981 GT4 Track Day wheels

[LiamH66]

Pretty sure a few other will have been down this road, so any opinions from experience welcomed. 2016 981 GT4 that is generally my daily drive, but gets used for track days every now and then.

I have alternated between Michelin PS Cup 2 for track days, and road tyres (Pirelli P Zero) for more general road use for the last year or so, but have been swapping them over on the same set of wheels. It's a bit of a PITA, as I could swap wheels over in my own workshop in less time than it takes me to drive down to my favourite Porsche indie where the tyres I am not using are stored. And changing tyres frequently is generally OK, but at some point some wear or damage is likely to show on the rims.

I could go for a new set of original GT4 rims for around £4k last time I looked. Or I could alternatively get a set of OZ or similar quality wheels for about £2.6k. Only problem with the aftermarket ones is I have no inkling about whether they will be anything like as good quality or well-made as OEM. Not sure if it also becomes a warranty issue, which would be equally as ridiculous as N-rated tyres, but that seems to be nonsense that many (including me) have decided just to "suck it up".

Thoughts appreciated. I have no interest in deviating from standard widths and offsets, just want something that is similarly usable.

Liam

[Dave.]

Have a look on rennlist and 944racing for similar sized, lightweight OEM wheels perhaps?

ETA links

http://www.944racing.de/wheelweights.php

https://rennlist.com/forums/944-turbo-and-turbo-s-...

Edited by Dave. on Tuesday 26th July 07:51

[Twinfan]

I looked into this for my 718 GT4 and ended up with a second set of OEM wheels as getting exactly the same size and offset in an aftermarket wheel was very hard to do. I think some OZ wheels come close but the offsets weren't quite right - the front more than the rear IIRC. BBS/Manthey wheels are an option if you have deep pockets....

I went OEM wheels and central inserts with non-Porsche TPMS sensors that do not require coding to the car so I just flip wheels on my drive as and when. I felt it was the best most cost effective solution.

[LiamH66]

Thanks for the replies and links.

As it turns out, OEM 981 GT4 wheels are pretty thin on the ground nowadays. Evidently no longer available to factory order, and expensive where they can be bought. But I called the local indie and they can do a set of 718 GT4 wheels complete with centre caps and TPMS for quite a bit less than I can find bare 981 rims at. Sizes and offsets are identical, in fact just one digit difference in part number. I think I can live with the chunkier spokes...

Liam

[Twinfan]

Yep, 718 GT4 wheels are the way to go as they were cheaper than 981 versions when I bought mine too. I seem to recall 981 wheels were ~50% more expensive.

Make sure you don't get stung on price on the TPMS sensors, you can get them cheap as chips.

[johnycarrera]

Just luck and timing, I got a set of GT4 wheels with Cup2s for 2 grand on eBay after the trackday season had ended. Would probably look at OZ maybe add a small spacer if needed.

[LiamH66]

Johnycarrera,

No sour grapes (you definitely got a deal), but I leapt on the deal for a new set of 718 GT4 wheels with the local indie. Already have a 400 mile old set of Cup 2 tyres that can go on them (scrubbed in, and covered in pick-up from a hot track day last year ). Wheels should be OK (but not cheap), hoping tyres clean up with a little hooliganism, and that the next time on track is not too ridiculously hot.

Liam

Edited by LiamH66 on Saturday 30th July 01:16