18's or 19's?

[Alan 01 Boxster S]

When it is time for new tires (sooner than I would like) I plan on upgrading from the base 17" Boxster S wheels to 18's or 19's. Of course 19's look better, but I don't want to sacrifice ride (too much) and handling (want to improve, if anything). So, do I play it safe with 18's or go to 19's? (18's were an option in '01.) Anyone have experience (good or bad) with 19's?

Also, what about manufacturers? OEM Porsche wheels are expensive new and there are a couple of companies selling Italian copies of Porsche Carrera wheels (both 18" and 19") on eBay. Any experience out there on these? Finally, any experience with "Ruger" brand wheels? They look great and supposedly Ruger only makes Porsche wheels.

I have a wheel and tire fetish (OK, now you know more about me than you should) and I upgrade the wheels/tires on everything I drive. I just want to make sure I UPGRADE when I make a change.

I would appreciate any and all input.

Alan

[Alan 01 Boxster S]

When it is time for new tires (sooner than I would like) I plan on upgrading from the base 17" Boxster S wheels to 18's or 19's. Of course 19's look better, but I don't want to sacrifice ride (too much) and handling (want to improve, if anything). So, do I play it safe with 18's or go to 19's? (18's were an option in '01.) Anyone have experience (good or bad) with 19's?

Also, what about manufacturers? OEM Porsche wheels are expensive new and there are a couple of companies selling Italian copies of Porsche Carrera wheels (both 18" and 19") on eBay. Any experience out there on these? Finally, any experience with "Ruger" brand wheels? They look great and supposedly Ruger only makes Porsche wheels.

I have a wheel and tire fetish (OK, now you know more about me than you should) and I upgrade the wheels/tires on everything I drive. I just want to make sure I UPGRADE when I make a change.

I would appreciate any and all input.

Alan

OK, according the the tech expert at pca:"Porsche did not approve 19" wheels for use on the Boxsters until 2005. This was do to suspension strengthening according to Porsche." - (I don't really see that the suspension needs to be "strengthened" for 19" wheels other than perhaps due to higher impact loading due to reduced sidewall flex.) Comments?

Alan

Edited September 17, 2007 by Alan 01 Boxster S

[Highlander]

19" wheels are an aesthetic modification. If you like the look of your car with 19's, I say "go for it". I would suspect however that ride quality will suffer because of the ultra low sidewall height. Porsche increased the rolling circumference of the 987/997 models to allow 19" wheels with reasonable sidewall height.

I'd guess the reason for the suspension "strengthening" is a combination of a heavier wheel, higher rotational inertia and increased impact loads due to the shorter/stiffer sidewall.

Good luck

[Alan 01 Boxster S]

19" wheels are an aesthetic modification. If you like the look of your car with 19's, I say "go for it". I would suspect however that ride quality will suffer because of the ultra low sidewall height. Porsche increased the rolling circumference of the 987/997 models to allow 19" wheels with reasonable sidewall height.

I'd guess the reason for the suspension "strengthening" is a combination of a heavier wheel, higher rotational inertia and increased impact loads due to the shorter/stiffer sidewall.

Good luck

Well, 19's definitely win on looks, but my previous toy was a Miata with 17's (14's standard), Jackson Racing anti-sway bars, and HD struts. It would pull 1.03 g's but I clinched everything up before every bump that I couldn't dodge. I may stay with 18's (optional factory size) to make sure I don't jeopardize ride or handling this time.

Thanks for the input.

[986fan]

My '01 S has the factory 18's. I had Continentals and just installed a set

of RS01A's. Ride is very good (same with both tires) with no impact harshness.

[humara]

19s look fine on a 987 but look pretty bad on a 986. especially if you're at stock height. lowered, it make 19s look only slightly less bad.