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18 inch wheels on a 84 n/a

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Old 08-17-2007, 06:36 PM
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mark_uss
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Default 18 inch wheels on a 84 n/a

i see some of you guyz have 18 ` wheels on 944 ..i wanna do the same an upgrade ..on some 8X18 5X130 ET50 wheels do i need spacers? i run on 15` 7j cookie cutters 205/50 tyres..how big has to bee the spacers? i found diferent sizes of spacers made from aviation aluminim..really light..` here are the wheels

Last edited by mark_uss; 02-06-2008 at 11:11 AM.
Old 08-17-2007, 07:25 PM
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fork_included
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i wouldnt call 18" an upgrade

you'll be forced to run a small sidewall tire, that, combined with a heavy wheel, will mean a slower and less comfortable car.
Old 08-17-2007, 07:31 PM
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RMills944
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I'd stick to a 16 or 17 as well. The sidewall would make it a VERY firm ride, but also make it REALLY easy to bend a rim. Trust me, I have 3 bent on my Jetta and I'm really careful with it. If you do get them, best of luck with the potholes.
Old 08-17-2007, 07:42 PM
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MichelleJD
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18" heels?!
Old 08-17-2007, 08:24 PM
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Jeremy Himsel
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That's funny I went from a 16 to a 17 and now an 18 and there was very little difference in harshness. I did see a noticable improvement in handling and feedback.
Old 08-17-2007, 08:54 PM
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GodSpeed
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Yes you will need spacers, Im not shure how wide you need.

(rant/) Anyone else notice that it took 6 posts before someone actually tried to answer his question.
No one ever asked what you thought of 18" wheels. No one asked if other sizes are better. All that was asked was "Do I need spacers and if so what size?". At least try to answer the question that he asked. (end rant/)
Old 08-17-2007, 09:37 PM
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Erzengal
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Are all four wheels 8" wide? If buying a new set, you may want to try and get a set of rears that are closer to 10" wide.
Your current Offset is 23.3mm.

3pc Lightweight 18"'s from basic 15" Phone Dials personally was a noticable difference. Takes more effort to turn the wheel, however you get used to it in about a week. The stability and grip is vastly improved. Ride comfort doesn't seem any different.
Old 08-17-2007, 09:42 PM
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fork_included
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Originally Posted by DanAllen944
Yes you will need spacers, Im not shure how wide you need.

(rant/) Anyone else notice that it took 6 posts before someone actually tried to answer his question.
No one ever asked what you thought of 18" wheels. No one asked if other sizes are better. All that was asked was "Do I need spacers and if so what size?". At least try to answer the question that he asked. (end rant/)
if someone comes in here asking "how do i make a bomb out of Ajax and Crayons", would you blindly tell him how to do so?
Old 08-17-2007, 09:44 PM
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fork_included
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Originally Posted by Erzengal
3pc Lightweight 18"'s from basic 15" Phone Dials personally was a noticable difference. Takes more effort to turn the wheel, however you get used to it in about a week. The stability and grip is vastly improved. Ride comfort doesn't seem any different.
stability and grip is a byproduct of running a lower sidewall tire, usualy one of higher quality.

you usualy wont find 15 diamater street rubber in a 35/45 sidewall profile
Old 08-18-2007, 07:32 AM
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tifosiman
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Originally Posted by DanAllen944
Yes you will need spacers, Im not shure how wide you need.

(rant/) Anyone else notice that it took 6 posts before someone actually tried to answer his question.
No one ever asked what you thought of 18" wheels. No one asked if other sizes are better. All that was asked was "Do I need spacers and if so what size?". At least try to answer the question that he asked. (end rant/)
Yep, spacers will be needed, and I agree the size is difficult to determine. If it were me I would buy the wheels, test fit them, then determine the size you want and buy the spacers. The early (pre86) cars have a spacer on the rear already so keep that in mind when test-fitting and buying spacers.
Old 08-18-2007, 08:19 AM
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RedlineMan
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Hey;

Depending on the wheel, you will need upwards of 2.75" on the front to bring it out to the proper spot. I suggest you do the math first - i.e. get the offset and backspacing specs for the replacement wheel - and then determine what width spacers you will need.

I think what you will find is that you need ADAPTERS, not spacers. SPACERS need very long studs, and that is a lot of work and potential hassle. ADAPTERS just bolt on and are better for large disparities in wheel backspacing. Like this;



Incidentally, these types of conversions should only be done on street cars. Changing the geometry of the wheel/hub that drastically puts too much load on the components to be a good idea for track use.
Old 08-18-2007, 03:55 PM
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PorscheDude1
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Originally Posted by fork_included
if someone comes in here asking "how do i make a bomb out of Ajax and Crayons", would you blindly tell him how to do so?
No, but I might explain that some colors my burn better than others, and to use comet as opposed to ajax.
Old 08-19-2007, 02:40 AM
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pearldrum944
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I agree. I work at sears autocenter. We see SOOOO many bent rims with small sidewall tires. I hate having to tell a customer that their vibration is a bent wheel...not the tires...unless they are a dick.
Old 08-19-2007, 07:14 PM
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mark_uss
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thanks guys ...soory to starty a bomb construction topic problem is that i buy from a online shop so i can`t put the wheels an see how it looks thats why i`m asking if i need spacers and if it is a good ideea..somebody coreccted me i need adapters..i will look and see..thanks for the brain storm...)
Old 08-20-2007, 12:28 AM
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Originally Posted by Jeremy Himsel
That's funny I went from a 16 to a 17 and now an 18 and there was very little difference in harshness. I did see a noticable improvement in handling and feedback.
Porsche advises against fitting the 944/968 cars with anything over 17" and these should go together with a 968 caster block upgrade.

Eventually, larger wheels put too much stress on the front control arm ball joints, tend to hit the fenders, etc. You can get away with the fronts if you have billet aluminum Charley Arms. YMMV


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