'01 986S Carrera wheel tire size

[Alan 01 Boxster S]

OK, after a year of looking at wheels for my '01S, I have come full circle, back to the wheels I wanted on a Boxster when I had decided to buy one - Factory style Carrera wheels. I considered going to 19" wheels for the looks but everywhere I see 19's mentioned my handling (and ride) will suffer and I don't want that.

OK, so now I am decided on aftermarket copies of factory Carrera wheels, 18x8.0 ET 50mm for the front and 18x10 ET 47 for the rear. I believe the front tire size should be 225 40 ZR 18 and the rear should be 265 35 ZR 18's. Or would larger rears (285s for example) work better with the 10" width (vs. 9" stock)? I would like to really fill out the wheel wells with as much tire as needed for looks and handling. Looking for someone who has "been there and done that." I currently run 17" Bridgestone RE050 Pole Positions and really like them, I plan on buying them in 18's for these wheels.

Any experience with this combination out there?

Alan

Edited February 7, 2008 by Alan 01 Boxster S

[easyc]

Been there done that... I ended up getting the real OEM in 986 ET for a steal. The replicas are good... but they weight ALOT more than the OEM wheels and are not as strong. I wouldnt track on them. As far as tire size... I run 235 up front and 275 in the rear with Toyo T1Rs... they fit, but the fronts rub a little. Im also lowered an inch and have rear spacers (15mm)... if you dont care to rub at full turn or are not lowered go with 235 up front... more front tire = less understeer ... some 285s will fit in the rear but sometimes it is hit or miss.... places like wheel enhancement will tell you that 265 is the biggest they will go. I have 265 at first but I had more room and the 265 seemed stretched to me on the 9.5" rear rim...

Just my two cents...

also if you are looking for a OEM set look this guy up...

http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=117022

Edited February 9, 2008 by easyc

[juniinc]

hey Alan when those wheels, get em powder coated in black. they will look sharp!

[Alan 01 Boxster S]

hey Alan when those wheels, get em powder coated in black. they will look sharp!

Yeah. I bid on a set of factory Carrera take offs with some blemishes and planned on getting them glass beaded and black powder coated but was outbid.