16" Space-saver spare wheels for a '78 SC

[Randy_L]

My '78 runs 16" wheels, but my space-saver spare is 15". I don't know if 16" space-saver spares were made for SCs. I haven't been able to find anything about them, if they exist. So I've been trying to figure out if the later 16" space-saver spares will fit my car, re: lug pattern, offset, space-saver space in the trunk. Anyone know?

Thanks!

~r

[puddy]

I have a 16" spare if you're interested. It's for a 964. I don't know if there was a 16" version for an SC.

965 spare wheel

[Jack Stands]

As long as the 15" fits over your brake calipers, it shouldn't make a difference if it's a 15 or 16" spare. If the inflated size is close, it'll get you home.

[Randy_L]

Thanks, guys.

Jack - are you saying that because of the difference in collapsible tire sizes mounted on either the 15" or 16" spares, when inflated the 15" unit (wheel and tire together) and the 16" unit end up with essentially the same circumference? If so, are you assuming, or do you know this? Just clarifying.

puddy - maybe. Depends on what Jack says.

[Arne2]

Jack is correct. The 15" spare when inflated is approximately 25" in diameter, which is also the diameter of either the stock 15" or 16" sizes offered on your SC. All SCs and 3.2 Carreras came with 15" spare, regardless of whether they had 15" or 16" regular tires.

[Randy_L]

Thanks, Arne2. I can sleep tonight now.

I won't be needing your spare, puddy, but thanks anyway and good luck selling it.

~r

[puddy]

But Randy, It would look soo good in your frunk! Hah no worries, its here when someone needs her!

[spuggy]

Originally Posted by Jack Stands

As long as the 15" fits over your brake calipers, it shouldn't make a difference if it's a 15 or 16" spare. If the inflated size is close, it'll get you home.

^^This

Don't know if everyone knows this (I'd never thought about it or realized it until I read it in a thread on Pelican) - but you only fit the emergency spare on the front. So if you have a flat on the rear, you're supposed to fit the front wheel on the rear and the spare to the front. Apparently

So the only reason to use a different spare is if the original won't go over the front calipers - e.g. you're running bigger brakes. But a 15" spare (or Fuchs) will go over 930 calipers (just) - so no need for a 16" spare until you go larger than that.

I went to a 16" spare when I fitted 996 brakes. You can use spares from the later cars - don't remember exactly now, but I think 986 & 996 use the same part, there may be a difference for turbo - I forget..

In my case, this shaved about 25 years off the age of my spare tire rubber too

[spuggy]

Originally Posted by puddy

I have a 16" spare if you're interested. It's for a 964.

Actually, it's for a 965 (964 turbo). Pretty sure that's different to accommodate the larger calipers (and a lot rarer). I looked for one of these...

[Jack Stands]

Actually, I don't know how many folks have actually inflated and used their spares. As they have been sitting there for so many years and rubber ages, it's probably best to treat it very gently and don't push it.

Has anyone actually replaced their collapsible spare tire? Mine has been sitting in the car since 1975.

[RedCoupe]

Originally Posted by Jack Stands

Actually, I don't know how many folks have actually inflated and used their spares. As they have been sitting there for so many years and rubber ages, it's probably best to treat it very gently and don't push it.

Has anyone actually replaced their collapsible spare tire? Mine has been sitting in the car since 1975.

Completely agree, Jack. In 11 years of Porsche ownership, I only inflated a collapsible spare once out of curiousity, and I sure didn't drive on it! Wonder if it's possible to still buy new collapsible tires? It would be comforting to know that you could depend on it if you're way out in the country and have a tire problem.

[Bob Kontak]

Originally Posted by RedCoupe

Wonder if it's possible to still buy new collapsible tires? It would be comforting to know that you could depend on it if you're way out in the country and have a tire problem.

Did it shrink back down to original size after blowing it up?

928 362 030 02 is listed in the USA 78-83 PET 911 pdf

It's available as a complete unit.

Pelican Parts - European Automotive Parts and Accessories - Porsche • BMW • Mercedes • Volkswagen • Audi • Saab • Volvo • MINI

Porsche had to have thought of how long that tire may have to sit in that boot. Maybe..........maybe not? (regarding long time durability)

[Arne2]

I inflated mine as a test and to look for signs of age shortly after I bought my Carrera. Inflated fine, no cracks or weather-checking, and collapsed back to original with no drama. It does not appear to have ever been on the car so far, and I won't do so if I can avoid it. But I did want to test it in case of last resort.

[larrym]

interesting!

-mine is just in the trunk for show - b'ot it at Automotion swap about 35 yrs ago

165-15, load range D, Vredestein on a 6" rim

- AAA is for flats

( or as a last resort for a dark rainy night, that can of "tire jack"

[Baz]

Found this older (2015) thread - and am wondering if anyone ever inflates their spare to see if it's any good.

I'm almost afraid to - but also feel it wouldn't hurt to know if it's in good enough condition to be of use if and when the need arises.

Some of these things are 40 years old now!

[Baz]

Another existing thread - this one much older - with useful data:

Collapsible Spare Tire