Porsche 981/718 rear shock identification

Identifying your rear shock:

Select trim levels and/or options on 981 or 718 Cayman/Boxsters can potentially have a rear shock body that has a change in diameter partway up the shock. This diameter increase reduces inner clearance and can cause issues on select fitments that should be checked ahead of time. If your rear shock looks like the image below, keep reading, as this article is for you. If your rear shock does not have this larger diameter section, then any spacers mentioned in this article do not pertain to your car.

Fitment Notes:

18x10.5” ET44 is the first fitment affected. A 5mm rear spacer and associated extended lug bolts or stud kit are required to gain adequate wheel to shock clearance. The 18x10” ET36 is an alternative wheel size to use, which does not require a spacer.

19x11” ET48 is the next wheel that is affected by this rear shock. We do not recommend the 19x11” ET48 on any car equipped with this shock due to inner clearance. “Solving” the inner clearance with a spacer will likely cause tire-to-fender clearance issues on the outboard side of the car. The 19x10.5”ET44 should be used in this case.

Last but not least is the 20x11” ET50, which would require a 7mm spacer and associated extended lug bolts or stud kit for cars equipped with the shock body shown above. This is generally a more aggressive fitment than we would suggest. The 20x10.5”ET44 paired with a 275/35-20 or the OEM 265/35-20 is an alternative and does not require a spacer.

Brandon is a Porsche Fitment Expert at APEX Wheels. Prior to joining APEX in 2022, he worked as Office Manager for a Porsche & Ferrari service and race shop, guiding customers in all areas – suspension, power, aesthetics, you-name-it. His first foray into racing came In college when he was asked to assist at a PCA club race. Says Brandon, “I figured if I am already making the drive, I might as well enter the HPDE happening at the same time.” He hasn't stopped since. Among the various cars he has owned and/or tracked are a ‘74 Corvette Convertible, ’74 Firebird Formula 400, ‘17 GTI, ‘07 Cayman S, and his current ride, a ‘12 Cayman R (BGB X51 pack 3.8L) with staggered APEX EC-7RS 18x9”ET46 & 18x10” ET36 in Motorsport Gold. Fun Fact: Brandon is a big fan of SIM racing, which he uses to learn about a new track he’s going to or get a refresher on a familiar track, as well as improve his racecraft.Have questions about wheels for your Porsche? Use our contact form and ask for Brandon.