Hey guys. So I bought a 2011 4S across the country. Should be here the 11th.

Car is relatively basic. It's Carbon Grey Metallic with Black Leather.

Ski Bag, Heated Steering Wheel, 19" Panamera Design Wheels (maybe the ugliest wheels ever made by Porsche), Seat Heating and Ventilation, Park Assist F&R with Camera, Sport Chrono Package Plus, Bose, Sat, Aluminum Trim.

So I was hoping to get some advice from you knowledgable fellas.

- Winter Wheels. Since these stock wheels are so hideous I thought I should just have them painted and put winter tires on them. 19" Winter tires work well on this bad boy or should I consider getting 18"s exclusively for winter? I've always used Blizzaks, I'm assuming the tire sizes are available for it.

- Summer Wheels. I want to stick with an OEM look for now. The 20" Turbo II wheels look good so i already bought a set online. They should be here tomorrow or Monday. I contemplated sticking with a more economical set of tires but it seems like the general consensus is to go with the Michelin Super Sports. Any other recommendations? Don't want to spend over a grand on tires just to feel regret.

- Interior Trim. Call me crazy but I love the black piano finish. This aluminum trim isn't bad but the first Panny I saw had black piano and I've been lusting Fter it ever since. Is the swap a pain in the butt? Anyone have experience with it?

- Rear Seats. Anyway to retrofit the heating element and controls successfully? I know it's done on BMWs all the time but so far with Porsches I see huge issues over the smallest little things. Anyone know?

- Front Bumper. Maybe I should have just spent the money and gone with a Turbo but it was really unnecessary for this specific car. I have a solid estimate on the parts and labor for the Turbo front bumper conversion. What concerns me is the LED lights in the front. I have a great electrician but I'm wondering if there is a plug-and-play type of solution to piece together to make this conversion smooth?

- Amber Front Reflectors. No one makes a set of Clear lensed ones? I only see people smoking theirs or paint-matching.

- Rear Bumper. Huge gripe that the rear bumper lip is unpainted black plastic. I have every intention of pulling it off right away and having it paint-matched. Straightforward right? No weird surprises?

- Rear Trunk. I really like that ducktail style. Anyone know one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

- Steering Wheel. It looks really plain. I want to paint-match the large black plastic trim. Anyone done this before? Done it on a few of my cars before and it's relatively straightforward, just have to be careful with button disassembly. Any pointers from someone who's done it?

Any pointers or must-have mod recommendations would be great. I appreciate any info or help guys. Thanks.

 

Just enjoy it - they are great cars.


I have a full Tineo wood set if you ever want to upgrade.

 

If there is one thing I have learned after 40 years of doing mods (and 100's of cars) sometimes it is best to live with the car for awhile and then decide what you really want to change. but if that is not your way of doing things here are some answers for you.


I have never seen the heating elements for the rear seats sold as a part though I bet they are made though might be cheaper to find a parted out car and buy them though your going to have to take out the carpet and the console to do it. I would guess not an inexpensive job unless you can do it yourself.


I also have a 4S and just went with the Sport Design kit car looks much better with it on. A carbon fiber rear diffuser looks great with your color (same color as my car)


DO NOT skimp on tires this is a big heavy car and the right tires make a huge difference.


I took off my steering wheel went with a thicker one made by DCT motorsports and also have the TechArt paddle kit.


Duck tail Vorsteiner is the nicest one probably about $1500 painted though CARID sells on that is pretty close for about half the cost. It does cover the Porsche emblem though.


Good luck with your car and enjoy

 

MrPrice thank you for the good advice. The only immediate change will be the wheels and brakes. The god-awful wheels and a repaint of the brakes. I usually try not to go nuts right away and enjoy it as it comes but these 2 things are an exception. Not sure how long until I do the rest of the stuff. And I also don't want a new car already sitting at the shop... It must be driven lol.

I was thinking the same for rear seats. A parted car would make things so much easier. Sounds like your car came out really nice with the Sport Design stuff. Got any pics handy? Thanks reaffirming the tire issue. Looks like SuperSports it is. I was gonna ask Don from Dallas Custom SW to make a wheel for me but I'd probably be better off finding an extra wheel. Looking for one now. DCT always make some great wheels, bet it feels fantastic with the adde TA paddles. Not a fan of the stock PDK paddles but it's has multifunction so it's worth keeping. Will check out carid. Don't mind covering the Porsche part... really don't like that new badging anyway. Appreciate the help!