I have just purchased a new set of wheels for my 87 S4. The fronts are 8Jx18ET50 and the backs are 10Jx18ET65. Front tires are 225/40/18 and back are 265/35/18. Fit is no problem and I will look for a 10to 15mm spacer for the back wheels. My question is can some of the increased offset for the fronts be compensated for with a new front end alignement?

 

Front end alignment will help, but that offset will present some handling issues. I had the exact same combo and sold them because the tramlining annoyed me.

 

Did you sell them to a guy named Dave in Manotick, On?

 

Not unless he owns a S/C 996!

 

He would have bought them as he did not know about the offset/handling issues.
My old rims were 7.5x17 ET52 front so I'm hoping no difference in handling.

 

The narrower rims seem to have less negative effects running a lower offset on the front. I went from 18 x 8 et 50 with 225's on the front to 17 x 7 et 55 with 225's and the difference was significant. Try them out and see what you think, lots of 928's out there running 996 wheels.

BTW on the back I was able to run 275's with a 21mm spacer and still have 1 cm clearance to the fender.

 

Thanks or the info. I did not notice a problem with my old set up. The car ran true after a good alignment. I am using the motorsports upper control arms and all seems OK for now. Thanks again.