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I have found a set of 7 and 8 x 16" original Fuchs rims and want to fit them to my Speedster. Tyre size 205 50 16 on all easiy. The fronts are no problem but the back is just a bit too wide.

I wanted to know if anyone has experienced fitting such rims by either machining a bit off the inside hub or inside rim. Because of the suspension there is not enough space to move them in too much and i dont want to roll the fender as this messes with the lines.

I am running discs all round.

Any ideas ?

Ray

ked

when Porsche put 16" rims on the pre-A 356 I believe the rim width was something like 3.5". when people put Fuchs on a 356 these days, they generally go to 15" rims in 5.5" or 6" widths. Note the articles on tires & wheels on the Registry website... http://www.356registry.org/Tech/index.htm

butzip

I'm not sure 7 & 8s will go without altering the wheel arches. Please let us know what happens. I would recommend 5.5 x 14" fuchs, no worries there and it has more of vintage feel.

BTW - I have an extra set, just haven't posted them on e-bay yet.

Brgds, Peter

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The reason I want t use the 16's is both becasue I have them and secondly, the car has a good racing history and I want to try to get the handling the best I can. The std wheels are the nomal 15 x 5.5 C rims (disc brakes remember). This is a pic of the 16" x 8 on the back. As you can see it fits but pushes against the body. So I need some sort of mod.
Ray

ked

Ray, I think we understand, but there may be a reason(s) no one does it. For instance, a wide tire w/ short, stiff-sidewall racing rubber may put significant stress on wheel bearings and susp arms. I have heard of such failures on old 356s - there are always solutions, though, like custom reinforced components and... flared fenders. In US Vintage Racing, I don't believe I've ever seen 16" wheels (except on an early 550 Spyder, I think). Anyway, it might be best to pose this question to the 356 Registry Talk List - you will find very experienced 356 racers over there to provide their insight. best of luck!

Freddy

Ray,

Keep in mind that those cars were raced back then with 4.5 rims all around, so none of them are ready for the extra weight and forces you will get when using such wide and heavy wheels, not to mention the extra stress they will submit the suspension with the over proportional grip from those performance tires.
Much different from the bias ply tires used back then... tires were made to slide and to stick to the pavement as today's compounds.
I strongly suggest you not to go above 5.5.

Why not play with your 993 or another P-car instead of messing with an original and expensive Speedster? To fit those wide wheels will force you to do major changes on your car's body and suspension...

I don't want to be a purist on this tread, but you have to remember that racing a 356 were more about the weight than power. Better than doing this you could go back to Spyder 60mm vented drums with alloy-steel wheels or the repros (full alloy) that are available today. A much lighter setup than what you have...

The car will be better balanced between power and weight and will give you the usual rewarding handling you can only get from a 356... Think about it...

camchain

[QUOTE= The std wheels are the nomal 15 x 5.5 C rims (disc brakes remember).
Ray[/QUOTE]

Actually your car came with 4.5" rims. 5.5" wheels were not available in the period on any 356 including Cs.
Cheers,
Ron Hetherington

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Thanks for you suggestions guys. I guess going at 5.5" with discs is enough, this is also a rare RHD so maybe I will heed your advice. Still makes me wonder though?

Yes I do play with the 993RS and my wife with her Boxter S. I am lucky enough to also have a 500hp Cayenne Turbo that I have given good stick around Kyalami race track too. So I do play with other P's, but still.....

ked

6x15s should fit, too, I've been told. the body - hub spacing is not symmetrical on most 356s (from the factory), so the only way to be sure there is no interference is to test-fit any larger non-stock wheel/tire - on both sides. even with that collection of Porsches, I think you will really enjoy the 356 on the track. it is so basic (& basically oversteering) and direct - a time capsule in effect - plus you don't have to achieve high speeds to get a thrill.

PorscheMD

I would be interested in the 8*16's if they don't work for you.

Low Profile

I am going to try to get them on if I can but will not go to the effort of cutting or modifying the body. I am too much of a purist for that - the most I will do is roll the fender a bit.

I did enjoy my previous Speedster on the track and interestingly was as quick as some early 911's with only 75hp! Just had to use left foot braking to keep the track settled at the back! But it was a bit of "***** to the wall" driving!

I will let you guys know how it develops. thanks for the comments.
Ray

trailrat

I just came across a nice set of 7x15 - 8x15 fuch wheels. Would anyone have any knowledge of these wheels working on a 356b. I would love to install them on my car. Thanks

dave292

Had a set on my 64 when I bought it. They were 14" Fuch wheels.

jcnesq

Don't really know the answer, but I think 7 and 8 widths are WAY too big for a 356 and its fender wells. I have 5" widths, and they are on the tight side.

tcsracing1

not afan of Fuch on 356.... looks too replica...