17 or 18 inch for a 993?

[stouffer]

After much deliberation I decided to stick with my 17 inch cup alloys on my 993 C2. I put new Conti N2's on the rears at the weekend.
Then on Saturday evening I saw an add in the classifieds, a 993 C2 with 18 inch alloys, what I think are RS alloys (rivetted & 5 spoke mag style). They/the car looked awesome!!

Any thoughts on the ride in a 993, 17in vs 18in wheels? Is it purely only aesthetics that will improve and handling will be worse?
If I fit 18's will I need to fit a strut brace?

Any advice gratefully received.
Ta

[verysideways]

On your '96 car you should already have a steering brace (early cars didn't have them), but i'd suggest that if you're on standard suspension you're better off with the 17's.
If you want to go for 18's then change the suspension as well, that way you'll get the benefit of the handling to go with the slight loss in comfort.
Something like Bilstein HD's with M030 or M033 springs. Nice compromise for all round use (road, hard road, track, all weather).
IMHO.

Edit -> and if you go for the suspension then yes i'd get a strut brace too (stiffer suspension, strut brace has a noticeable effect)

>> Edited by verysideways on Tuesday 29th November 10:41

[stouffer]

Thanks V-S-Wys. Just need to save some pennies. All that sounds expensive!!

[verysideways]

About £800 for the HD's and M030 springs, probably another £350 for fitting and setup. About £140 for a strut brace, and wise to get a front protection bar if you are lowering (£100). It'll save your front PU!

[Pickled Piper]

In answer to you original question my recommendation is that 17s are the best compromise for predominantly road use. I've tried 18s, and yes they do look good, but I found the ride deteriorates and the car just felt skittish and nervous.

pp

[tertius]

I keep thinking about 18s, but actually, for what its worth (who said "Nothing"?) I think the standard 17in cups actually look pretty darn good.

Though I do have a secret hankering for the BBS look, but then I think about cleaning them ...