I don't know how you can defend the quality of the Porsche wheels. I personally like the look of them as well so I'm probably keeping them, but they are cast and heavy compared to lots of reasonably priced lightweight alternatives. A lot of cheaper cars come with much better wheels. I think it's a real shame that they cut cost on such an important component.

OP - the "looks like OEM" aftermarket wheels are generally the very worst quality wheels available. Lots of horror stories of those things blowing to pieces. You need to either stick with a real OEM wheel or get a real quality aftermarket wheel from a reputable major manufacturer (BBS,CCW,Volk,etc.). Do not touch knock-off or no-brand wheels.

 

Actually Porsche OEM Turbo wheel come in wide body for the Turbo and Carrera S and narrow body for a Carrera.

The OEM Turbo wheel is forged and all other OEM wheels are cast. There are utlra high quality aftermarket wheels from many manufactures like BBS, HRE, CCW, Work, Champion and so on.

 

I can think of a lot of wheels that i like more than the OEM Turbo or lobster forks.
I just can't see upgrading just for beaty or style . The wheel has to be well made and there are superior wheels over the OEM . They aren't cheap .. but neither is the car.

 

Greatly appreciate all the feedback here. I do know this much now...I will not be buying any 'replica' wheels. At this point I do want to stay with Porsche 997 wheel offerings to keep the OEM look. And while I do like the Lobster wheels, I just like the look of the Turbo wheels more; just my personal preference. Are the Turbo wheels heavier than the Lobster wheels? Would I notice a difference in ride quality, road feel, handling?

 

the Turbo wheels are light and forged. I believe it's 24 lbs . The lobster may weigh less but am not sure because the 997s version of the Turbo wheel is not identical to the widebody version on the Turbo (post number 2 has all the stock weights) https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...im-weight.html


Here's what broken wheel looks like BTW
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...questions.html

 

FastRide911 - we have almost the same cars only mine's a black 2005 997S (instead of 2006). I just did exactly this last month - I went with a set of slightly used OEM Turbo wheels off a narrow body 997. The NB offset means it is OEM fit for the Carrera and Carrera S (RWD models). It uses a rear wheel with offset +67mm (compared to the Turbo WB offset of +51mm) and a 295 series tire (compared to WB's 305 series). I know several have done it, but I would not suggest putting WB offset on your NB car - it will stick out from the fender 16 mm more than normal and you'll have to start buying the wider tires - not too mention it ruins the factory dynamics and handling characteristics. By using a set of OEM NB Turbo wheels, you keep all the factory settings and therefore no difference in driving feel. The only problem - these are $5500 per set brand new. It took me almost a year to find a used set at a decent price but they do exist! Below are some pics of my car at a recent PCA Concours event in Atlanta:

 

I agree.

Some of the lower quality replicas can definitely be WORSE than your OEM Porsche wheels which can be cast or forged. If cast, Porsche only uses low-pressure cast technology versus the crappy gravity cast wheels you see on the market.

Aftermarket wheels like BBS definitely take performance to another level. Look at the BBS FI (Forged Individual) - 19x8.75" weighs in at 16.39 lbs!!

 

[quote=JTaylorGT;2901886]FastRide911 - we have almost the same cars only mine's a black 2005 997S (instead of 2006). By using a set of OEM NB Turbo wheels, you keep all the factory settings and therefore no difference in driving feel. The only problem - these are $5500 per set brand new. It took me almost a year to find a used set at a decent price but they do exist!

You are correct...you've done exactly what I'm hoping to do! Nice to know what I'm looking for is available...IF I can find them...and at a decent price.

Your car is just like mine, except for the yellow calipers (mine are red). Even have the clear side markers!

 

I'm running the TT wheels with wide body offset on my 2S. Search for my threads and you will find more pics. The offset is aggressive, but the tires are not past the rear fenders. Also, with the TT wheels you get 8.5" fronts instead of the 8.0" narrow body fronts, which reduce understeer. I'm also running the 305 tires - running the 295's would probably fit perfectly. I might have mine for sale soon.....

 

I got the Avant Garde Rugers and have been happy with them. They close to the weight of the original lobsters on the car. I like the subtle update to the car....nothing outrageous like body kits or other mods.

 

I got the Avant Gardes M310's and have been really happy with the look, performance, and price!

 

I have been your situation before and my observation is OEM still is the way to go.

Its hard to maintain non-OEM rims to be round and straight, unless you live in perfect roads. Especially for rims 19 inch and above.

Buy used than new non-OEM. My 5 cents.

 

My 2009 C2S came from the factory with the Turbo wheels, and 5 mm spacers. Just rotated the tires after a track day....definitely a lightweight, quality rim. And they performed flawlessly on the track, at speeds up to 131 mph. Great wheel. I still may go with the bigger tire when I need new ones ( I have 235/295).

 

just wondering been looking for some new wheels i have the C4S wide body i have been told that Victor Eqemint make a good rim , any thoughts

 

I've got OEM Turbo rims, driving in as rough an environment as you can find outside Kabul, plus 20 odd track days this year. The rims have been champs through it all.

Picked them up brand new on Ebay (taken off a Turbo) for $1900 last year (from a 99.9 rep, 1000+ sale seller). Last time I was at the track, someone else with Turbo rims toldb me he got his on Ebay for $1800, very slightly used.

I agree with others to stick OEM if you can and my advice is to check Ebay regularly as well as the 6speed marketplace.