996: Engine Work or Wheels?

[Namor]

I'm looking at spending some money around the end of November, early December. I seek advice on one of two routes;

Route #1-Wheels, I have the anchors. I am almost to getting the standard 5-spoke because I cannot stand looking at the anchors anymore. However, I'd much rather go with mag wheels. If the standard 5-spokes are a worthy performance improvement I may go that route and spend the remaining dollars on a custom map or real cans. Thoughts? Better braking? Etc...

Route #2-Engine out, engine painted, HC pistons, squish, cam timing, TB sync and CO level set, of course I'll go ahead and do the valves, clean and repaint the oil cooler and radiator. (I will be doing everything myself except the Tbs, CO level and cams)

For now I am light weight flywheel, UM222, cored exhaust, 15-40 gearing. All that said, I am happy with the power for now but would be more happy with more power, it's the brakes that are awful.

[rockk]

personally, i love the anchor s look, so much better then any 5 spoke wheel, so myself i ll be changing them last. gl with ur upgrades.

[moto]

I like light wheels and light bikes.

Weight chart for the 748-998 wheels:

OEM aluminum 3-spokes, 11.5 lbs front, 13 lbs rear
OEM aluminum 5-spokes (996/998), 9.25 lbs front, 12 lbs rear
MARCHESINI Forged Aluminum 7.64 pounds; Rear: 9.98
Original 5 spoke magnesium: Front - 6.80 lbs, Rear - 8.70lbs
OZ Piega Forged Alum : Front 7.35 lb. - Rear 8.50 lb.
MARCHESINI Forged Magnesium : Front: 6.04lbs, Rear: 7.76lbs
OZ Cattiva Forged Magnesium front: 5.80lbs, rear :6.65lbs
BST CF 5spoke "Race" Front: 5.1; 6.9 rear
BST CF 7 Spoke "Street" Front: 5.7 lbs; Rear: 6.25 lbs.

I like the look of the OZ five spoke wheel

[94CobraR]

Get rid of those nasty 3 spokes...get at minimum the 5 spokes. And also get the 4-pad calipers for good braking.

Then go for the motor

[timmyho414]

I had the 3 spokes on my 748 and switched to Mag Marchecini 5 spokes and it was a huge difference in handling. It turns in so much easier now. I can't really say I notice much difference in acceleration. Though I don't doubt its faster. I prefer the look of the 5-spokes to any other.

You could drop the 15t down to a 14t, that would be a cheap and big improvement unless you need to top end.

[Namor]

Originally Posted by timmyho414

You could drop the 15t down to a 14t, that would be a cheap and big improvement unless you need to top end.

I just switch up from the 14 to a 15. The gears were too short and since it takes me about an hour to get to good riding I didn't like cruising at 80 at 6k rpm. The 15-40 is about right. I may try the 14-39 soon.

Will light weight wheels improve braking? I suppose I was hinting at that. If I need better calipers I would just as soon try a radial lever and if I didn't like that I would put on some forks and calipers from an 848.

And those OZ 5-spoke are beautiful.

[JeffKoch]

Definitely repaint the engine, oil cooler and radiator, that's gotta be worth a half-dozen horses due to better aerodynamics, and the extra weight from the paint will help load the front end during braking too.

[duc995]

Just adding stainless brake lines, a Bembo radial GP mastercylinder (or equivalent) and racing spec brake pads ( my Vesrah pads are incredible ) will get you all the braking power you could ever want or need. No need to waste your money on new calipers.

That being said - light wheels will immediately transform your bike into a more nimble handling machine...well worth it.

Leave the engine work for last so the bike remains as reliable as possible.

[94CobraR]

Spend over $300 for masters and such or just get the 4-pads that are cheap and bolt on. Pretty simple and tried & true solution if you ask me.

Why you would think about skipping the calipers and instead going with 848 brakes is beyond me unless you're after the bling.

[TomTom]

Nice riding feeling goes before engine work imho.

You are onto my absolute top list of mods here:
#1 Light wheels
#2 Radial master and proper pads

That alone will transfer the bike completely and youll enjoy those mods for a long long time.