The SharkWerks gang has always been keen on weight savings and not just adding power. Hence, if you're going to change wheels we always think it's fine it they "look nice" but we've always wanted something that's forged, strong and yet lighter than what you're taking off. (Less is more in terms of unsprung weight and rotational inertia for optimal acceleration, handling and braking performance). Designed specifically for track and street applications we've partnered with HRE to outfit our 3.9L 996GT3 project with their new 18 inch R40 one-piece forged (using 6061-T6 forged aluminum) wheels in crazy blue (a la GT3RS in Ze Europe). The R40 is available in 18” diameter and widths ranging from 8.5” – 12” in Multi-lug and Center Lock versions (soon-ish). Note the rattle-gun friendly open dish shape for fast wheel changes! The R40 wheel was derived from and used on race cars that won the 2010 Grand-Am GS Championship.

Let's start off with the factory 996GT3 wheels (also pleasing on the eye) which on the 996GT3 were considered somewhat "light". The stock rears with stock 295/30/18 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires mounted are 56.5 pounds:


After the tire is removed the wheel itself comes in at 28.5 (not too shabby):


And over to the fronts with the stock tires mounted (48 pounds):


No doubt these aren't the lightest tire but here's the front wheel with the tire off (25.2 pounds):


Here's the front 18x8.5 HRE wheel weighing in at 18.3 pounds:


And now mounted with the same stock tire (40.5 pounds):


Over to the rear 11 inch wheel coming in at 20.2 pounds:


And with the tire installed it comes in at 47 pounds (check the machining on the inside of the spokes):


What we have here folks is a pretty neat weight cut of 8.3 pounds per corner in the rear and 6.9 pounds per corner in the front. That's a total of 30.4 pounds. It all starts to add up with the 54 pounds taken off of the rear, the light-weight seats, battery, brakes etc... With the wheels themselves being comparable in price to a new set of these factory GT3 wheels lighter is the way we're going

Rear wheels installed:


Front wheels installed. And yes we've got the 8-piston Brembo GTR brake kit to fit with plenty of room to spare. For those of you with PCCB's 18s is not an issue:


On her way home:

 

Wow, that is quite the difference in weight. Do you guys track this car?

Although from an aesthetic point of view -and there's no other way of saying this- that looks terrible. The R40s just don't work in baby blue

 

I love what you are doing with this. The 996GT3 has gotta be the best.

Love the plate too.

 

Awesome choice of wheels. They look great.
I just ordered a set of the P40S's because I wanted 19's and even those felt very light when I picked them up.
btw after the 3.9 conversion what level of power did this 996 GT3 put down? Pardon me, I forgot the results from the thread on the project.
The car looks squared away. As always, nice work and choices.
Just an aside, my choice for street and track would be the Toyo R888's.

Ranger

 

I respect the lightweight route, always been a fan of HRE but I guess there are better wheel design to choose from, I think the Comp line from HRE would look better.

 

Thanks and light weight is king around here.. I've had so many Comp wheels on my cars before and as much as I like them (and I really do) I wanted to go for the new lighter single piece wheel.
Thanks Ranger and good choice on the p40s.. we've done those and they are VERY light indeed if you look at the mexico blue car we did last year.... This 996gt3 started with 376rwhp as a 3.6 and we got her to 431rwp:P Not bad eh?

Roger that on the tires. She's getting a photo shoot first and then some R888s for testing:P
Thank you sir!

Hi Jox, that's the plan. We are working on testing some suspension stuff first and then she'll be ready (with proper tires). The weight is nothing to scoff at and I totally understand in terms of the shocking color scheme but with the stock Euro GT3RS wheels which were on there in blue I just wanted to keep that theme somewhat. In the US we didn't get the 996GT3RS so this is our attempt at having one I guess

 

Keep up the good work Sharky!!!!!

 

Please please please sell me this car when you're done with it. It's by far my favorite 996 on the planet.

 

Nice update for the 996 GT3!

 

Thanks pal!
Aw thank you! I love the car too and she's being prepped for some press/testing but when she's done with that... Hmm
Thanks pal! She's getting some seriously cool stuff including the RSS Tarcmac set up and Ohlins...