veduta

Looking at my possible first 911. 79 SC with 15" aftermarket BBS mesh style rims. I'm wondering from the Rennlist community what advantages 15" Vs. 16" rims offer and vice versa. Would it be something you guys would consider an immediate necessary upgrade? Is it more an aesthetic issue or performance? I have read here that tires for the 15" can be hard to find but what other concerns might there be? Did a search but didn't really find the info I was looking for. Thanks in advance.

Steve Weiner-Rennsport Systems

HI,

GOOD 15" street tires can be tough to find now, especially the 225/50 ones. Most of the offerings are extreme high-performance ones or DOT-spec race tires.

That said, 15" wheels & tires are both much lighter and smaller in diameter than 16's which offer very noticeable improvements in acceleration & braking.

The decision about which one to choose really depends on how you are going to drive & use the car.

veduta

It will be used as weekend driver and purely for fun. I don't expect to put it on the track competitively. Its got 215/60's and 205/60's on it right now. Would love more opinions

911Dave

I think you'd be better off selling the 15's and buying 16's, for the following reasons:

1. There are far more tire choices in the 16" sizes: 205/55/16 and 225/50/16
2. 16's look a little better.
3. A 225/50/16 rear tire will give you slightly better gearing than a 215/60/15 because the 16 has a rolling diameter of 24.9" vs. 25.2" for the 15. It won't be a night and day difference but you may feel it.

veduta

Thanks Dave. Appreciate all your help. Any good sources for 16" Fuchs?