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Re: 18 Inch Wheels on 1987 NA 944
Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2023 12:39 pm
by Carmagic
Latitude48 wrote: Wed Nov 29, 2023 6:12 pm
Sethers6945 wrote: Wed Nov 29, 2023 5:47 pm
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 683 times
That car was a bit modified.
- 20191227_113851.jpg (4.16 MiB) Viewed 683 times
Cheers
Engelbert
Re: 18 Inch Wheels on 1987 NA 944
Posted: Thu Dec 07, 2023 1:29 pm
by ROB III
Carmagic wrote: Fri Dec 01, 2023 12:39 pm
Latitude48 wrote: Wed Nov 29, 2023 6:12 pm
Sethers6945 wrote: Wed Nov 29, 2023 5:47 pm
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
Re: 18 Inch Wheels on 1987 NA 944
Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 9:47 am
be prepared to experience reduced performance! NA are inadequate on power to begin with. Adding additional unsprung weight is the enemy
Re: 18 Inch Wheels on 1987 NA 944
Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 12:49 pm
by 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
Re: 18 Inch Wheels on 1987 NA 944
Posted: Sun Jan 14, 2024 2:42 pm
by Latitude48
Rveague wrote: Sun Jan 14, 2024 12:49 pm
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.