17 or 18 inch wheels

[Guest]

Does anyone have an opinion on which wheel size to go for to get the best handling and feel. Also which brand of tyre is best for the rims? Thanks

 

[Rotorhead]

IMO the 996 actually rides and handles slightly better on the 17" wheels. However, aesthetically, the 996 really benefits from the 18" wheels.

After some experimentation on their long term test 996 C2, Autocar reckoned that the Pirelli PZero Rossos (N4) were the best tyres for the 996 (on 18"s). I changed from Michelin to Pirelli and would agree.

When choosing wheels and tyres, do consider the weight differences. Lighter wheels/tyres reduce the unsprung weight which can also make a significant difference.

 

[ArBee]

Oliver,

Just a quick simple question and excuse my ignorance here but if I decided to change tyre set up would all four corners need to be replaced or could the change be phased, say two on the back first and then the fronts. Tyre wear, as I am sure you will know, is not consistent with the backs and front as I never have had to replace all my boots at the same time (yet)

Just wondering if there are any handling issues for mixing manufacturers or types of tyre from the same manufacturer and even N ratings for that matter? (I don't mean mixing on the same axle)

RB

 

[Rotorhead]

In an ideal situation, one would have a new net of matched 'N' rated tyres all around, and have a 4-wheel geometry check at the same time, for maximum benefit.

Unfortunately, the fronts and rears don't wear at the same rate. It's probably not the end of the world to replace one pair and then another pair later, but I'd bite the bullet and shop around for a full set.

Make sure you find a really good tyre specialist with the skill to fit the tyres without damaging the wheels or beading, and the knowledge and equipment to check the geometry correctly. It's a false economy otherwise.

 

[ArBee]

Thanks, I will bear it in mind when the next set are due

 

[David Vickers]

When I bought my car it had different manufacturers tyres front and back. I was never totally happy with the handling. I had a full 4 wheel geometry set up which helped a little. Finally I had my OPC test drive it and their wheel/tyre man recommended I changed the front tyres to match the back (fronts because they were worn the most). Reluctantly I did as they had a lot of life left, and hey presto the handling was spot on. Best money I'd spent.

 

[sheldon]

I just had a full set of P Zero Rosso N4's fitted with full geometry done, the car feels and handles great now!!!!
Its just annoying that they scratched one of my wheels in 2 places while fitting the tyres, as it was raining heavliy on the day I didn't notice until I got home a cleaned the car the next day. I wish Id got the garage to check the wheels with me, before handing the keys over.

I also got a set of brushed alloy porsche crested valve caps, a very small detail, but £12 well spent if you ask me.

 

[mwadams]

I would agree with Oliver in that the car rides better on 17" than 18", I have had 2 996's both 18" on a C4 and 17" on a C2 with 030 suspension.
It does look better with 18" so really it is down to personal choice.
Mark

 

[Greg Park]

Sheldon,
Keep an eye on your brushed alloy crested velve caps as there have been cases of them corroding onto the valve resulting in the need to get the valve replaced on all four tyres.....not such good value.

Greg

 

[sheldon]

Hi Greg
Thanks for the tip, ill keep an eye on them
Cheers.

 

[Rotorhead]

ORIGINAL: Greg Park

Sheldon,
Keep an eye on your brushed alloy crested velve caps as there have been cases of them corroding onto the valve resulting in the need to get the valve replaced on all four tyres.....not such good value.

Greg

That's true. I had a set of alloy valve caps on my L.R. Defender. Admittedly, it has a tough life, but they fused to the valves and, although we managed to loosen three, one had to be cut off, wrecking the valve[]