18" 996T -> 2000 Boxster S Wheel Fitment

[5thtonbench]

Hi Everyone...

Since there is no general forum here, i'll introduce myself on my post here: I have a 2000 boxster S, love the car and it has been a lot of fun. I only use her during the summer here in DC. I've lurked renntech for a while, signed up recently and here I am.

I've been toying with the idea of buying a new car, porsche or otherwise to replace my S. I drove around and around in the new 997 and used 996's which i liked better because they felt familiar. However, I still cant get past my love of my boxster, which is the reason i purchased it over the 996 in the first place back in 2000. Something about it just works for me!

So with that, I'm looking to refresh my love for the car, however, aside from a ton of factory options, the car is standard and I'd like to put some effort into making the car mine again. Among some of the things planned, I need new tires soon and have been thinking its time to leave the factory 17's. With that, I've located a set of Factory Turbo's that I can pull off a 996 Turbo. The wheels are 8jx18 et50, and 11jx18 et45 respectively, bolt pattern 5x130. Tires mounted are 225/40 and 295/30. Obviously, I am writing because Im a bit concerned about the size.

I have a strong feeling these guys are going to stick out. Aside from asking "will they fit", what am I facing here? From what I understand the magic number is 45, which means only a small offset in the front. But am I going to be rubbing left and right? Will my car look like it belongs in a monster truck rally, and will my suspension play nice with all this new weight?

I'd love the size, especially to put some grip in place for my engine plans. However, my car has always been very clean, and I'm very leary of taking next steps with any of this, risking that look i've been riding for years.

Thanks in advance, and I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you.

-5thton

Edited March 16, 2007 by 5thtonbench

[5thtonbench]

After Toolpants pointed out that the 11" rim is designed for a widebody car, I did some research into exactly what that means. In the end, because I dont want a 295 tire anyway, I'm going to go with the 10" rear which can afford me a 275 or 285 rear anyway, without the extra weight and worry about the rim size.

Thanks for the Info, and I'll catch you all back soon.