OK, so I am suffering the North East Ice storms in my s4 daily driver, the heater doesn't work, but I have a really warm hat! (not forgetting gloves and coat) So have decided to buy some new wheels ASAP.

I saw these on eBay and wanted to get some comments before I even bid!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/18-St...QQcmdZViewItem

Thoughts!

 

48mm offset on the front will stick out past the fenders. I have et52 wheels that stick out just a little already.

 

No way in the world would i buy a set of wheels before I got the heater fixed, that is just me though.

 

Are you intending these for use in snow and icey conditions, they would be too wide for that in my opinion. As Enzo mentions, they most likely won't fit. Time to hit the Ole' Andrew wheel fit calculator.

 

ET50 is the lowest I would go, even then they will stick out just a hair.

To mention this again - with 100% factory wheels with ET57 fronts selling on eBay for $1,000 or so a set. Why would anyone buy a set of no name brand aftermarket wheels in the first place?

 

I know I should get the heater fixed before I get wheels! But that's no fun!

Anyway's, I know nothing of offsets, etc, hence the post! Have you a link to the factory wheels you mention? All I seem to see is replica's....

Thanks!

Mark

 

something like this? A 3rd coast 928er had your e-bay wheels or something close to it on is S4. Very sweet looking ride. The wheels may have stuck out just a tad but looked fantastic. This is the only picture I've got of it. maybe he'll chime in.

BG.

 

The offset does effect handling, not just looks.

 

Hey Enzo,

What size wheel/tire combo are you running with the et52 offset?

My front MM turbo twist replicas are 18 x 8 1/2", et52. I was running 225/40 ZR18 tires, and they fit nicely. Handling was ok too.

I recently aquired some track tires that are 245/45 ZR18 up front. I mounted them up, and they actually look like they are protruding from the front fender slightly. I've taken them out for a 40 mile ride to settle the suspension, and no rubbing, but they sure look like its going to be close.

And I've got an '88 S4, no rolled fenders.

Ed

ps: sorry for the thread jack.

 

Those are some sweet wheels.. What were the effects of the offset? Adverse?

 

Bond. James Bond.

Besides ebay, keep your eyes peeled on your local craigslist. Living in the tri-state area, I know its teaming with late model p-cars, many of them with aftermarket wheel sets. That means there are factory wheels coming up for sale on a regular basis.

I would run this query once a day: http://newyork.craigslist.org/search...=porsche&s=100

I've scored two nice wheel sets out here in Seattle, and I see really good buys come up regularly. Just be ready to pounce right away as the really good deals will not last long.

Ed

ps: buy the wheels now! You can always get to the heater. So what if its in the teens and you have to wear mittens to drive. Just put it on one radio station and drive! Heh heh...

 

I think they are 8x17 - they are going back on the 944S once the engine is finished.

On my 81 they do fit fine, on the 79 I have to be careful since it's lowered. When sitting, the top of the tire is tucked into the fender on my 79. The et52 offset wheel would hit the fender, et56 was just enough to clear with an 8x18 wheel (and even a wider tire). For my 79 I might bite the bullet and have some custom et67 wheels made.

 

Ed, great advice, thanks very much. I am going to buy some non-factory, off the charts cool wheels, not caring about the ride, because after all, shaken is better than stirred ;-)

Mark

 

OK, my James Bond joke went down like a fart in a spacesuit, oh well... :-)

 

Good deal. Thanks.