86 951, stock suspension (not for long)

7x17 front 225/45 Potenza SO3's
9x17 rear 255/40 Potenza RE71's

The fronts only have a few hundred miles on them (went first), now its time for the rears. Obviously they will be SO3's to match the fronts.

They sell a 255/40 and a 265/40. Will a 265 fit on a 9" rim? Factory 996/Boxster Wheels with 1" spacers all around.. Thanks.

 

When I bought my 996 wheels they had Kumho 275 racing slicks on them so I think you'll be fine with 265s. I actually almost got 265 S03's on mine but went with 255 instead. You should be good to go..

 

9x17 is typically the 255/40

 

255's are ideal on a 9 inch wheel, if you get a whole lot bigger than that and the tire will get bloated and your contact patch will not get that much larger and handling will not get much better and actually decreace because of increaced sidewall deflection.

Consider a 9inch wheel is 230mm wide, and i'm sure can imagine the effect of expanding the width of the tire too far.

I know for myself I like a 255 on a 9 inch wheel, but if you feel you need to run more well i'm sure a 265 wouldn't be too much. I plan on running 9's all round with 255 A032Rs when I replace my tires next go around.

 

I got 265 on 9" rear. Handles and looks great

 

Just remember that S-03's run wider than most other tires even though they say it's the same size. When my dad changed from his Pirelli P-Zeros to S-03's on the back of the 993TT, which uses 285s, the S03s are a good half an inch wider than the Pirellis!

 

The RE-730's and my 9" ATP's are a perfect match. step up to a 9.5" if you want the 275's.

 

Also Kumho's run narrow. I had 255's on 8x16" fuchs and they fit nicely.

 

I ran 275 Khumo victoracers on 9" rims at the track and was happy with that setup.