Wheel questions

[bsaffin]

I have original 15x7 and 15x8 Fuch on my '88 Carerra. It's a Signature Edition, so the wheels are colour matched to the car. I'm looking at some 16x6 and 16x7 black Fuch which I think are off an SC. Questions I have include: Will I get much improvement in handling going from a 15 to 16 inch rim? Is there any concern with putting an SC wheel on the later car? Do I need to keep the original 15's (i.e. in storage) to maintain the cars integrity for future sale?

...Bruce

Will I get much improvement in handling going from a 15 to 16 inch rim?

If you put lower aspect ratio tires on the 16's than were on the 15's, you should get less sidewall flex and therefore better handling.

Is there any concern with putting an SC wheel on the later car?

SC wheels will make your car faster and make women find you more attractive. 16's came on Carrera's as well as SC's so it's not an SC only thing.

Do I need to keep the original 15's (i.e. in storage) to maintain the cars integrity for future sale?

Some buyers want original, some don't give a rat's arse. Any "special edition" car, I'd probably keep all the original parts.

[jess p]

In going from a 15 inch dia to a 16 in diameter wheel you will
sacrifice low down torque for high speed stability.








76 911S
66 912 V8
68 912 2.2 with nitrous
70 914 project car

[Jeff Alton]

You will not suffer a loss a "low down torque" if you keep the overall tire diameter the same.

[KTL]

If you're going to move up to 16's, i'd suggest spending the extra $ to get 16x7 and 16x8 (or 9). But, if you're on a tight budget? A pretty nice set of 16x6,7 is the way to go and can be had for about $400-500

The 16x6 on the front with a 205/55 (you could also use a 205/50) gives the car a good bit of low speed understeer/push, which is kinda frustrating sometimes (with factory alignment specs.). Plus, a 205 section width tire is better utilized on a 7 in. rim. Also (this is just my opinion), I think the 16x6 (and coincidentally the 944T 16x7 Fuchs) is kinda unattractive compared to a 911 16x7 Fuchs because the 16x6 has such a flat face to it.

A set of 16x7/16x8,9 looks and performs a bit better on your 88 than do the 16x6, 16x7. Wider is better!

Do a search on the board and you'll see a large number of topics will come up about 16 in. Fuchs fitments. 8's and 9's will fit in the rear with NO modifications (spacers, alignment, fender lip rolling/shaving) needed. 16x7's will fit in the front with 205's no problem (maybe an alignment would be needed if you're out of spec). 225's on the 16x7 (or 944T 16x8 Fuchs) in the front will, more often than not, need more work like fender lip rolling or more neg. camber settings to keep them from rubbing.

Hope that helps. Do a search and you'll be bombarded with topics that cover this discussion!

edit.......... I'd certainly keep those 15's for future sale of the car. Some put a large amount of stock in originality and those 15's are a big part of keeping your signature car's original appearance. Plus, I don't think you'd get a lot of $ for them if you sold them. Seems like nowadays not too many people are willing to pay a decent price for a set of 15's. Most want 'em dirt cheap. Plus, high performance 15 in. tires are becoming kinda scarce. And even if they're really nice? They're not black-centered. That alone reduces the # of potential buyers by a large amount.

[DanS911]

I would for sure keep the 15's Then you can put them back on when you sell it as origional and KEEP the 16's for your next car........get the 16x 7 and 16x8 if you can

[bsaffin]

Originally posted by Mark Wilson
SC wheels will make your car faster and make women find you more attractive

My wife will be very pleased to know this

Originally posted by Mark Wilson
16's came on Carrera's as well as SC's so it's not an SC only thing.

Mark, I realize 16's came on Carrera's, but I remember seeing in another thread that they are different part numbers, and some speculation about the later wheels being heavier-duty. Just wondered if there was anything to this.

KTL - Budget is definitely a concern. I know 7's & 8's or 9's would be better, but I'm thinking I can do this one step at a time - go to 16's now, then wider later. I'm really trying to decide if there's a big enough win in performance going from 15's to 16's. And if I'll be losing anything by going a bit narrower in the short term (I pretty certain I won't lose anything as there aren't a lot of options for 15 inch tires).

Everyone seems to agree on keeping the 15's for posterity. Oh well, I guess I didn't need that corner of the garage anyway.

Thanks for the feedback...Bruce

[singpilot]

As far as sexiness and suitability, you'd be better off getting an SC and putting the 16's on it.....

Tongue in cheek, of course.

[banjomike]

I noticed that the 16s that you are talking about are 1 inch narrower each. If you are upgrading for performance you might want to find some 16x7s and 16x8s. Do some searches, and you'll find lots of discussion about what wheels/tires fit which flare size.

I'd keep the color keyed wheels with the car, especially since 15" wheels with odd colors don't have really high reasale.

just my $0.02.

MsB