Ski

86 Wheel Fitment
Stock Wheel Size
Front 16x7 et 23.3, Rear 16x8 et 23.3
Can use most 17 and 18 et 50-65 mm with 1 to 1.5 spacers.
Largest Fitment without fender modifications
Front 18x9 et 52 with 1? spacer, Rear 18x11 et 45 some cars may require 1/4" spacer.

Notes:
18 x 10 et 40 will fit on rear with no spacer and 265/35/18 to 285/30/18 tire.
18x11 et 45 on rear requires top shock tower bolt to be reversed.


87-91 Wheel Fitment
Stock Wheel Sizes
87-88 - Front 16x7 et 52.3. Rear 16x8 et 52.3
88S-89 - Front 16x7.5 et 65, Rear 16x9 et 65

Can use most newer 17?-18? wheels in the 48 to 65mm et range.
Some 996 wheels require 7mm spacer for front wheels will mount flush on the hub.
Common fitment is 18x8et50mm and 18x10 et 65.

Largest Fitment
Front - 18x9 et 52mm, Rear- 18x11 et 65mm

Can't remember if I save the above from Lindsey or Paragons site...it was just in my data file.


We run Kinesis K27 wheels, F 8.5 x 17, R 10 x 17, ICR the offsets but the fronts clear big blacks and the car is an 87. Front tires are 255/40/17 and the rear are 275/40/17. We did have to roll the fender just a bit with the baseball bat method but it's a track car.

porschefig

AFAIK 10" don't work on the front w/o track alignment.
What is available in 17X9 that would fit all around on an 86 951?
I want to be able to rotate wheels/tires on all four corners. From my 83' na experience I believe the "square" set up works for DE/autoX and I really believe it makes the tires last longer and wear better. I also want the alignment settings to stay as stock. The car is a daily driver and I'm happy w/ my stock settings 4 wheel alignment.

Van

Here's a few of my thoughts:

First, on a turbo I've run the "square" setup a long time - 245 front and rear. There's no denying that it's convenient to swap wheels front to rear to maximize wear.

However, this last season I switched to a staggered setup - 285 then the rear and 245 in the front (I was planning on 275s - 285s were in stock; 275s were not). I found this to be an improvement in handling. The wider rear tires gave me extra grip that was noticeable. My lap times improved, too.

The second thing I want to mention, is pretty obvious, but hasn't been said yet. And that is tire sidewall flex... The larger the rim, the shorter your sidewall. This can be good for minimizing sidewall flex under cornering - where that flex can distort your contact patch. But it can also be bad when you hit bumps (especially potholes on the street) - this is why larger rims are much more likely to get bent.

And a third thing: consideration should be given to the weight and strength of any new wheels you're choosing. If you just want to upgrade the look (bling on the street), this is less important. If you're into DE, auto-X or racing, wheel weight (part of your unsprung weight) is very important - and should trump "looks". From a practical standpoint, the strength of the wheels should be considered - forged is strongest, cast is less so and machined is even less. Of course there's always a compromise... Fikse, Kenesis, etc. are amazingly light weight, but they bend easily.

Ian928

My girlfriend is wondering about these wheels for her 89 944T: http://www.finn.no/finn/bap/object?finnkode=16315847

Front:
8x18et49 with 225.40.18 Dunlop Sp Sport Maxx
Rear:
9,5x18et52 with 255.35.18 Dunlop Sp Sport Maxx

Will these fit? I would gess they had too low ET, but after checking this thread I am not sure. Anybody know anything about these Eta Beta wheels, are they any good?

Kool

Ian

I would say that they would fit.

xsboost90

the front ones are questionable but you should have enough room since they are only 225 in the front

Ian928

Thank you guys! Would the M030 option do any difference, meaning if the lower car easier created problems at the front compared to others without the M030 option?

porschefig

Van, thanks for the reply.

Having run the square set up what do you suggest for me? Once I get a new turbo I doubt 8" rears (Fuchs) will allow enough tire. I'd love to run 10" or more on the back but it's cost prohibitive and I don't really feel like to rolling my fenders.

17" shouldn't have too short of side walls?

I'd love to have wheels with comparable weight to my Fuchs (another reason I don't want more than 17''). I think it's rediculous that modern wheels are SOOO expensive when they're often 22++ lbs.

Van

Hi Kyle, you have 17" rims? Or 16" Fuchs? I'd say, if you can afford it, find a pair of 930 rims. 275 will fit on 9" rims - better on a 10, but works fine on a 9.

All late offset rims can be adapted to an early offset car with spacers - but then you're adding more unsprung weight.

With some searching, you might be able to find a nice set of BBS wheels or something lightweight from the period.

porschefig

I have 951 fuchs but I'll be looking for more width in the future. If I stick w/ 16" I may just buy 16x9 fuch$$$, move my 16x8 to the front, and sell my 16x7"
The trouble is that those 16x9 fuchs cost as much as a full set of wheels! (which is why I'm looking into 17s.)

Van

Cheaper to trade up to a late offset car?

porschefig

I often consider it!
I'd like to trade for a car w/ the following DONE:
Wider wheels,Turbo, I/C, I/C pipes, fuel pump, fuel lines, LWFlywheel, Clutch, shocks/struts/springs/tbars, etc. etc. etc
You get the idea......

RolexNJ

Some good stuff guys, keep the ideas coming.

Jeff N.

Nifty thread. Is there a list of available of other Porsche wheels that can "cross" in for the 86? For example, 1998 Boxster 17" rims, etc.

Kool

Jeff

Check my earleir posts there is a list of all wheels and offsets. A good rule of thumb nothing from 87 on will fit an 86 with out spacers. There may be exceptions but I think that is a true statement in general.