Boxster/Cayman Wheels on 996?

Hi, I recently picked up an Arctic Silver '99 996 narrow-body. It has been lowered 1 inch (H&R) with 17" Turbo Twist wheels (17x7, 17x9, both 55 offset). It also has brand new Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. I like the ride height and wheel-size combination, but I HATE the turbo twists. I did not realize how difficult it would be to find an aftermarket wheel in 17". I do not want to go 18" because the tires are in such good condition and I like the way they look with a little extra rubber (not extremely low profile on the 17"). I have scoured the forums for an answer to my question, but have not found one. I see tons of posts on people putting 996 wheels on the Cayman or Boxster, but why does no one do the opposite? Questions: 1) Will most Cayman (S) and Boxster (S) 17" wheels fit on the 996 narrow-body? There should be no problem front (exact match), but the rear rim size is often 8.5 width, 50 or 48 offset (vs 9w, 55os). However, if I'm doing my math right, the wheel would be a little less deep, but would be nearly the same distance to the outside. I wouldn't expect any clearance issues (again, if I understand offset correctly). I really like the looks of the mid-2000 rims from these vehicles (e.g Boxter S II, Boxter III, Boxter II) But why is no one doing this? I cannot find a single example online. Am I missing something? 2) Are there recommendations on aftermarket 17" rims available that I am overlooking for the 996 narrow-body? Thanks!

Unless you really want 17s for some reason you should spend your money on 18s... You will eventually need new tires.

Going to a narrower rear rim may very well mess up your handling. You've got more weight on the rear tires in a 996 vs a 986, and this is likely why people don't often use the mid-engine wheel on the rear engine car.

Kindred spirit here on an aversion to the Turbo wheels. As to your basic question, by way of example, I picked up a set of 17" Cayman II wheels for winter use. These are not the "S" wheels, but wheels for a 2009-2011 era (or thereabouts) base Cayman. Really sharp -- virtually the same style as the MY 2002 Carrera wheel (five-spoke, star shaped). I believe the offsets are not far off those of the 996 Carrera 17" OEM wheels, and they probably can fit the standard OEM-size 996 17" tires. Makes sure to verify all of that. In terms of Cayman "S" wheels, perhaps you would need spacers to make them fit better (so they are not tucked in too far). As you noted, there is surprisingly little insight available online as to these fitments, as the market tends to larger diameter, after-market wheels. Spokayman and rpm's S2's points are well-taken, but as you are already accustomed to the handling dynamics of the 17" wheels, it should remain a non-issue for you. If the offset is a little shallower, and the wheel width half an inch narrower, they should set up pretty well, with the outside of the wheel and tire just about where the 17" Carrara OEM set would line up? If not, spacers might work for you. Better pot-hole protection, too.

Thanks, all! I am resorting to the fact that I will probably have to splurge on 18" wheels and new tires. Truly unfortunate considering I have new 17" tires and prefer to have a bit more rubber for ride quality and appearance. Howaboutthat, Thanks especially for your detailed and helpful post. I am happy to hear that Cayman/Boxster wheels have actually been used in a real-life scenario! I actually have found a couple more instances of such browsing wheel sets on Ebay and Craigslist since my post. I'll post back here with the finished product!

In my singular opinion, there's nothing wrong with the "Twist II" wheels on the early 996's. Especially since you purchased an almost vintage vehicle. To keep your overall classic look you might consider two options. Either get a little bit wider tire all around or purchase two Twist II wheels in an 18x10 for the rear. You can add some serious rubber in the back while still keeping that perfect look. Just my opinion. Cheers!

I have same car, color and year, wasent too fond of the turbo twists at first , but they've grown on me since, maybe give it some time , you may end up with other more important things to spend your money on.

If you havent done anything yet, i have a nice set of 17" Kinesis wheels for sale.

http://www.944racing.de/felgengewichte.php Found this site through Rennlist a while ago. It's meant to list the weights of every stock Porsche wheel, but it gives width and offsets as well as part numbers too. Very handy site.

Hi All, Thanks so much for all of the helpful advice. I did end up switching out the wheels. I went with the Carerra 10 spoke wheel set, using the site above that karlas posted as reference. Super helpful site! The wheels are still age appropriate, but much more aesthetically pleasing (in my opinion). Below is a pic. Thanks again for all of the suggestions!