Ind dealers selling '94 cabs with 18" wheels!

[Guest]

I've noticed some pretty well known dealers selling '94 993 cabs with 18" wheels on them (even as I speak 991Virgin and Woodside Cars are selling cars with this wheel combination).

The line on this site plus the official Porsche view is that this isn't approved. So do the dealer know something we don't....or should they be careful what wheels they sell on what cars?

I did read on an american site (lost the link) that Porsche are waiting until cars are out of 10 year warranty before changing their minds about which can and which can't wear 18"s. And this would seem to fit with the flow of new updates coming from Porsche and outlined by Maurice in FAQ.

For myself, I'm keen on a '94 cab and want to get some 18"s on it. I'd obviously be prepared to add the steering brace and am hoping that this will be enough.

Will we ever get to the bottom of this.....?

 

[Guest]

Adrian Streather states in his book The Essential 993 (p292) that Porsche have indeed approved this... "wheel dimensions of up to 8Jx18 for the front and 10Jx18 for the rear are now approved on all narrow body 993s from model year 1994 to 1998."

This appears to be from the 2005 Herstellerbescheinigung for the 993 (don't ask me how you pronounce that one properly!)

 

[Guest]

Er, that's great news Roddy. Should we tell Maurice or have I missed an update! To be honest, this topic comes up at least once a week here, on Pistonheads etc and I've never heard anyone say that Porsche has approved a '94 car for 18"s.

I'm sure you're right but can anyone else confirm this? Maurice where are you?

Even if this is the case, I think I'll get a steering brace anyway, just to be sure before adding those lovely 18"s.

 

[Pete B]

I started a thread some weeks ago regarding the wayward handling of my 1995 C4 on 18" wheels. After a very long conversation with Robin at 9Meister I was left with the impression that 18" will in certain circumstances corrupt the driving experience of 993s. Strut braces and steering rack braces (according to 9M) will make hardly any perceived difference to the handling on the road (as opposed to the track) and adjusting the kine toe would only make a difference if Herr Schumacher was driving (again, Robin's quote).
I've now had the entire alignment re-done and its barely any better and not as confidence inspiring as my former 996C2.
993C4 for sale

 

[Sundeep]

ORIGINAL: MoC2S

Back to the original topic, it does highlight the minefield you could get into .. say you bought a 94 cab so fitted, then put it into a tree ..

in fairness to do that would mean a hell of a lot more than 18" wheels !

[8D]

 

[Sundeep]

ORIGINAL: MoC2S

And, of course scenario 3 - everybody sues Adrian S for publishing bad data .. [][]

so the moral of the story kids is that you shouldn't


read and drive at the same time, especially if you've got 18" alloys on a 94 993 Cab

 

[Guest]

I phoned four very reputable & nationally-known Porsche specialists today on the late 1993/early 1994 (pre-VIN) 18" rims issue. Three had not heard of the issue! All said "no problem, OK to keep them on your car". I'll be keeping them on my car despite the bumpy ride & tram-lining that you get with such a wide tyre 'cos they look so lovely (hollow spoke 18" narrow body turbos). They all said that Porsche are of course correct, but for day to day road use, it's no problem. None had ever seen any "damage" to a car due to this unapproved fitment. There must be many many cars out there on the roads which are fitted with wheels which are not strictly approved by the manufacturer.

Of course, it's something to tell the insurance company about or you may not be covered in the event of a claim.

If you were pushing your car to the limits, racing or doing track days etc, I think that's another matter completely and you should stick to the advice from Porsche exactly. Hope this doesn't upset anyone too much, it's only my personal angle on it.