Upgraded to 19's - thanks Tim! Question though...

Hi guys. After looking at some wheels, I saw ones that Tim had on his car and ordered the same through Auto Werkes. A plug for Herb, he's a good guy. I have a 2001 C2 w/ Aerokit. Anyway, the only difference from Tim's setup is that I went with 295/30's on the rears (19x10.5). I have stock suspenstion setup and was suprised to see how I liked the ride clearance & look. I was thinking about the Row M030's also, but after seeing the car, I thought I could get away with keeping it stock... until I noticed it the rear right wheel rubbing. This doesn't happen often, but will happen on certain surfaces. I also pushed the car semi-hard on an on-ramp to the freeway and due to compression, the left rear rubbed. Is this normal? Do I have to upgrade suspension to alleviate this? I'm thinking that by lowering it, it may make it worse, but then again with the firmness, it might not. It could be offset (I don't have these #'s in front of me). Just thinking outloud. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks! I'll post pics tomorrow!

295's should work. What are the offsets on your wheels???

phwang20 - any pictures?

Nice!!! Welcome to the 19" club!!! Post pics when you have the chance Regarding your rubbbing, what is the offset?? Adding 19s w/proper offset with stock suspension should not rub, even with aftermarket suspension (unless you are putting down some serious rubber).

The weather was terrible so I'm planning on washing her tomorrow and I will post pics! +45 front +52 rear What do you think? These numbers are Greek to me.

Pictures!

I'm not a wheel expert but your +52 offset in the rear is off. Should be around 60+ or more to accomodate the 10.5 and that's why your wheel is sticking out.... Can someone please confirm this?

WOW!!!!!!! Did you take my car Now you need the centercaps done. And suspension of course. All I did was springs. Your rears are wider and do look as if they stick out some but it COULD be an opticle illusion. Good job man PS: Did they remember to send you the hub rings?

Nice looking car Nice looking wheels. I am not a fan of the wheels / tires sticking out beyond the car though I think your offset is wrong for the car and it appears that even rolling the inner fenders will not help in thje long ruin. Rolling might help for the presnt rubbing you mention, although It appears they may still hit sometimes?

You could have the inner face of the wheel machined down several mm to fix the offset problem. That and 285's would probably do it.

Hub rings = center cap? Yeah, everything you see was in the original box. I'm not sure why'd they'd stick out farther than yours... I emailed Herb the link to see what he thinks. It can't be the tire size b/c the rim is what's sticking out. Hmm, it looks a litttle too beefy in the rear. I'll have to figure something out. Is machining them simple? What type of place does that sort of work?

I would also recommend haveing them re-balanced. Mine were only static balanced and not as smooth as they should have been. Much better now. So what are you going to do about your center caps?

re-balanced at the tire shop you mean? I purchased the wheels and tires separately so discount tires balanced them for me. If you're referring to something else, slap me... then correct me! Regarding the center caps, I ordered some from this guy named Tim... thanks!

Your cool. Mine came balanced from Herb and the balance was not 100%

Your wheel offsets are the problem. The C2 stock offset is 65. The offsets on your wheels will give you an extra 7mm clearance on the inside, but they also push your wheels out an extra 19mm. That extra 19mm is your problem. The only fix I can see is to switch to a thinner tire (285 or smaller) or possibly "rolling" your fenders. You will need to get out a tape measure to know for sure. BTW, if you lower the car the problem will get worse not better. Good luck!

That makes sense. Let me ask... is it even worth trying to resize the wheel get a closer offset or not? Not even sure if it's possible to move that much. Your thoughts... anyone. Thanks!

Resize the wheel??? You are going to have buy new rear wheels with the correct offsets.. You can try rollng and pulling the fender, and add 285s (although you might want to check if that is optimal for 10.5s), but you may not be able to lower your car in the future... Who did you buy them from? Will they honor an exchange since the wheels clearly do not fit a narrowbody

Thanks for the info. I purchased the wheel from Herb at DTM Autowerkes. He's been good thus far and I'll contact him. They are clearly not the correct wheel for the narrow body. I do NOT want to modify my car for these wheels!! Thanks for the input, I'll keep you posted to what Herb says. Can someone verify that 65 offset is what I want? Is the 45 offset in the front ok?

I have to say he warned me about upsizing the tires (I did not upsize). Mine are under the car nicely but I also have the springs on mine and it cambers in a bit. Here are some pictures

Since you upgraded, do you happen to have an old set of 17's for sale?

Sorry man, sold locally.

Thanks for the pictures Tim, it helps. Maybe I can just swap the tires to 275/30/19 and call it a day. I'm not sure why I got the idea of 295/30/19. I'll call discount tomorrow and see if they'll exchange them for me. Can other people w/ 19's tell me what you're running? Oh keep in mind the they're 19x10.5's. Thanks.

Doesnt the GT3 come factory with a 11" wide wheel? I guess the offset on those 11" wheels are very (+)?

Stock GT3 wheels/tires are 8.5 x 18 ET40 (235/40), 11 x 18 ET 63 (295/30)

So pwhang's Axxis (10.5") wheels would have to have an offset of 57mm to have equivalent spacing(to a GT3 11" wheel) of the outer lip relative to the fender. Like I said, machine 5 mm of the hub face.

Do you compromise the wheel strength/integrity if you do this? Something to consider.

Depending on the wheel design I'm sure you could. I imagine most manufacturers build machining the face to various depths into the design rather than having a different mold/forge for every offset they offer. I would guess the primary concern would be is there enough material left under the bolt heads.

I just had my 19" iforged essens mounted today and came across the same problem as phwang, the rear tires/wheels sticks out too much even though im rolling on recommended 295/30/19's. I took it for a test drive and could see little strings of rubber coming from my tires...imagine someone taking out an apple peeler to your tires. Needless to say, i had them taken off. Im assuming the offset is wrong, but how could this be if iforged does wheels for porsche narrow bodies all the time? I was really hoping they'd look like Tim's...flush. If its an offset issue, would iforged be responsible to take them back and correct or am i S.O.L.? thanks fellas

I ordered 275/30/19's. I spoke w/ discount tire and the guy said that the widest recommended wheel size for my c2 is 10" in the rear. I realize at a 10.5, I'm going wide to begin w/ but I like the lip, oh well. I checked and 275's are fit fine on the 10.5 (look at Tim's, they look great). I was just trying to go a little wider with the 295's, but I didn't even consider that they'd stick out like that. Just an oversight. I can live with them being flush like Tim's. If there wasn't a possibility of getting them that way w/ tire sizing, I'd change wheels before machining them... that makes me a little nervous. Anyway, the tires get here Wednesday and I'll be done!

so by switching to 275's your problem is solved? im not sure if 10 in the back is the widest recommended size in rear considering most people on the board have said 10.5-11. Its really a matter of offset. if the wheels were the right offset, im sure a 10.5 shouldnt be a problem. Fellow boarders please chime in as im not the expert with porsche offsets/wheel fitment. In my case, it seems like the wheel lip itself goes a little past the fender, which makes it look like a 4x4 (along with my non-lowered ride height).

11's will work just fine on a narrowbody 996 (I have 11's on my car) provided you use the correct offset !! Don't you check the offsets before you purchase wheels?? Here is a web site that will help with the calculations..... Offset Calculator FWIW, I would not recommend "machining" the hub. 5mm is a significant amount of material and I believe that such "machining" would compromise the wheel.

Talk to the wheel manufacturer about modifying the wheel for a different offset. It most likely is no problem to do.

Use the offset calculator that Ray S provided. Set the current at 10" width and 65 mm offset (OEM for most narrow body 996's). Then the new size at 10" width (I know, you have 10.5", that is the next step) and 52 mm offset.. You will see the additional "gain" on the face (outside) of the wheel is 13 mm. Now change the new rim width to 10.5" and keep the 52 mm. Now the additional "gain" on the face (outside) of the wheel is 19 mm. Half of the additional .5" moves to the outside, compounding the reduction in the offset from 65 to 52. I agree, contact the manufacturor to see if they can help you with increased offset, or swap to a 10" wheel, which will accommodate 275's you ordered. work on a 10" wheel.

in my case, ordered wheels through dan @ vivid racing, just told him what car i had and he took care of the rest...we'll see how its resolved. Never needed to give offset info.

Makes sense. Using the calculator 71mm is the same as OEM. What do most people like going with? Meaning how much further out if any do people like? Or is going the same as stock the best option? Thanks, Paul

Here's how mine look...

couple more pics...please disregard the gap...which further enhances my car's 4x4 look.

Wow! That's some extra wheel and tire out there.

295/30/19's? I'm not sure how valid this is, but the guy at DTM Autowerkes said that if you want the deep dish look or lip on the vehicle, it would be difficult finding an offset like 65-70 b/c with that offset, there'd be a lot of pressure on the struts. I haven't done much research on that so I have no idea if it's smoke.

Ok, here's what vincent @ iforged told me today: michelin tires are known to be oversized and that my 295's really fit like 305 or 315's. Rather than the sidewall tapering in, they go straight up which creates a taller tire on the outer edge. He said the fix was simple, switch to the mich 275 that'll fit more like a 285 and it should be fine. So, i went ahead and ordered them today. Hopefully this alleviates the issue and im a happy camper. If not, plan on seeing me on the board with a new thread. thanks

Never heard that one before. Is the guy being honest with him or is that BS??

I want to order a set of these very soon. What is the final word? Is a higher offset available or is the only solution to go with a 275 tire? is it ok to go 275/30/19 instead of 295/30/19?

Ok guys I don't know much about 996 but do know a few things about wheels. Hub rings and center caps are not the same thing. Center caps cover the hub hole and hub rings make the wheel fit snug to your hub. Yes in some occasions I've seen some tires wider then others and had the experience a while back with continental tires. They were 235 but were as wide as a 245 from Kuhmo MX. By the look of your pictures, I don't think going 275 will solve your problem. Yes your tires look fat on the rim but 275 will only make it look like old "dubs" meaning the tire will look stretch. On the picture we see that the tire protects the rim and we see that the rim itself sticks out, so by going with 275, you will have a stretched tire that wont protect the lip anymore. Machining the wheel is feasable but you have to check on how much "meat" the wheel has. Yes 5mm is alot and it's not that easy cause you have to consider the caliper clearance (between caliper and spokes) and machine also the hub ring, in order for the wheel and the hub ring to be flush. Everything is feasable cause I did it with my LMs on my passat. Balancing the wheel is one thing but you do have to re-balance it once the tire is on. There is a much greater factor with the tire being unbalance then the wheel itself thus the need to balance once wheel and tire are mounted. My personnal opinion is that 275 is too narrow for the 996 and I would of never baught or exchange tires for a wheel that didn't have the right offset in the first place. Good luck

I second what Cway27 said. Off set is extremely important as i found out the hard way myself with my previous P-cars. Please don't go down in tire size because it'll just exacerbate the situation. Not to mention that it'll look a little odd driving around. If you don't track your car, i would say it's relatively safe to machine off 5 mm from the back of your wheels. However, make sure and a good machinist should be able to tell you, that you have enough material left for obvious safety reason. You may end up doing a combination of things here...roll fender a bit, less rubber, and machine off 3-5 mm. It all depends on how much sacrifice you are willing to take. Good luck and let us know how things turn out.

Tim's wheels dont look like old dubs and he has 275s on them.....

Alright, it might night look like dub guys running 195 on a 14X9 wheel but the point is 275 on a 10.5" wide wheel will be close. Anyways the issue is not the tire but the wheel and I don't think going narrower on the tire is the right way to fix the problem.

Its wednesday so i'd like to know if phwang solved his problem going with the 275. I called Vince @ iforged again since everyone was getting in my head but he assures me its a mathmatical formula that works out:10.5 wheel with +56 offset is correct.

But Vince sold you the wheels right? IMHO, if you call a wheel expert that is not involved, you'll get an unbiased opinion.

Dan @ Vivid sold me the wheels and ordered the 10.5 wheels knowing i had 295/30/19s. Yes, why am i dealing directly with the mfr? i guess its easier for iforged to explain and resolve the issue.

Don't you have the information you need staring you in the face? Go look at the wheel from the vantage of your last picture and close one eye and line up the top and bottom of the rim visually. Is it outside of the fender? It sure looks like it from the pic. If it is, then the answer is no, the 52mm offset on the 10.5 doesn't work. It's hard to believe it would when the stock offset for a 10 is 65. That's puts the rim an inch farther out than the factory 10. Can't see how that'd work regardless of tire size.

Ok, better still......do you honestly believe the mfg is unbiased in this matter??

so any news???

if my new 275's show up today, i can have the shop remount and give it another try. Will take pics and post. thanks

Tires were mounted today and though the tire does look "stretched," it works. Now the lip of the rim protrudes past the tire and there's absolutely no tire sidewall protection for the rim. It doesn't rub with the lower profile, I'll post pics monday, but I guess I'll have to live with them for now.

Also, holes are too tight to fit porsche lug locks. will have to use a different type.

Attached are pics of the 275's on the 19x10.5 iforged essens. I'd like to point out that there is absolutely no tire sidewall rim protection. The tire does look stretched and you can see the full edge of the rim's lip. I guess i'll have to park 5 ft from the curbs! Thoughts?

wow, I totally missed the end of this thread. James, the wheels look sweet, but I can't believe the bad luck you've gotten.... Are you planning on lowering? Cause it may rub then, but I'm not quite sure. I'd also double check with some wheel guru's to see if having 275s on a 10.5 will produce any ugly long-term effects.

Vince @ iforged saw the pics and said in his professional opinion, it looks perfect and is perfectly safe. Too bad i had to shell out another $650 on two rears, but at the end of the day, i wont be returning the wheels, so thats a plus. car will be done by friday so an NYC meetup is in order!!!

Sorry if I quoted myself 996 Jammy but was I right?? Why did you spend extra money (275 tires) for somebody else mistake?? Unbalievable how much crap I hear with I Forge customer service..... Anyways I'm really sad for you cause usually, when you put wheels on your car, you're suppose to be filled with joy and excitment and I don't think it's the case with you right now. Good Luck

Yeah, its a bummer that in my mind its not 100% perfect, but i can live with it...hate to ever compromise on anything, especially something you spend good money on. It wasn't iforged that advised me on the tire/tire size or offset, it was one of the board sponsors...i'll let u figure it out. I Won't be doing business with them again, thats for sure. Yes, never underestimate the value of great customer service...no matter how good a deal you get.

I haven't been able to put the 275's on yet. My wife had our second baby last Thurday so things have been busy! There's construction in my neighborhood and I driving my P through it makes me nervous so I've put it off. I do think that there's slightly a stretched look, but I don't mind that look. I think your wheels look great. I realize I'm in the same dilemma, but that's not a biased opinion at all. I'll post pics once I have them on, but like I mentioned, I already know what they'll look like (Tim's ride) =)

Here are pics of 19's on my narrow body....19x11, 67 offset, 295/30/19....it fits PERFECTLY...you guys need the CORRECT offsets. 275 is too narrow for that wheel. I didnt buy those wheels because the offset was incorrect....generic wheels with generic offsets....as for iForged....wouldnt they send you a new set of rears? 19x11 with a 65 or 67 offset is perfect....why go 10.5 anyway?

Looks good. I think it's established that getting close to 65 is the way to go. All the other stuff with tire sizing is trying to accomodate the offset. The only question I have for you is whether or not you notice the overall diameter being larger w/ the 295's. Doing the math, the 275's was the closest to stock in diameter. Then again, the new 997's have the 295 set up. Does that make a difference in rpm's or speed? By the way, what's the offset on front?

newport996, What wheels do you have on the car in the pics? I don't think I've seen those before.

those are the 997 Sport design 19" wheels...factory. i had them custom painted black....No difference in speedo or RPM's....less understeer than my 18's and believe it or not...smoother ride....

Don't you think that 996 is set to work with 18" wheels? Perhaps 19" rims are more beautiful and so on , but the suspension will not work as fine as they were designed by Porsche engineers. Otherwise they wolud fit these bigger rims into the 996 series. I don't know how you say it in english, but I was wondering about the conversions (or equivalence or development ) of the wheel. You've changed it with unsuitable messures, haven't you?

geometry

Thanks LVDell , but what I was trying to explain was the equivalence between different diameter-wheels and tyres with the same development. I meant the gearbox ratio. This ratio would be changed if you don't keep on the same development of the wheel . If you alter the diameter the gear ratio would offer different speed max, acceleration , etc. Sorry if I can not explain better , but it's difficult for me technical english

Newport, holy moly your car and wheels look FANTASTIC. It looks like one of those spy snapshots.

Rolling diameter can be measured very easily with several online calculators. One of my favorites is the follwing: (it allows you to enter your current size and then compare up to 4 more. http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp

Rolling diameter ! Thanks . This site makes it so easy.

welcome

Those wheels are incredibe! I'm half expecting batman, darth vader, 007, shaft or someone to step right out of the picture!

thanks guys...its a 99 C4 Cab with the 02+ facelift with a Turbo Bumper, converted Turbo rear bumper, GT3 mk II sideskirts, 19" 997 Sport Design wheels, Kenwood touchscreen double Din DVD/Nav/MP3/iPod controller, and tons more.....

wow! how hard is it to do this 02 facelift and how much does it cost?

Phwang20, did the 275's fix your issue? Do your wheels still rub on the fender?