What size Fuchs
 

In my efforts to restore (and I use that word sparingly) I think that I want to find a set of Fuchs for my 1979 SC. I bought the car about a year ago and haven't done anything cosmetic to it, yet. I like the way the Fuchs look as opposed to what I currently have (I think that they're C2 rims). I know that the 6x15 and 7x15 were the stock wheels, but I've seen many who have put 7x 16 and 8 x 16, or larger, on their 911s. My question is two-fold, would the larger sizes fit without major modifications to the car and are any performance gains I get with the larger tires be worth the additional cost?

7&8x16 was a factory option, no mods.

definite handling improvement and these days it's easier to find tires vs 20 years ago when we were getting REAMED for 16s.

I have 8 and 9's on my SC without any problem.


78 SC

The largest Fuchs you could fit without MAJOR modifications are 951 8x16s in the front and 930 9x16s in the rear. I say major because the 8s in the front will stick out - a little fender rolling and maybe some negative camber is necessary to fit right, esp if your car is lowered. Plan on spending some $$$ to get these, as both the 8s and 9s are in demand - probably in the $1500 plus range.

Most Carreras of the time (not sure about SCs, but probably the same) came with optional 6x16 and 7x16 Fuchs. Not sure what these go for (since my car came with them), but my guess a set could be had relatively cheap - less than $500? Lots of guys have gone to bigger wheels and have a set of these in the garage (like me). These wheels will fit with no mods.

There are definate performance gains IMO - wider rubber = more contact with the road. Better handing and braking. Also one of the easiest mods to make - 20 bolts and your done. I drove my car with 6s and 7s and now with 8s and 9s and there is a definate difference - less sliding of the rear end and I have more confidence on the car during turns.

Just like Charlie said. I have 7's & 8's x 16 on my car (factory option according to the carfax). You could also use 9x16's on the rear but they're harder to find and, generally, much more expensive than 8's. I'm using 225/50's on the front and 245/45's on the rear, but clearance is very dependent on the variations in the cars, at the least you'll be able to fit 205/55 front and 225/50's on the rear. All are easy to find in the popular tire brands and there are some very good 16" tires available at bargain prices. Check out the Kumho 712's (my current choice) or the Yokohama ES100's, both good tires at excellent prices. The choice of performance tires in the 15" size is very limited. I also agree, no wheel looks as good on these cars as the original black or silver star Fuchs.

Good luck,

Jerry M
'78 SC