From: Paul Esposito [pesposito@carsongroup.com] Sent: Tuesday, March 21, 2000 2:57 PM To: 928 Subject: [928] RE: 928GT Tire size?? The e-mail below was put together about a year back (when I was upgrading) there are some interesting points to note and I found it helpful. Personally, I went to 17" wheels and I've been very happy, handling seems better and the change in ride comfort is minimal....looks IMHO are outstanding. I'm sure there are a lot more folks with 18" since last year...I would be curious to hear what their feedback is. Not too curious though, the tax man was not that kind this year! Hope this helps. Thanks Paul Esposito 85S 5 speed, Meteormetallic PCA, Connecticut Valley Region 928 OC This is a bit long. If you're not interested, don't read it. This has been of great value to me - thought it might prove of some use to any other people thinking about wheels. I've been trying to make some decision on whether to upgrade to 17" or 18". (I'm not even getting into the width issue). Anyway this is what some people very helpfully informed me. First - on 16" wheels: (1) If I ever buy new wheels/tires, I'll stick with 16". Why? Because I think the the taller sidewall gives a "gentler" ride. Mine's already noisy and bumpy as hell. For the real world, would 17inchers increased grip outweigh the harsher ride?I want 225/50-16 with 8x16 rims on front and 255/45-16 on 9x16 rims in back. (2) 16's - ok but why bother unless one wants separate sets of dedicated combos ie. street, race, AX on a budget. Even then I'd only consider a set of 16s if they were wrapped with racing slicks. Make mine phonedials though please! (nice visual image!) Pro 17: (3) Regarding the 18" question, I would stick to 17's for now because this combination is well known and sorted out for the 928. I know only one person running 18's and so far so good but note he takes them off for 17's when it's race day. (4) 17" wheels are the normal upgrade because tire prices are reasonable, you will notice an improvement in handling (over 16" wheels) without any significant trade-off in ride comfort, and you can still upgrade to the GTS-style brakes (but not larger). (5) I think you will find that 17" wheels are tires work very well on your car. I recently installed a set of 17" 996 wheels with Michelin MXX3s on my car and I love them. They are stiffer than the 16s but the handling is great and in some ways they seem smoother. I would avoid the 18s myself. I think you can go either way depending on how you want the car to look, but the 18s will ride more harshly... (6) Kinesis wheels can be done in the proper offset to get some pretty big rubber under the wheel wells. I like the SO2 Pole Positions on my 17" aftermarket wheels and I went with 265 40s on the rear (FAT) and 225 50s front (7.5" front and 9" rear on the wheel size). (7) 17s!!! Super wide variety of wheels and tires, some on sale even, can get the best of the best without killing the pocketbook too bad. Astute shopper can really score on the used market too. Check out all those factory 17" combos too - they will always retain their value as well as enhance the value of your car. Can't go wrong with OEM spec! And about 18s (8) If you were to go to 18's, go in armed with as much info as you can to tune the entire car to them: wheel dimensions / offset, tire size availability, combined wheel and tire weight for spring and shock selection, etc. (9) The disadvantage of 18" wheels are threefold: 1. Tires are much more expensive, 2. Ride quality will suffer, and 3. You are more likely to bend a rim due to the lower profile tire. The advantages of 18" wheels are primarily looks and the ability to fit larger brakes. (10) Definitely go with the 18". It will not cause a clearance or ride problem. Just better handling and fantastic looks! (11) Simple... ask the guys you say the 17s are better if they have owned a 928 with 18s [Well guys, have you?] You will find all who have like them and most who say they don't like them really don't know since they have never actually tried them.