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Cayman Tires & WheelsDiscussion of Tires, Wheels, Suspension, etc.
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After riding on the 19" wheels (which I LOVE the look on), its just a little too harsh for me. I have yet to check one out with PASM, but having a difficult time finding one to try out.
This being said, I dont much care for the look of the 18" and there is a base cayman that has the options I want cept for the wheels. I think they look OK, but are they too "wimpy"? What do the guys who have the 17" wheels think of them? Do you feel like you always want something bigger or are you happy with this setup?
PASM - Porsche Active Suspension Management
This active damping system offers continuous adjustment of individual damping forces based on current road conditions and driving style.
The driver can choose from two setup modes, ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’, using a separate ‘damper’ button on the center console. ‘Normal’ mode is designed for general road driving and circuits with uneven tarmac. ‘Sport’ mode is intended for smoother track surfaces, where the harder settings help eliminate pitch and roll.
In either mode, PASM continuously evaluates the current conditions while automatically selecting the corresponding damper rates from the respective set of mapped values.
A range of sensors are used to monitor the movement of the body under acceleration, braking and cornering maneuvers, as well as on poor road surfaces. The PASM control unit then evaluates this data and modifies the damping force on each individual wheel in accordance with the selected mode. The result is a significant reduction in body movement as well as a better grip on the road.
For example: if ‘Sport’ mode is selected, the suspension is automatically set to a harder damper rating. If the quality of the track surface falls below a certain threshold, the system immediately changes to a softer rating within the ‘Sport’ setup range. When the quality of the tarmac improves once more, PASM automatically returns to the original, harder rating.
Need more information about PASM? Click this link: FAQ for PASM
The problem I found was that it was pretty rough on 19" wheels. I want to have fun in the car, but not get out feeling like I am shaken apart. I8" seems to be a good compromise if you like the looks (which I do not).
17's will definitely give you a nicer ride. Unless you are tracking the car, you won't notice much of a difference in performance.
Basically it all boils down to looks. Only you can decide if you'll be happy with the looks of the 17" OEMs on your car. Another option is to save some money by getting the stock rims, and then buying some aftermarket rims that you like. That way you'll have an extra set of wheels for winter or track tires.
I had the 17's when it was delivered. I think it looks odd with the 55 series tires. Your average sedan comes with better wheel/tire combo's these days (although the Michelin PS2's are a superior tire). I went up to 19's...the ride is a little firmer but nothing I can't live with. Plus, it TOTALLY changed the look of the car. It went from nice to just plain mean looking. See below...
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2007 2.7 Cayman, Atlas Grey / Stone Grey, 19" HRE 542R color matched w/Nitto INVO's, 5-spd, heated seats, auto climate, clear side markers, 3M bra, Boothe Design chrome exhaust tip
hozer, I have 19” with PASM. The ride is very smooth. As good as any of your garden variety sports sedan. Ride becomes a little rough, borders on unacceptable to me, when switched to sport mode. I leave it at normal all the time.
PASM - Porsche Active Suspension Management
This active damping system offers continuous adjustment of individual damping forces based on current road conditions and driving style.
The driver can choose from two setup modes, ‘Normal’ and ‘Sport’, using a separate ‘damper’ button on the center console. ‘Normal’ mode is designed for general road driving and circuits with uneven tarmac. ‘Sport’ mode is intended for smoother track surfaces, where the harder settings help eliminate pitch and roll.
In either mode, PASM continuously evaluates the current conditions while automatically selecting the corresponding damper rates from the respective set of mapped values.
A range of sensors are used to monitor the movement of the body under acceleration, braking and cornering maneuvers, as well as on poor road surfaces. The PASM control unit then evaluates this data and modifies the damping force on each individual wheel in accordance with the selected mode. The result is a significant reduction in body movement as well as a better grip on the road.
For example: if ‘Sport’ mode is selected, the suspension is automatically set to a harder damper rating. If the quality of the track surface falls below a certain threshold, the system immediately changes to a softer rating within the ‘Sport’ setup range. When the quality of the tarmac improves once more, PASM automatically returns to the original, harder rating.
Need more information about PASM? Click this link: FAQ for PASM
That is pretty mean looking, I agree...and I like it. How much were the wheels. I am wondering if you can change "modes". 19's sometimes then swap them for 17's when you feel like a more relaxed ride for a while. Definately makes it look like 2 diff cars.
There's two conflicting agendas here - how the car looks and how it drives. I personally love the way the larger wheels look - which is fine if you only bought the car to "look" cool. But in my opinion, anytime you go beyond what the manufacturer offers you're second guessing some people who know a lot more than you do.
The engineers at Porsche know what they're doing - and they spend millions and millions designing suspension/wheel combinations that are functional and reliable. 20" inch wheels, lowered suspension, and all the geegaws available on the aftermarket represent compromises that you are either willing to make or you're not. Your choice.
As much as Porsche is iconic on so many levels - the essence of the experience is how it performs - I compare it to a finely made watch. What they engineer is nothing short of amazing in the automotive pantheon. It's the pinnacle. And they continually push the envelop.
The bean counters contribute to the offerings - but never at the expense of the Porsche experience. Offering 17"s on the base Cayman is a cost calculation that doesn't dilute the driving expereince. But I felt it did dilute the visual appeal - that's just personal perference.
So the ultmate question you have to ask is where I started: did you buy your Cayman because of the pure driving experience or because it looks cool and says something about you?
I went with the 18"s because it struck me as the perfect compromise - a better look, shorter sidewall and stiffer handling (ostensibly) - do I want the 19"s? You bet - 20"s look incredible - but the cost in ride day to day isn't worth it.
I'm reminded of the rice-burners you see all over SoCal that are slammed with 20"+ wheels and coffee can exhaust pipes - watching them bounce down the road. It's a full employment program for kidney specialists - not unlike a dentist owning a candy store.
Do what makes you happy and just be sure you understand the trade off.
Tracking the car is a whole different topic. My car fulfills it's purpose - it's beautiful to look at and puts a smile on my face while driving when no one is around to even see me.
Do you feel like you always want something bigger or are you happy with this setup?
I have 18s on my car, which I like a lot. Keep in mind that width is involved as well as diameter. The 17s are 6.5" and 8" wide, the 18s are 8" and 9", and I believe the 19s are 8" and 9.5".
Hozer, an alternative would be the 18" wheels from the Boxster line. That is an option you can view on Porsche's web site using the "build your Porsche" tool. That wheel may be more to you liking than the 18" Cayman S wheel.
FYI, I have a base Cayman with the 18" S wheels. I did not like the look of the 17s. Also drove the base Cayman with 17s and the Cayman S with 18s at a Porsche event (semi-track day), and the base Cayman with 17s did not feel so "planted". When I bought mine I got the 18s and it seems a good trade-off between the 17s (smooth) and 19s (good handling but stiff).
Personal opinion... interested in hearing what you think of the looks of the Cayman with Boxster 18s...
Okay, could not resist. I'll try to attach pictures of three cars:
Base Cayman with 17s
Base Cayman with 18 "S" Wheel
Base Cayman with 18" Boxster wheel
Think I have the attachments right this time...
Last edited by davidfromdallas; 05-31-2007 at 06:51 AM.
Reason: Messed up file uploads
Love my 18" CS wheels... I've always been a fan of 5-spoke wheels, and I think the CS wheels are the perfect look for the Cayman. The 18" Boxster wheels are a bit too fussy for my liking.
For winter, I'm looking for a set of 17" Cayman or Boxster rims to mount snow tires. The narrower tread will be better for snow traction.
