05-10-2006, 08:44 PM
I was thinking of upgrading my wheels to 17" wheels, what are the pros and cons in doing this. I current have 16" on my 93 968. Do I have to modify the suspension?.
Thanks
Thanks
05-10-2006, 08:44 PM
05-10-2006, 09:13 PM
there are a lot of factors involved - first i would suggest doing a search here on the topic - there are quite a few threads about wheels, which will answer most of your questions
05-10-2006, 09:49 PM
I just did that a few weeks ago. Car will look much cooler with 17's, feel slower and have more grip. Heavier steering.
The 16" wheels and tires are lighter and that is why the car will feel quicker and the steering will be lighter becuase the tires are narrower.
The difference in ride quality was not too noticeable, but I went from 16" Pilot Exalto to 17" Pilot Sport 2's and they are both pretty good tires, but I think that Pilot Sport 2's are awsome.
BTW, the suspension was stock, but with newly replaced standard shocks and struts (not sport), ride height is stock and I had all of the suspension bushings replaced before reassembly and alignment.
I used the 16" wheels for track tires, the car felt great at the track, and I think that I made the correct decision. Many people go with larger track wheels, but this is a well balanced car, with a lack of power and therefore large wheels and tires are not necessarily needed for simple novice level DE track events. Also, the tires that I selected have way more grip than needed if you drive smoothly / correctly.
You can see by the photograph that the car was gripping as much as the stock suspension could handle.
-Doug
The 16" wheels and tires are lighter and that is why the car will feel quicker and the steering will be lighter becuase the tires are narrower.
The difference in ride quality was not too noticeable, but I went from 16" Pilot Exalto to 17" Pilot Sport 2's and they are both pretty good tires, but I think that Pilot Sport 2's are awsome.
BTW, the suspension was stock, but with newly replaced standard shocks and struts (not sport), ride height is stock and I had all of the suspension bushings replaced before reassembly and alignment.
I used the 16" wheels for track tires, the car felt great at the track, and I think that I made the correct decision. Many people go with larger track wheels, but this is a well balanced car, with a lack of power and therefore large wheels and tires are not necessarily needed for simple novice level DE track events. Also, the tires that I selected have way more grip than needed if you drive smoothly / correctly.
You can see by the photograph that the car was gripping as much as the stock suspension could handle.
-Doug
05-10-2006, 09:53 PM
It's a bolt-on. Pick your poison, style, tire.
Pluses = More tire options, different look
Minuses = Usually a tad more weight, tires sometimes more expensive, a bit rougher ride (not much), and finding the right offsets
I have 4 sets of wheels, 1 16" and 3 17" right now. I throw them on and off the car like most people change radio stations.
I will say this... Get Porsche wheels or better (read expensive race wheels). Porsche wheels are actually quite tough. Cheesy aftermarket wheels (read low cost) usually are HEAVY (bad) and make me nervous on the strength side.
Much will depend on WHY you want 17's. I upgrade my 944 NA from 15's to 16's (968 stock coincidentally) to get better choices in rubber. I must say that the move from phonedials to stock 968 wheels absolutely TRANSFORMED the look of that car.
Pluses = More tire options, different look
Minuses = Usually a tad more weight, tires sometimes more expensive, a bit rougher ride (not much), and finding the right offsets
I have 4 sets of wheels, 1 16" and 3 17" right now. I throw them on and off the car like most people change radio stations.
I will say this... Get Porsche wheels or better (read expensive race wheels). Porsche wheels are actually quite tough. Cheesy aftermarket wheels (read low cost) usually are HEAVY (bad) and make me nervous on the strength side.
Much will depend on WHY you want 17's. I upgrade my 944 NA from 15's to 16's (968 stock coincidentally) to get better choices in rubber. I must say that the move from phonedials to stock 968 wheels absolutely TRANSFORMED the look of that car.
05-10-2006, 09:58 PM
Thanks for the advice,I am only doing it for aesthetics. I'll do the search on the topic, but my concerns are the potholes in NYC. It is my daily drive.
05-11-2006, 01:26 AM
if potholes are a concern, then stay away from billet or spun wheels, and also magnesium - stick with pressure cast aluminum - the factory wheels are pretty tough
05-11-2006, 01:59 AM
I run a DD with 16's for comfort and 18's for looks.
The comfort goes down as you go up in size,
The cornering goes way up as you go up in size.
The threads on this site will go over offset, but there is no problem with Porsche 18's fitting with no mods needed.
My solution was 2 sets of wheels/tires. 18"s in the summer/top down/lots of weekend drives and showing the car; and 16's for the winter and when my butt starts to hurt.
There are many threads about width and brands and so on, do a search in MODIFICATIONS and you'll probably find way more to read that you really want.
The comfort goes down as you go up in size,
The cornering goes way up as you go up in size.
The threads on this site will go over offset, but there is no problem with Porsche 18's fitting with no mods needed.
My solution was 2 sets of wheels/tires. 18"s in the summer/top down/lots of weekend drives and showing the car; and 16's for the winter and when my butt starts to hurt.
There are many threads about width and brands and so on, do a search in MODIFICATIONS and you'll probably find way more to read that you really want.