Wheel size advise

I purchased my first Porsche 996 Mk2 C2 Cab last summer, with OEM 5 spoke 18" wheel option Burned up one set of tires in the first year. I use my car as much as I can, as a daily driver in summer months and hope to do a couple of DE days this summer (to learn to actually drive the car). I am considering (and stop me if you think I'm mad) purchasing a second set of wheels. A am considering 17" wheels. Tires are a lot cheaper and I understand ride quality is better...potholes and bad roads are just a part of life in my world. Would 17s be appropriate for the track? If I used them at the track I would feel less pain in burning up tires. Or, would it make more sense to use 17s on the road where I put the vast majority of my miles on, and again tires would be cheaper. Or, would I be better with another set of 18s? Or just put the money towards more tires for my one set of stock rims? Driving myself mad. Any advise from those who have used both on track and street would be appreciated. Thanks, Joe

Every time I put the 17's on I take them off within a day to stick the bigger wheels back on. The 17's just don't look right to me. I have no doubt they ride nice and tires are cheaper... but it makes my girlie cab look that much more like a boxster.

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this option makes the most fiscal sense IMHO. plus no need for extra storage space for 4 rims.

18's are a great compromise. I love the way my 19's look, but I'd also love an extra half-inch of shoulder height to soak up bumps on longer trips.

18's work best on the track and IMHO they just look right on the 996. But I have heard that 17's will give you a better ride over the humps, bumps and holes that you can encounter during every day driving. I happen to think that an extra set of wheels and tires is a great idea for the track. Good track tires and good street tires are very different. Good track tires don't last long because they have a very soft compound for maximum dry traction. Good street tires are typically better in the rain, quieter, and last longer. The problem is, 1. the extra initial investment, 2. a place to store the ones that aren't being used, 3. changing from one to the other - if it's at the track then you have to haul the tires and the jack with you. I just use my track tires on the street because I generally don't put a lot of miles on the car other than driving to and from the track.

17" for the everyday street driving because the ride is a lot more comfortable. 18" for track days.

17 or 18 on a 996. The 19 only for the look. The 19 combo ends up taller which has a larger circumference and makes gearing taller which may, or may not, be significant to each individual. Cheers

Thanks everyone! I have no interest in 19s. I know they look good, but I have to admit, as much as I like things to look good, for me, it has to be practical. This is why I was even considering 17s for the street as I could get past the "look" if they worked better. Storage isn't a big issue for me. Even changing over isn't a big concern, as my track is less than an hour from home, so I'd just change over in the driveway. So, I'm hearing, 17s are great for street, but not so good for track. 18s seem to be best compromise for both, but alas, with much more expensive rubber. I hear people having "track wheels"....are these more "beater" wheels? Do they take a beating at the track?

I think the roads, especially on the east coast, will be harder on your wheels. You usually don't find many potholes on the track. Now if you go off track - could be another story!

My first 996 came with the original stock OEM 17 wheels. I found them more than adequate for real road use. Los Angeles roads are crap and they are known for eating expensive wheels. And yes the 18s are better for the track. I'd go for a set of 17s for both daily driver use...and because they have room for chains in winter driving...and keep the 18s for track days. You tire budget for the track will go much farther when you don't use them up for daily driving.

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You haven't been on our track. It's to the potholes, its the 50' spruce trees and solid banks. Not a forgiving place. I spent years racing bikes on it, frightens me to think how far the mass of a car will carry.

It's Shubenacadie, right? I remember going there many years ago to watch motorcycle races. Had a Suzuki GS1000 at the time.

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That's it! GS1000, so late 70s, early 80s maybe?

The real reason for 18s is brake caliper and rotor size clearance. BUT, if you can do 17s, that means a much lighter setup. Not only are the tires and wheels cheaper, but you get the advantage of getting an arguably more nimble setup. A larger tire weighs a lot. So see if you can find a good light wheel. The 18 5 spoke Carrera wheels are really, really light, so if you stick with 18" rubber, look for a light tire to give you better performance, greater accleration and quicker response. The 17s will give you added benefit in compliance as you stated, so it could be a win/win situation.

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Yup. Very late 70's. Mine was a '78. Very fast bike for the time. Superbike of the year 2 years running. I think it was just as much fun as the 996, just a different era and different time of my life. I kinda regret I never got to take it on track but I'm making up for that with the 996.

Another burn at the stake recommendation. Buy a set of 17's and run high performance all season rubber for DD. For example, Conti DSW's are cheap and last forever. And at street legal speeds and then some you will never know the difference. Take the savings and buy a dedicated set of track tires for the 18's.