My car started life with 19" Carrera S wheels and standard, non-PASM suspension. Hard to complain about that, but there is always room for improvement, right? I don't dislike the Carrera S wheels, but they are probably my least favorite of the factory 19s. And the suspension, while plenty firm already, sat a little high and could use a little damping refinement, in my opinion.
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From day 1, I wanted Spyder/CR wheels. They are pricey, so my second choice would have been a set of 19" BBS CH-R wheels. Handsome, not particularly light, but not too heavy either. Before I pulled the trigger on those though, I came across a pretty good deal on a set of used CR wheels (curiously, without tires). I had to refinish 2 for minor blemishes, but after that they looked great.
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Also from day 1, I knew I wanted to lower the car just a little. I briefly considered Bilstein coilovers, but the cost quickly changed my mind. Despite a successful history with aftermarket springs (Eibachs in particular), I decided against that, thinking that they might make it too low, or just not match up with the stock shocks well. I did considered changing to CR springs only, as a relatively inexpensive solution to the height issue (though doing nothing for the damping issue). Luckily, the guy I bought the wheels from was also selling the suspension, so I got a packaged deal. (Spent too much, but the $$ to value ratio was good)
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I decided to go with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires for a couple of reasons: PS2s are too expensive, and Bridgestones are too heavy (comparing Porsche approved, N-spec tires). Michelin has marketed the Super Sports aggressively (booths at Sebring and Petit Le Mans last year), and with some impressive claims (performance, durability). On top of that they are cheaper than PS2s and lighter than the Bridgestones, so I was sold. The only issue was that they weren't available in the stock rear size of 265/35/19. Obviously I wasn't going to go skinnier, so I ended up with 275/35/19 in the rear, and for good measure I went up a size in the front as well, to 245/35/19. With the CR wheels being 1/2 wider front and rear, I figured these would be a nice fit. Overall diameter of the tires only increases 0.3" on both, so I considered that a non-issue.
I am a bit of a weight freak, so I have measured and recorded weights for the wheels and 3 different sets of tires before buying any. Everything measured on the same scale, and all tires were brand new.
My Cayman R Wheels (no TPMS or center caps): 22.65 lbs Front, 24.2 lbs Rear
My Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires (245/35/19 and 275/35/19): 23.25 lbs Front, 27.45 lbs Rear
Porsche N-spec tires, in factory 235/35/19 and 265/35/19 sizes:
Michelin PS2: 21.75 lbs Front, 25.1 lbs Rear
Bridgestone: 23.65 lbs Front, 29.05 lbs Rear
From day 1, I wanted Spyder/CR wheels. They are pricey, so my second choice would have been a set of 19" BBS CH-R wheels. Handsome, not particularly light, but not too heavy either. Before I pulled the trigger on those though, I came across a pretty good deal on a set of used CR wheels (curiously, without tires). I had to refinish 2 for minor blemishes, but after that they looked great.
Also from day 1, I knew I wanted to lower the car just a little. I briefly considered Bilstein coilovers, but the cost quickly changed my mind. Despite a successful history with aftermarket springs (Eibachs in particular), I decided against that, thinking that they might make it too low, or just not match up with the stock shocks well. I did considered changing to CR springs only, as a relatively inexpensive solution to the height issue (though doing nothing for the damping issue). Luckily, the guy I bought the wheels from was also selling the suspension, so I got a packaged deal. (Spent too much, but the $$ to value ratio was good)
I decided to go with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires for a couple of reasons: PS2s are too expensive, and Bridgestones are too heavy (comparing Porsche approved, N-spec tires). Michelin has marketed the Super Sports aggressively (booths at Sebring and Petit Le Mans last year), and with some impressive claims (performance, durability). On top of that they are cheaper than PS2s and lighter than the Bridgestones, so I was sold. The only issue was that they weren't available in the stock rear size of 265/35/19. Obviously I wasn't going to go skinnier, so I ended up with 275/35/19 in the rear, and for good measure I went up a size in the front as well, to 245/35/19. With the CR wheels being 1/2 wider front and rear, I figured these would be a nice fit. Overall diameter of the tires only increases 0.3" on both, so I considered that a non-issue.
I am a bit of a weight freak, so I have measured and recorded weights for the wheels and 3 different sets of tires before buying any. Everything measured on the same scale, and all tires were brand new.
My Cayman R Wheels (no TPMS or center caps): 22.65 lbs Front, 24.2 lbs Rear
My Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tires (245/35/19 and 275/35/19): 23.25 lbs Front, 27.45 lbs Rear
Porsche N-spec tires, in factory 235/35/19 and 265/35/19 sizes:
Michelin PS2: 21.75 lbs Front, 25.1 lbs Rear
Bridgestone: 23.65 lbs Front, 29.05 lbs Rear
