18 Inch Wheels on 1987 NA 944

[Carmagic]

that looks fantastic! what size tires did you go with? did you use any spacers?

No spacers. Tires are standard for these rims: 265/35-18 and 225/40-18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S XL.

I think this is the same size I had on my 87 with a set of OZ wheels which came from a 996.

20191227_113414.jpg (3.92 MiB) Viewed 682 times

That car was a bit modified.

20191227_113851.jpg (4.16 MiB) Viewed 682 times

Cheers
Engelbert

[ROB III]

that looks fantastic! what size tires did you go with? did you use any spacers?

No spacers. Tires are standard for these rims: 265/35-18 and 225/40-18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S XL.

I think this is the same size I had on my 87 with a set of OZ wheels which came from a 996.

20191227_113414.jpg

That car was a bit modified.
20191227_113851.jpg

Cheers
Engelbert

Hmmmm, just a bit

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be prepared to experience reduced performance! NA are inadequate on power to begin with. Adding additional unsprung weight is the enemy

[Rveague]

One other thing to consider. Moving to 18" wheels with lower profile tires will increase the forces transferred from the road to the suspension components (that would otherwise be absorbed or buffered by smaller wheels / taller tires). The original 944 control arms / joints were not designed to handle that, which is why Porsche didn't recommend 18" wheels on 944's.

Certainly, lot's of people do that. But do fully inspect your suspension for cracks or failure points, especially the control arms and joints, given their age (if they are original).

Good luck!
rv

[Latitude48]

One other thing to consider. Moving to 18" wheels with lower profile tires will increase the forces transferred from the road to the suspension components (that would otherwise be absorbed or buffered by smaller wheels / taller tires). The original 944 control arms / joints were not designed to handle that, which is why Porsche didn't recommend 18" wheels on 944's.

Certainly, lot's of people do that. But do fully inspect your suspension for cracks or failure points, especially the control arms and joints, given their age (if they are original).

Good luck!
rv

I've been running lightweight 18" wheels (currently BBS RS-GT, 20.3# front, 22.1# rear) on my S2 since 2002 without any issues. I did make the required changes Porsche recommended in their TSB when fitting 17" wheels, which includes installing new caster eccentrics and 968 style caster mounts. I also have a modified suspension.