Is it OK to run 9" fuchs with 6's up front?

jbripps · jbripps's Garage

Hi all,

I just ordered brand new NOS 9 x 16" fuchs for the rears. Anyhow, I was going to send Al Reed my 7's when the 9's come in. Is it OK to drive the car with 9's on the rear and 6's up front until my 7's come back? I mean, I know per se it's OK, but are there any safety issues? I will be putting the 7's up front when they come back from Al.

Also, once I get new rubber all around, will I need an alignment once the bigger wheels are on?

regards and thanks,

Ho Hum 74 · Ho Hum 74's Garage

Understeer is in your future...I think you're fine.

Tristan

no substitute · 05-10-2004, 07:06 PM

I do this whenever I take the fronts in for new tire mounting (I don't trust the tire mounters to lift the 911 without damaging it). Never had a problem.

Victor · 05-10-2004, 07:10 PM

I have been running my stock 3.2 on the road/track with 8 and 6 configuration for years and have only gone spearing off straight ahead once. But there was native flora and fauna involved.

adamred · adamred's Garage

Jon is NOS a company, where did you order the 9's from?

Adam

SC-targa · 05-11-2004, 08:49 AM

NOS is New Old Stock

Wil Ferch · 05-11-2004, 09:00 AM

Noah....
Sorry but you're wrong.
7" for front will create a wider front track ( compared to 6")...that alone will promote less understeer...let alone the fact that the sidewalls will place the tread more squarely on the ground than would 6"...again, tendency for less understeer.

---Wil Ferch

jbripps · jbripps's Garage

Adam,

I ordered them from Wheel Enhancement in California. They are selling them brand new in the box for $675 each. After searching and not being able to find a perfect set for much less (they go for the same price used!), I decided to buy the new ones. Porsche sells them for approx. $1000 each. They still have around 20 wheels left according to them.

Yes, NOS is New Old Stock. I have been advised that the wheels are only a few years old, but obviously if they've never been used, it's perfect for me. Too bad I didn't buy them when WE was selling them for $650. FYI, they have 8's for the same price.

regards,

Lukesportsman · 05-11-2004, 09:49 AM

Considering Porsche has ran 5's, 6's, 7', 6&8, 7&9, etc. I think we can say that many options will obviously work. They all will change the characteristics of the car to some more/lesser effects. Just like any other change, you'll need to learn the limits each progression. Safety is subjective and tire choices may be the most critical along with sway bar tuning.

Then again if for the street....under is better than snap oversteer anyday in my opinion. So, get out there and enjoy and stop worrying.

adamred · adamred's Garage

Thanks for the info Jon!

Still have to put together another Palisades run....

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

Noah, I gotta agree w/ Will. A 1" change in rim w/ no other changes makes a a big change in the tire carcass which in turn makes a perceptible change in handling.

Wil Ferch · 05-13-2004, 05:58 AM

Noah and Bill...allow me to moderate.....

Noah... your counter-point is well taken...we're only disagreeing on matter of degree. But in terms of tendency-toward-change, my statement is still correct, that 7" fronts will "move" toward less understeer. Small amount perhaps...true.

As follow up to Bill's agreement with me, allow me to add my empirical data. For DE's , my 85 Carrera with stock LSD showed too much tendency for low speed, power "on " understeer. I added a pair of 7" Fuchs on the front ( stock 205's)...and kept the stock 7" rears ( 225's), and I notice a definite change with less understeer. Does it oversteer?... no...not at the areas that were a problem....but the overall balance was improved.

---Wil