Ruf wheels on 84 M491?

[Quasimoto]

I am interested in this set of Ruf wheels as a second set for our 84 M491, but have a few questions about fitment.

17x8 E=30.5
17x10 E=5

After reading a lot of threads and looking at the tables, it would appear that these widths/offsets will work, but would love to hear some opinion/advice from those that have been down this road already.

Firstly, do these offsets look compatible with my car, and secondly, is there an available tire choice that would make sense? I realize that I have this process backwards, but I’ve always loved the look of the Ruf wheels.

Currently my car is on the stock Fuchs. (1984 M491)
205/55 VR 16 7J x 16 There is a ~48mm spacer integrated onto the hub.
225/50 VR 16 8J x 16 There is a 28mm slip on spacer.
Tires are Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2’s – 24.9” Height

[Quasimoto]

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by Quasimoto

I am interested in this set of Ruf wheels as a second set for our 84 M491, but have a few questions about fitment.

17x8 E=30.5
17x10 E=5

After reading a lot of threads and looking at the tables, it would appear that these widths/offsets will work, but would love to hear some opinion/advice from those that have been down this road already.

Firstly, do these offsets look compatible with my car, and secondly, is there an available tire choice that would make sense? I realize that I have this process backwards, but I’ve always loved the look of the Ruf wheels.

Currently my car is on the stock Fuchs. (1984 M491)
205/55 VR 16 7J x 16 There is a ~48mm spacer integrated onto the hub.
225/50 VR 16 8J x 16 There is a 28mm slip on spacer.
Tires are Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2’s – 24.9” Height

The front hubs have an integral 21mm spacer on each side

The Rufs should fit fine
the front wheels will have 5.5mm more frontspace. ie they stick out 5.5mm more than the stock Fuchs, this is no big deal, you'll want to use 225/45 x17 tires

the rear wheels have 3mm more frontspace than stock. Again not an issue. You'll want to use 255/40 x17 tires. You will omit the rear spacer

[Quasimoto]

Thanks Bill! I had a hunch from reading threads on here that they would be a fit. (I'm a little concerned about the weight, but that's another issue)

I am not totally understanding the front spacer situation. When I measure mine, it looks closer to about 48mm, but maybe I am missing something?

Also...
Am I correct to assume that I would have to get bore-thru nuts if I wanted to easily switch back and forth from my Fuchs to the Rufs?

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by Quasimoto

Thanks Bill! I had a hunch from reading threads on here that they would be a fit. (I'm a little concerned about the weight, but that's another issue)

I am not totally understanding the front spacer situation. When I measure mine, it looks closer to about 48mm, but maybe I am missing something?

Also...
Am I correct to assume that I would have to get bore-thru nuts if I wanted to easily switch back and forth from my Fuchs to the Rufs?

The 21mm spec is the difference from a base 911. Back in the day 930s used a separate 21mm spacer on a stock 911 hub, in ~1980 they did away w/ the separate spacer and replaced the 911 hub w/ a 930 hub which integrated the same space into the hub itself. W/ either the old 911 hub + 21mm spacer or the new 930 hub alone the wheel mounting face is in exactly the same spot.

The Rufs are heavier than Fuchs for sure just try to keep the tire weight and especially OD down, 225/455 & 255/40(this is just a tad taller than the stock 225/50 x16) is the usual choice but 215/45 & 245/45(about the same height as a 245/45 x16) would work too and be shorter and lighter

yes, you'd need open lugs to keep the long rear studs

[Ayles]

If you have ever held them in person and compared them to a Fuchs wheel you would be blown away. The Rufs are very heavy (almost 2x) and designed for a car that goes 200mph. I think this is something you will feel in a material way unless your engine has been modified.

If you are comfortable with the weight it's really the best looking aftermarket wheel for a 911.

[Quasimoto]

Bill, that makes sense now...appreciate the knowledge!


Ayles, I agree, they look great. Whether I can win the auction is another story...LOL

[Ayles]

Originally Posted by Quasimoto

Bill, that makes sense now...appreciate the knowledge!


Ayles, I agree, they look great. Whether I can win the auction is another story...LOL

I wouldn't worry about the auction, they come up for sale all the time. Might not be worth a big fight with irrational $.

[Bill Verburg]

I don't have the exact weights of the Speedlines but
assuming
8x16 Fuchs weighs 19# & 225.50 x16 tire weighs 23#
10x17 Ruf weighs 27# & 255/40 x17 tire weighs 24#

the Ruf absorb ~2.5 lb-ft more torque per wheel than the Fuchs

That's actually no too bad, the 2 causes are inertial cost and the gearing cost. Here the rotational cost is more significant than the gearing cost. Using a taller tire would change that a lot.

[Quasimoto]

One other question I forgot to ask. This combination is 17x8 & 17x10, but it seems like the more common sets are 9 & 10.

Would appreciate any opinion on the handling difference between these combos... thanks!

[1979-930]

Originally Posted by Ayles

I wouldn't worry about the auction, they come up for sale all the time. Might not be worth a big fight with irrational $.

And Ruf still sells them... The auctions are funny to me. They are Forged now too so the weight is not that bad.
https://rufautomobiles.com/product-category/wheels-brakes/

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by Quasimoto

One other question I forgot to ask. This combination is 17x8 & 17x10, but it seems like the more common sets are 9 & 10.

Would appreciate any opinion on the handling difference between these combos... thanks!

The capability of the engine + gearing would affect that decision, the more motor and lower gearing the more rear bias is desired.

W/ a stockish 3.2 8 to 9 & 9 to 10 is a good place to be

8 & 10 w/ 225/45 & 255/40 is pretty efficient and provides a good balance, 215/45 & 245/40 would be a bit more efficient and get the most from the tires(though the 245 on a 10 is a bit of a stretch)

unfortunately in 17 there aren't any other good street tires.

When I set my 911 up w/ 17s I chose 8 & 9.5(8.5 isn't a real good fit on a n/b otherwise I would have gone w/ 8.5 front) 235/40 & 275/35 Bridgestones were the original tire. This would have been a max Carrera body fitment which retained a modicum of efficiency) Unfortunately they became na shortly afterward. Now these sizes are only available in track rubber.

For street use there is no significant down side going w/ 8 & 10 225/45 & 255/40 x17

[4flyboy]

Quasi,

Where are you? If the auction doesn't work I have a set of RUF wheels that I bought for my M-491. They need a little TLC but are reasonably priced.

I'm in S. Fla if this appeals to you.

Scott

[Quasimoto]

Bill, thanks again for taking the time to explain that...very helpful!

4fly,
I'll keep that in mind if I don't win this set...thanks.

[Quasimoto]

Originally Posted by 1979-930

And Ruf still sells them... The auctions are funny to me. They are Forged now too so the weight is not that bad.
https://rufautomobiles.com/product-category/wheels-brakes/

Do you have a link where they can be purchased in the US?
Thanks

[famoroso]

Uh-oh, they're now available forged? Looks like I may have to acquire a set. I wonder what they weigh? Wait a minute! I'd rather not know. I don't need another set of wheels.

[Quasimoto]

I’ve read comments here and other places that this is the case, but have not actually been able to find a way to purchase in the US.

Would love to hear from someone that has figured this out!

[petercory]

I've got the 9's & 10's on mine W/no Spacers in the front & 18mm Spacers in the rear, judge for yourself

[speednme1]

Originally Posted by 1979-930

And Ruf still sells them... The auctions are funny to me. They are Forged now too so the weight is not that bad.
https://rufautomobiles.com/product-category/wheels-brakes/

Unfortunately they don't have a step like the classics do..which imo makes a difference in aesthetics.

[Quasimoto]

I've noticed that, and it's not a dealbreaker for me.

It's kind of a moot point though, as I have not been able to figure out how to purchase them in the US.

If someone can enlighten as to how to do this I would appreciate it!