Looking for your opinion on wheels.

[CMeSpeed]

I know it’s a subjective thing. I guess I’m just looking for validation on my choice.

I am struggling with making a decision on what wheels to replace my stock ones with.

I think I’ve settled on the 18” HRE 597R (photo attached) for my white 1997, 993. I ask for your opinion because the HRE wheels are $1,500 each, damn expensive. I’ve looked at the DPE wheels at half the price but I think I want a 5 spoke wheel with a deep lip. I guess I feel if I buy HRE then I’m buying the best. I may have buyer’s remorse if I purchase another wheel. I’ve been saving for these wheels for two years now and am ready to spend the money.

I have had the opportunity to tour the HRE plant and will say I left impressed.

I’ve looked at thousands of Porsche photos and don’t know why I seldom see custom wheels. My stock turbo twists are just way too common.

If I listen to my wife I should spend the money on new windows for our house, boring! She says, “You already have wheels, why do you need others?” My response is always “You have shoes, why do you need others?” I hope she doesn’t read this thread otherwise I’m buying windows.

Anyway guys thanks for your time.

[vern1]

Beautiful. You obviously love them and have saved for a long time to get them so go for it....... and start saving for the new windows you will have to buy next

[Don Plumley]

That's some serious scratch. You'll schatt yourself when you curb one.

IMHO, not my cup of tea. But It's your car, your cash - enjoy!

Edit: They are very pretty wheels and I've heard great things about the quality.

[aigel]

These wheels are terrible, IMHO. I tell you why:

High luster polish? I'd go with a matte look. Wheels can't be too bling. They need to look business.

I would go with a design that is not as prone to curb rash. (See Don's post). That wheel is made to proudly display curb rash on a 3/4 inch wide rim.

The deep lip is something that comes free on the torsion bar suspension cars and looks great there, because the hub sits deep inside the wheel. This is not the case on the newer coil over suspension cars like yours: The wheel hub sits far out and to get a deep lip, you have to bend the spokes inward to create that effect. The bent spokes look terrible and the lip does not have the same effect it used to on the earlier cars.

It is your money, but 6k for a set of new wheels is nuts. One can pick up used wheels for 2k that are in the same league both in looks and function.

I did not choose my FM-10s but think that they compliment the 993 nicely. The curb rash on this wheel will be limited to only a 3/16" wide strip on the widest part of the wheel. I see 18" Fikse FM10 wheels advertised between $2-2.5 fairly regularly. You'll have $ left for some windows.

There you go - that's my opinion.

[aigel]

[Don Plumley]

I was just thinking about posting one my favorites:

BBS LM:




I think George's comments about the flat lip is spot-on. I like the flat lip look - especially on an M5. Don't think it works on a 993. But again, beauty is in the eye of the wallet-holder.

[911boost]

I have 18 inch 545's by HRE on my 964 turbo. They are super easy to clean, and keep looking good. As they are 3 peice wheels, if you do curb rash one, replacing that part of the wheel is pretty straight forward. I didn't buy my wheels, they came with the car but I have been happy with them.

Its your car, buy them if you want.

[CMeSpeed]

Thanks fellas your input as always is appreciated. Please indulge me for a moment to throw a few more things your way.

I've been staring at these wheels for so long starting over is giving me a headache. I really like the clean look and the bowed spokes.

As far as the lip goes I’ve always liked the look when I see them on other cars. I’m now a bit scared after reading Aigel’s comments about them not fitting mine. Would you recommend I look for a wheel without a lip like the one BSiple showed?

Thanks for sharing the BBS & Fikse wheel photos, they seem to be poplar especially with the BMW crowd but for my tastes they are a little too busy.

You do have me re-thinking the finish though. If I understand Agiel's comment correctly instead of a polished lip you would suggest a brushed finish to keep down the bling effect? You weren't asking me to consider a finish other than brushed were you?

I sure am glad I have you guys to bounce things off of. I look forward to hearing back from you.

[lucittm]

Just a thought, selling your turbo twist wheels might lessen the pain just a bit. Are they 17" or 18"?

Good Luck,
Mark

[911boost]

I actually like the finish on mine. It isn't too blingy, and it isn't that hard to keep them clean.

Another wheel option you might like are the 3.6 turbo Speedlines. I am not 100% if the offsets are correct for the 993 narrow body though.

If it were me, I'd get the HRE's. I also agree that they are a nice clean wheel.

Bill

[CMeSpeed]

Bill I think I agree with you. No matter what wheel I choose your advice not to polish it will be headed. Good advice.

Mark I thought about selling the old 17" wheels but thought I should keep them in the event I need to repair a new one, or if I sell it and the owner wants to bring it back to stock.

Thanks to all for your help. I feel like I belong to a brotherhood here.
Stay Safe
James

[Jim Dorociak]

I currently have a set of Speedline Alesio wheels apart and would be happy to discuss custom sized, and a complete restoration for your car. Depending on hoops used I usually get $2700 for a set. The outers are polished, re etched "SPEEDLINE for PORSCHE" and clear coated. The bolts and nuts are stripped and nickel plated, and the inner hoops are painted metallic silver, and the centers could be silver or a color of your choice. The other two pictures is the front and back of a 8" front Speedline 993RS wheel I just finished for a RL in Boston.

I recently finished a pair for Michelle on the RL and will include pictures.
If you want to discuss possibilities please call or email. 805-498-7261 or jdorociak@gmail.com
Jim

[Jim Dorociak]

Here is a picture of Matt Malec's 993 with Speedline Alesio wheels that I restored and sold to him over a year ago. It is a timeless classic look. Each to his own taste so it still depends on what you like. Wheels are 8 & 10 x 18" with appropriate backspacing to fit without issues. jim

[aigel]

Yes, I meant a brushed / anodized finished for the wheels would look better. The factory did not put any chrome or polished finishes on the cars since the early 80s.

The FM-10 and that BBS design may look busy, but those are very strong wheels for that reason.

If you go five spoke, the speedlines indeed are timeless, came on the cars as an option (and can be sold for what you paid for them any day).

Have you looked at the fikse five spoke designs?



Have fun choosing wheels!

George

[Jim Dorociak]

Earlier this year I tested a finish on the outer rim - clear anodized same type of finish as the Fuchs that we all love - most of the guys on Rennlist prefered the brighter finish I use called TSC. Anybody want to give me your thoughts they would be appreciated and I actually used the clear anodizing on my OZ Racing wheels. Jim