Vehicle Covered in this Guide
The 1999-2004 Porsche 911 narrowbody Carrera including Carrera 2, Carrera 4 and Targa models. Fitment is nearly identical throughout all models. The 99-01’ 996.1 Carrera may require the rear fenders to be rolled in some applications to prevent rubbing, as these cars did not come with rolled rear fenders from the factory.
Chassis Introduction
The first new chassis platform since the 911’s inception. With a vastly different powertrain approach came a vastly different chassis and suspension orientation. While the front suspension and rear multi-link rear suspension was revised and retained from its predecessor, the 996 is very capable out of the box. However, major improvements can be made in the wheel and tire department.
| Bolt Pattern | Thread Pitch | Lug Seat | Center Bore |
| 5x130mm | M14x1.5mm | R14 Ball Seat | 71.6mm |
OEM+ Fitment
This fitment is ideal for enthusiasts looking for a flush fitment with street tires, or for performance driving enthusiasts who have the ability to dial in negative camber with wider track compounds.
Wheels
- Front: 18x8.5” ET42 // Rear: 18x11” ET60
- Popular fitment.
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick : Front: 235/40-18 // Rear: 295/30-18
- Factory 996.2 GT3 tire sizes
- Availability:
- Max Performance Summer - Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (220 TW)
- Narrower Alternative: Front: 225/40-18 // Rear: 285/30-18
- Factory 996.2 Carrera tire sizes
- Availability:
- Max Performance Summer - Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (220 TW)
Dual Duty - Performance Street & Track Fitment
Wheels
- Front: 18x8.5” ET42 // Rear: 18x11” ET60
- Popular fitment
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick: Front: 235/40-18 // Rear: 295/30-18
- Factory 996.2 GT3 tire sizes
- For 996.1 Carrera, rear fender rolling may be required depending on ride height and tire compound.
- Availability:
- Max Performance Summer - Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (220 TW)
- Extreme Summer - Yokohama A052 (200 TW)
- R-compound - Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (180 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW), & Pirelli Trofeo R (60 TW), Nankang AR-1 (100 TW)
- Alternative: Front: 245/35-18 // Rear: 285/30-18
- Negative camber is encouraged to prevent rubbing upon suspension compression with wider compounds, and to maximize performance and tire longevity.
- Availability:
- R- Compound - Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 (100 TW)
- Wider Alternative: Front: 245/35-18 // Rear: 295/30-18
- Negative camber is encouraged to prevent rubbing upon suspension compression with wider compounds, and to maximize performance and tire longevity.
- For 996.1 Carrera, rear fender rolling may be required depending on ride height and tire compound.
- Availability:
- R- Compound - Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 (100 TW)
- Narrower Alternative: Front: 225/40-18 // Rear: 285/30-18
- Factory 996.2 Carrera tire sizes
- Availability:
- Max Performance Summer - Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 (220 TW)
- Extreme Summer - Bridgestone RE-71R (200 TW) & Dunlop Direzza ZIII (200 TW)
- R-compound - Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (180 TW)
Dedicated Track / Race Fitments
These fitments are effective for both weekend and dedicated track warriors. This no-compromise fitment is ideal for track use where enthusiasts want to maximize front and rear end grip, providing for an incredibly neutral and aggressive setup. The 9” front and 12” rear wheel will provide superior sidewall support for wider tires, and it relies on aggressive negative camber specifications for proper fender clearance. The 9” front and 11” rear wheel setup will minimize the stagger and dial out any remaining understeer. Since you'll be using all available real estate under the fender arches to accommodate this wider configuration, mild modifications are likely necessary. A mixture of negative camber and rolled rear fenders are typically advised to ensure proper utilization of these extreme setups.
Wheels - Option 1
- Front: 18x9” ET46 // Rear: 18x11” ET60
- Popular fitment.
- Modifications may be required. See tire recommendations below for details.
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick: Front: 235/40-18 // Rear: 295/30-18
- Factory 996.2 GT3 tire sizes
- Typically a direct fit, but we encourage negative camber to prevent rubbing upon suspension compression with wider compounds, and to maximize performance and tire longevity.
- For 996.1 Carrera, rear fender rolling may be required depending on ride height and tire compound.
- Availability:
- Extreme Summer - Yokohama A052 (200 TW)
- R-compound - Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 (180 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW), & Pirelli Trofeo R (60 TW), Nankang AR-1 (100 TW)
- Alternative: Front: 245/35-18 // Rear: 285/30-18
- Negative camber is encouraged to prevent rubbing upon suspension compression with wider compounds, and to maximize performance and tire longevity.
- Availability:
- R- Compound - Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 (100 TW)
- Semi-Slick - Hoosier R7 (40 TW)
- Wider Alternative: Front: 245/35-18 // Rear: 295/30-18
- Negative camber is encouraged to prevent rubbing upon suspension compression with wider compounds, and to maximize performance and tire longevity.
- For 996.1 Carrera, rear fender rolling may be required depending on ride height and tire compound.
- Availability:
- R- Compound - Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 (100 TW)
- Semi-Slick - Hoosier R7 (40 TW)
- Wider Alternative: Front: 245/40-18 // Rear: 315/30-18
- Negative camber is encouraged to prevent rubbing upon suspension compression with wider compounds, and to maximize performance and tire longevity.
- For 996.1 Carrera, rear fender rolling and/or additional negative camber is typically required
- Availability:
- Extreme Summer - Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Falken RT615K+ (200 TW)
- R- Compound - Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW), Nankang AR-1 (100 TW)
- Semi-Slick - Hoosier R7/A7 (40 TW), BFG R1S (40 TW)
- Wider Alternative: Front: 235/40-18 // Rear: 315/30-18
- Negative camber is encouraged to prevent rubbing upon suspension compression with wider compounds, and to maximize performance and tire longevity.
- For 996.1 Carrera, rear fender rolling and/or additional negative camber is typically required
- Availability:
- Extreme Summer - Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Falken RT615K+ (200 TW)
- R-compound - Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW), Nankang AR-1 (100 TW)
Wheels - Option 2
- Front: 18x9” ET46
Rear: 18x12” ET65- Modifications may be required. See tire recommendations below for details.
Tires
- APEX Staff Pick: Front: 245/40-18 // Rear: 315/30-18
- Negative camber is encouraged to prevent rubbing upon suspension compression with wider compounds, and to maximize performance and tire longevity
- For 996.1 Carrera, rear fender rolling and/or additional negative camber is typically required
- Availability:
- Extreme Summer - Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Falken RT615K+ (200 TW)
- R- Compound - Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW), Nankang AR-1 (100 TW)
- Semi-Slick - Hoosier R7/A7 (40 TW) BFG R1S (40 TW)
- Narrower Alternative: Front: 235/40-18 // Rear: 315/30-18
- Negative camber is encouraged to prevent rubbing upon suspension compression with wider compounds, and to maximize performance and tire longevity.
- For 996.1 Carrera, rear fender rolling and/or additional negative camber is typically required.
- Availability:
- Extreme Summer - Yokohama A052 (200 TW), Falken RT615K+ (200 TW)
- R-compound - Nitto NT01 (100 TW), Toyo R888R (100 TW), Nankang AR-1 (100 TW)
- Wider Alternative: Front: 255/35-18 // Rear: 315/30-18
- Aggressive negative camber is required to prevent rubbing upon suspension compression with wider compounds, and recommended to maximize performance and tire longevity.
- Front fender rolling is recommended.
- For 996.1 Carrera, rear fender rolling and/or additional negative camber is typically required
- Availability:
- Extreme Summer - Yokohama A052 (200 TW)
- R- Compound - Toyo R888R (100 TW), Nankang AR-1 (100 TW)
- Semi-Slick - Hoosier R7 (40 TW) Toyo RR (40 TW)
Big Brake Kit Clearances
The following brake setups have been tested and confirmed to clear:
- OEM 350mm 6-pot PCCB - fits all
- Brembo 1M1.9005A1, 355mm 6-pot - fits all
- Brembo 1M1.9006A1, 380mm 6-pot - fits all
- StopTech 83.780.4700.61 355mm 4-pot - fits all
- StopTech 83.781.6900.XX, 380mm 6-pot - fits all
Please email or call us with any other questions related to brake clearance and we’ll be happy to help.
Still have questions?
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