New Boxster owner trying to figure out suspension

[pbxtr!]

My 05 Boxter came with suspension mods and odd aftermaket wheels - see attached photo (hope it shows up). I cheched the springs and they say Techart 87 HA on them - so I assume from researching internet that they lower the ride by 1 inch. The wheels are 18 inch but tires are odd sizes - 225/40 up front and 265/35 on rear; lowering the ride some more. I like the look and performance but wonder if this is a recommended setup. Any help will be greatly appreciated. The wheels are good looking but have no brand markings anywhere.

By the way, I love the car... and this site is the best I have run into.

[White987S]

What is it that you are trying to accomplish...better looks or better handeling?

Edited July 17, 2008 by White987S

[pbxtr!]

What is it that you are trying to accomplish...better looks or better handeling?

I just want to make sure that the odd setup doesn't affect the handling and make spirited driving unsafe. But I am not planning to race it.

Also, I keep scraping every bump on the road with the soft rubber flaps in the front wheel well - maybe setup is too low.

On the other hand, the tires are brand new Michelin PS2's so I will not change them until they wear out ($$$). Check out a close-up of the wheels. Ever seen these before?

[gandrade1]

The wheels are 18 inch but tires are odd sizes - 225/40 up front and 265/35 on rear;

Congrats!!!

The tire sizes you mentioned are exactly the ones recommended for the 986s

For your car the recommended tire sizes (18''wheels) are: 235/40 ZR 18 (front) and 265/40 ZR 18 (rear). The recommended sizes would fill the wheel wells a little more and make the car a little higher. The ride will be less sporty.

Good news is you might be able to sell the tires easily, since there are a lot of 986s owners out there (I am one of them - but just got new shoes!)

All the best,

Gus

BTW - I got the recommended tire sizes from the TSB area here, which you have access after you become a contributor. My 2 cents, it is well worth it. :renntech:

[renzop]

The correct front size is just 10 mm larger in width (that's less than 1/2") It should not make any difference in performance on the street. The car will be safe and you will not notice any handling differences. The height of the front tire is about 1" less than stock in diameter. This will lower your front ride height by 1/2" - once again nothing to worry about. The rear tires are the stock width but are about 1/2" lower in diameter. This drops ride height by about 1/4" in the rear. Once again nothing to worry about.

Another issue is that your speedometer will read about 2% higher than it would if you had correct size rear tires. Also your odometer will read about 2% more mileage than you actually travel. Both are well within the normal bounds of production deviation and are nothing to worry about.

Finally there is ride comfort. The shorter sidewalls of your tires vs stock will make your ride slightly harsher than stock.

Here's what I would do - If money is unimportant to you and you don't care what it costs then replace your tires and wheels with stock. If money is moderately important but you have some to burn, replace your tires with stock. If money is tight then enjoy the car as is and when the tires wear out, replace with stock.

REgards,

Alan