16" or 17"

sundevil64 · sundevil64's Garage

Now that I have gotten the car on 930 on the road I need to decide what to do for tires.

Here is the choice.

-Stay with the factory 16" fuchs (7's and 8's)
or
-Go with a set of replica (wheelworks) rsr style fuchs 17" (7.5" and 9" wide) set up for a Carrera
Here is what they look like.
- Wheeldude.com - Professional wheel dealer.

The factory fuchs are so light and I know they are strong. Also, there are now some good choices from Kuhmo for sticky cheap tires.

The replica fuchs are a little heavier as would one would expect from a larger wheel, but the tire choices are almost endless. Also, the larger tire will weigh more also.

I like the looks of both.

The only reason I'm leaning to the rsr fuchs just because they are 17's and the tires choices are good.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks,

John

WPOZZZ · 10-31-2011, 05:15 AM

As someone who has had the 17" replicas, I'd stick to the Fuchs. If you want 17s, just look in the Pelican classifieds for some Fikse, BBS, Kinesis... You'll pay more, but they are worth it. You could also look for 16x6s and send them off to Lindsey or TruDesign and have them build you some 17s.

FWIW, I went from 17" Hartmann wheels like these Hartmann 3 piece twists 17" or 18" custom built 911 widebody or narrowbody, and went down to 16x7 & 16x9.5 TruDesigns and am very happy.

wjfk32 · 10-31-2011, 05:20 AM

If speed, hp, and cheaper is your ultmate goal, 16's is the way to go.

Looks, handling and you don't mind a little extra weight---17's is your choice.

Walt

sundevil64 · sundevil64's Garage

I would like some zufenhaus wheels, but they are not in my budget right now. Can you fit 255's on a 16x8 wheel safely? I don't even know if they offer them.

The rsr replica fuchs were originally intended for my carrera that will be receiving a motor that will be in the range of 400hp. I don't think weight will make much difference there.

Walt, Would weight also affect handling? or not as much of a concern with the increase contact area?

wjfk32 · 06:34 AM

Sund--
Walt, Would weight also affect handling? or not as much of a concern with the increase contact area? Yup--Every little degree factors in..Makes a big difference...Plus, how is your suspension looking??

Chk-search-930& the 911-tech forums..Alot of guys have done set-ups what u r speaking about.. I've read someone is importing ruf-knockoffs-that are real strong and light and not expensive...This is something I would be interested in..

I was thinking going bigger also--but rufs on a SC-Targa doesn't look that good in INMOP.(stock is the best--ME-not doing autocross-etc..etc..)
On a hardtop I drool...

Walt

sundevil64 · sundevil64's Garage

I want to keep to a factory look, which the ruf was. I'm not a big fan of it. A too similar wheel was on the saleen mustang and that's what I associate it with.

WPOZZZ · 10-31-2011, 01:32 PM

When I installed the 17s a couple year ago, I didn't think they were that heavy. However, when I took them off and compared them to the Fuchs and the 9.5 TruDesign, I would say there is a considerable difference in weight with the tires mounted, at least 10 lbs+.

philip j · 10-31-2011, 03:16 PM

I know the tire profile will make a difference, but will the speedo read more MPH's or less with the larger/taller wheels? Just a thought. I went from 16" rims to 17" last year, which were also alot wider than the stock rims. I found a profile tire which was 1/2 taller than the 16", and weighed the tires and rims at only a couple of lbs more than orig. Philip

sundevil64 · sundevil64's Garage

I am now leaning to keeping the 16" fuchs on the 930 and staying with the plan to put the 17" replica's on the carrera.

Has anyone had any experience with Continental DW tires? I have seen a lot of talk about the Kuhmo XS's, but I would get twice the wear out of the DW's.

WPOZZZ · 11-01-2011, 03:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sundevil64

I am now leaning to keeping the 16" fuchs on the 930 and staying with the plan to put the 17" replica's on the carrera.

Has anyone had any experience with Continental DW tires? I have seen a lot of talk about the Kuhmo XS's, but I would get twice the wear out of the DW's.

How much do you drive these cars? If you use the car a few times a month, you probably put on a couple thousand miles a year. At that rate, replacement due to tire age will come before mileage wear. Also, treadwear ratings apply to a manufacturer's product line, so the info is hard to extrapolate among different brands.

sundevil64 · sundevil64's Garage

Good point Bryan. So at this point Kuhmo's it is. Sticky first, mileage second.