Hey All names Mike, new to the forum. Owned my 02 911 for about a year but just finally got around to posting her up. I just got it back from the shop,(haven;t seen it in person yet im still deployed for a month) and she got a full 3M wrap done. Im looking for some opinion on an accent color to use besides red, and also some feedback on the wrap. Im not sure I like the wheels to much, and Im thinking of ordering a set of glossy black rims, but not sure the style. thoughts?
(apologize for photo quality but their from my wife's phone

 

Besides red you could go with yellow (calipers & seat belts). For wheels the OZ Black Ultraleggera HLT (below) would look hot. I'd also ceramic coat black the exhaust tips and tint the side marker the same at the tail lights.

 

The twistys got to go. 19" anthracite or black chrome rims should pop nicely. Smoke the side markers too.

 

Yeah twistys do have to go... I figured since it was only a few extra bucks to wrap I would try it out. I Take it out autocrossing once a month , so would the 19s be a problem with that?

 

If Mad Max drove a P-car......this would be it Seriously I did the same thing to my RC 51. I would go with gunmetal on the wheels just for contrast.

 

You'll find many opinions about 18" vs. 19" wheels. You absolutely can autocross your car with 19" wheels. Many people do it. There are several things to consider.

Advantages of the 19" wheel:

- Looks very good. There are many aftermarket choices that look great with a Porsche 996.
- Some aftermarket wheels weigh less than OEM 18" wheels, even with the heavier tire. Less weight is good if you can find a light weight wheel that you like.

Disadvantages of the 19" wheel:

- Not all manufacturers have the same quality standards. Autocross puts more stress on the wheels/tires than daily driving, so make sure you choose a reputable company. I personally wouldn't buy a wheel that's made in China.
- Larger wheels mean less rubber sidewall. With less rubber between the wheel and the road, the chance of damaging your expensive new wheels is increased.
- Many people report a harsh ride with a 19" wheel vs. an 18" wheel. This is a personal preference issue and may not matter to you.
- 19" tires are generally more expensive than 18" tires, although the difference is relatively small. The reason I bring it up is that you'll go through tires pretty fast if you regularly autocross your car.
- Now for the controversial point: the 996 wasn't designed for 19" wheels/tires. You may say: "So what, the rolling diameter of the 19" wheel/tire combination is the same as the OEM 18" combination". This may be true, but that's not the issue. The issue is gyroscopic stabilization force. This force is created by the rotation of the wheel and tire. It's the same force that makes a bicycle easier to balance when it's moving vs. standing still.

In a 19" wheel/tire combination vs. an 18" wheel/tire combination, there is less rubber and more metal rotating far from the axis of rotation. Even though the 19" combo might weigh less overall, there is more weight at the edges, far from the axis of rotation. This means that the 19" wheels produce a greater gyroscopic stabilization force. You might ask: "So what"? The issue is that the increased gyroscopic stabilization force is transmitted exponentially to the steering, suspension and brakes of your 996. The next question is: "Does this really matter"? In normal street driving, it probably doesn't matter at all. In the extremes of a track use or autocross use, it may become a factor. Porsche never tested the 996 with 19" wheels, so we simply don't know. It might be okay, it might not. The 997 is offered with 19" wheels, and the suspension components were modified to accept the greater loads.

I'm not trying to sway you from 19" wheels. If you want them, then you should buy them. I'm just trying to provide a little information to help with your original question.

I personally would stick with 18" wheels, especially if I were going to track or autocross my car. Again - many other people use 19" wheels and you certainly can if that's what you like.

 

+ 1 No doubt 19's would be aesthetically pleasing. So the solution to this dilemma could be as simple as your current 18's for the track, and new 19's for street use.

 

Thanks Dennis with that I might just have to stick with 18's Since I am just not motivated enough to change the tires out once a month just for a day, especially since I just go for fun . I thought about blacking out the silver trim , but would that be to tacky?

 

No worries. Again - that's just my opinion and a little basic physics. I'm sure there are others who do track cars with 19s...

Which silver trim are you talking about blacking out?

 

You notice on the picture with the top off the silver trim right behind the back seat, I don't know the technical name for it but that piece to start. I figure if I;m going to have a vibrant red,yellow,blue etc as an accent color that needs to be black, and I'm not to sure rather to wrap it somehow or just buy a new piece

 

I see what you mean. It probably would look better black. I would think you could wrap it to match the rest of the car pretty easily...

 

accent color --> white

 

Hey Sarge, where did you get it done? And if you don't mind me asking how much? I'm your next door neighbor on PAAF and was looking to have mine done while I'm gone this year! Have to get up with you when you get back. Don't worry though, it's not going to be black. As far as wheels...19's is what I am doing, I only auto-x every once in awhile so not a huge difference to me.

 

Hey small world huh !.. There;s a place off raeford rd called Diamond Autosport, guys name is Kyle and He'll give you a great price on it. He's also ex airforce I think. For the car itself including all the labor is was 2300$, and it took him about 4 days to get it all done. haha I would mind even if you did go black, but 3M has a whole rainbow of colors you can do, as well as some with a glossy finish. What did you have in Mind?

@Ph3nom not a bad idea..I usually see it the other way, have to do some research now

 

Cool, I know where that is. I'll have to get up with him before I leave. Planning on a satin white. But holding off until the gt2 bumpers and kit come in. Then have it all done at once.