944 16" or 17" wheels/tyres

[bob944]

I have 17" 996 wheels with Contisports near legal limit and requiring change. I also have a nice set of the original 16" wheels. I have not looked but suspect that the 17's don't have any of the mods recommended when fitting 17's. In 'normal' use how important is it that they are fitted?
As I don't do track days or corner anywhere near the limit I was thinking of changing back to the original 16's and fitting new SO2's. Will I get a better, softer or quiter ride? What's the advantage if any of having the 17's? is it just looks?

[pjs917]

The advantage of the 17's with good tyres is that the car grips better. Having run both 16s and 17s on 944's there is no doubt in my mind that 17's offer higher grip levels without compromising ride too much. Running Goodyear F1's reduced the tyre noise as well. Also reduce the tyre pressures a little when running larger rims as that will help the ride.

[slim_boy_fat]

THe biggest benifit is tyre choice with the 17's

In normal day to day use on the road you will not notice any difference in grip, but will prob ride slightly better.

Goodyear F1s do seem to be an excellent tyre and the GSD3 is not available in 245 section 16"

I run Toyo T1-Rs and they are pretty good tyres. Superb in the dry and less than £90 a corner..

[cuneus]

"The advantage of the 17's with good tyres is that the car grips better"

I hate this kind of drivel

[tony.t]

cuneus said:

"The advantage of the 17's with good tyres is that the car grips better" I hate this kind of drivel

ditto

[k27]

Tyre choice is probably the best reason.
I would not be too concerned running 17's, I have run them for years on and off track, so do most of my 944 owning friends, all without a problem.
You will have a little less tyre roll maybe.
To me the car feels a little more stable in the turns.

[bob944]

Thanks for advice. Doesn't seem much of a vote for putting back the 16's then.
How important are the mods advised to run 17's or have you just made direct swap?
Goodyear F1's for quietest ride?

[Bananaman]

The ride WILL be harsher..........

[pjs917]

F1's are quiet. With 17's the ride is marginally harsher, but turn in is sharper. Feel is far better.

[jaseb]

Don't forget Michelin's new Pilot Sport PS2, excellent grip from Formula 1 technology, means soft blocks of rubber on the outside of the tyre for gripping round the fun stuff and harder blocks and grooves in the middle and inner for good wear properties and wet weather performance - get my vote every time!

[lyndon]

Just changed back to 15's from 17's after a rear puncture what a difference the car is lighter and feels more nimble and far less harsh. No noticeable handling loss at all.
Considering putting on 16" forged as per turbo se. But I do love the look of the cup 17's. If you have 16's I’d use those and sell the 17's

[bob944]

Lyndon
Thats interesting, I assume you mean 16's in your first sentence and what tyres are you running on the 16's and 17's? Any noise difference?