Space saver tire

[John2244]

Hello,

I would like to buy a new space saver tire to replace what I currently have. I have read they are not available but seems like they should be. If anybody has a source for space-saver tires please let me know.

Thank you, John.

[HarryD]

Why do you need a replacement tire?

[TwoBluPorsches]

The only choices are to buy a used one or get one from a dealer, already mounted on a wheel.

There are a few sizes.
Most older cars would use the 928 steel wheel with 165 - 15 veredstein space saver inflatable.
The part number starts 928…it supersedes all other older part numbers.
There is an aluminum, painted red, 16 inch option that has 165/60-16 tire. They came in the 996 and maybe some boxster.
It will fit over 996TT brakes and other larger brakes. It’s the replacement for the spare that goes with 944 turbo and 964 and 993 that have brakes too big for the 15 inch wheel. It has roughly the same inflated diameter as the older tire.


I don’t recall the part numbers but I can look them up it you want to check with a dealer.
Last time I looked they are about $450 to $550. Nobody has been able to tell me if a dealer sourced wheel and tire has a recent date code.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[John2244]

Harry, my interest is to replace a tire that is over 40 years old. I have seen a couple of pictures of older space saver tires failing after 20 to 30 miles. When On a trip and 50 miles or more from the nearest help having a usable spare
Is a comfort to an old man.

TwoBlu, thank you for the detailed information.

John

[HarryD]

I see the point. However, it seems tires are more resistant to road failures than in my youth.

In the worst case, if the old spare failed prematurely, at least I am closer to the destination.

[David Inc.]

Plug repair kit and a AAA subscription might be the better option.

Edit: When I looked into it before these space saver tires are factory mounted on the special wheel and can't be replaced except for the whole wheel / tire combo. A steel wheel and a tall skinny tire would be much cheaper and still fit in the trunk, but that sucks for space.

[Cairo94507]

Not sure of the size you seek, but I sourced my space saver tire from Harvey Weidman in Oroville, CA. Weidman's Wheels. Harvey is a great guy and die-hard Porsche fan to the bone.

[berndtj]

I'm thinking of just removing the spare and carrying a can of fix-a-flat. Not perfect, but also not going to trust the 40 year old spare, and doesn't seem like replacing is really viable either.

[John2244]

David, plug repair kit is a good idea.
I have auto club and a can of fix-a-flat.
I had a tire side wall rip after hitting a small piece of angle iron and changing the tire was the only solution.

[EC900]

Previous discussions on this in earlier threads, but every replacement SpaceSaver (SS) is based on the rim it mounts to. I’ve seen SS tires on TireRack, Coker and other outlets. OEM from Goodrich and Vredstein NLA. Mine SS is on a 15”x5.5J - KPZ rim (the “J” indicates tubeless) which I’ve read are the same wheel as a standard Porsche “Steelie”. The problem with the Porsche SS and using a generic replacement is the size tire which collapses down to in order to fit in the gas tank opening. This becomes a trial and error fitment trying find a tire size filled with air or not, and will still fit into the tank area like a conventional SS. In the 15-16” size range group this becomes hard to find. Think the diameter can’t exceed 21 inches.
I’m not certain that the tire bead on a Porsche SS tire may be different than any other rim, but conventional SS on every other vehicle are all filled with air, the P-SS tire is an engineered design made to increase gas tank capacity. Forgo the added gas capacity and backdate to smaller tank is an expensive endeavor.
As for tire plugs…I’ve had success but still need luck to find a small hole and object, so add a flashlight, nippers, compressor and a bottle of water to the repair kit. Water is needed to find air bubbles and check the new plug is air tight.

[GH85Carrera]

I have driven my 911 to 41 states and Canada. Long road trips have me often think about the space saver tire.

Assuming you get a flat, the owner's manual states if the flat is in the rear, you are supposed to take the front tire off, mount it on the rear, then put the space saver on the front. Then you have the large rear tire, covered in road grime and brake dust, that is never going to fit in the spare tire spot. What do you do with it?

I do carry two large "drum liner" trash bags to hopefully keep the dirt off the interior of the trunk. On a road trip, the luggage is likely filling the car, so I have no idea what to do with the flat.

I do carry fix a flat, and tire plugs and an air compressor, a set of Tyveck painter overalls, and several pair of gloves, head mounted flash lights, and multiple lights.

[John2244]

Thanks for the replies and comments.
I did buy a used space saver wheel and tire. It’s about six years newer than what I currently have. I’ll continue to look for a NEW tire and if/when I find one I will reply here.

[TwoBluPorsches]

Hi John,
If you're looking for new, my research says that the easiest and likely only option for stock type spare is to buy one from the dealer.
I've got another option for you explained below.
But first, here's the part number I was thinking about when I made my earlier post.
928.362.030.02
If you search dealer sites, you can find them discounted but they are at least $420 last time I checked.
It might be worth ordering one from your local dealer and, before taking delivery, check the date code to verify that the tire is actually recently produced.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/92836203002.htm?pn=928-362-030-02-OEM
I suspect that the picture is wrong and it is actually a steel wheel.

If you want a tire that is only about 20 years old, you could buy a 16 inch 996/986 spare. They barely fit but I've checked and my 2001 space master spare fits in the spare space of my 1976.

In the early 2000's the 996 and 986 came with collapsed spare (165/70-16)
OR a 105/95-17 donut spare.

The donut spare won't fit the space in a G body car but it will go in the frunk and takes up minimal space. My use of the car doesn't require that I have maximum luggage space so it seems like a good option for me.

That leads to the other option for a NEW spare tire.
If you want a new tire that is easily replaced and cost is less than the tire and wheel from the dealer I would recommend a used boxster 3.5x17 rim and new spare from tirerack or your local tire store.

Local tire stores can swap the donut spares.

If you have a donut spare in the frunk you would be better off compared to the fix-a-flat.

Definitely carry some trash bags or tire cover for the tire you pull off the car.

my recent experience when I got a flat was that the rear wheel of a 996TT won't fit anywhere other than the front passenger seat. You'll have more options with the 1977 but it would be nice to cover it up if it's going into the passenger compartment.

Because of that recent experience in my 2001 and the fact that I had to use that space master made me realize that I want a good option for my '76. I'm looking for a boxster wheel to try out to see how much space it actually takes up in the trunk and if it will fit well in the space above the fuel tank where the old spare goes.

[John2244]

TwoBlu,
Thank you very much for the information.

Regards, John.

[grb008]

The original tool kit came with a bag so you can put the tire in the bag and on the back seat hoping no small humans were sitting in them, or a targa top because nobody ever folds them.

[John2244]

Instead of using a collapsible spare has anyone tried using a 155 or 165R15 as their spare ??
Overall diameter seems to be about 22.3 inches for the 155 size.
I would like to use one of two 15 inch wheels I have available.

[PeteKz]

I have a 1973 911, so I already have a real spare tire. But if I wanted to put a bigger gas tank in it, or lose some weight off the front of the car, I'd go with what David suggested and carry a plug kit, or a can of tire sealant. FYI, several car manufacturers equipped certain models with a 12-volt air pump and a type of tire sealer, such as my Ford GT, since they don't have room for a spare tire. Tire plugs can last for years. BTDT.

[John2244]

The newer collapsible spare tire I purchased failed after testing. I decided to go with the recommendation of buying a donut style tire. I Purchased a 155/60 R 15 and had it mounted on a spare wheel. The wheel is dated 1984 and ET is 42 versus 36 on my Fuchs. I did a trial fit and it fits fine over my brake calipers. If on a trip and I need to carry my Targa top in the trunk the spare tire will fit behind the front seats. Tire diameter is about 22 1/2 inches.

[donporfi]

The picture of the space saver tire 928.362.030.02 is correct, the wheel is aluminum.
Aluminum wheels for spare tires were used in some earlier Porsche models.
Most of the modern Porsches use aluminum wheels for the spare tire.

[Cyberbug007]

So that part number for the 928 15" space saver is still valid.

But 996-362-150-00 is no longer valid.

Any new part number for a 16" inflatable spare?

If I were to buy new right now and not 20year old rubber