

With all due respect;

The 18" WC/GT wheels from GMG fit the PCCBs with no problem.

All of the 18" Forged Alloy Tech1s clear the PCCBs as well. Clearance is not "practically zero". It is within acceptable wheel manufacturing tolerances.
Centerlock and 5x130 are available.
In addition, the factory Porsche Cup cars also come with 18s.

To make this size wheel work on the 997 IS challenging. We solved the problem by making a unique forging just for this application. Wheel manufacturers who use generic forgings for this fitment will have great difficulty.

 

if you are into bling and worry about some scartches on your caliper, then stop driving GT3's. i put more damage than that just getting in and out of my garage.

take a close look at cup cars. the clearance is about 6-8mm. that's more than enough.
if you get your wheels/tires mounted by a race shop, they know how to place the wts so it will not interfere with the calipers.

just drive and stop worrying so much. it's just a car.