Sorry, another wheel question-will these fit?

I have a chance to pick up some BBS wheels that are 15X7 and 15X8 for my 1974 911 coupe. Will these fit without having to modify the fenders? The car is stock with ATS cookie cutters and has 205/50/15 all the way around.Also, what are the widest and lowest profile tires that would fit these rims? Would 215/40/15's fit the rear?

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Shakenbake

The people at tire rack have loads of information on your vehicle in their system. As long as you sound like a "perspective buyer", they are more then happy to advise for tire sizes since they also sell aftermarket wheels. You can usually tell immediately if the person knows his stuff, if he doesn't call again and try someone else. There number is in every major auto mag or one the web...tirerack.com. Michael

Going with 215's is pretty conservative since it is only a 10mm increase in width. You can gauge by looking with what is on originally and estimating the clearance. My stocks were 205 and 225 on a 89 911. I went up to 225 and 255 with 8 and 9" wheels. I know this cars flares are bigger that yours. As any disclaimer will say "these are for estimating purposes only, fitments vary with every car and its individual application..." That sounded sort of professional, no? Michael

Beware, if you go to 215/40/15's you will lower the rear end of your car by approximately 0.7".
According to my calculations the outside diameter of a 205/50/15 is 23.1" (15"+(2x205mm x50/100x1"/25.4mm)). The outside diameter of a 215/40/15 is 21.8" (15"+(2x215mm x40/100x1"/25.4mm)) the difference in height of the two tires is 1.3" or half of that at the centre of the wheel (approx 0.7")

P.S. Also your speedometer will read approximately 6% high.

Chris,

If the wheels are available to you for inspection, go and measure the backspacing of the wheels yourself. Or, ask seller to make the backspace measurement! Then compare the numbers from your own wheels, and try to guess-timate the clearance on both sides at the front ... it WILL be different for both sides! The rear is probably not QUITE as critical ... as the fenders can be 'rolled out' if necessary!

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Warren Hall
1973 911S Targa

Well, I bought the wheels...guess what,my 1st over enthusiastic mistake, the 8" for the rear will not work without flares (which I do not want to do). Rolling the fenders is not an option (the tires come out 2" past the fender. So I have a pair of BBS gold 15X8" wheels with tires for sale or trade for a pair of 15X7"BBS gold wheels that will fit.

Chris

Chris:

I'm just a little curious as to why you bought the wheels when most every post here counseled you to check before you bought?

I had thought that this WebSite's purpose is to help us AVOID these kinds of mistakes, which now will cost you money and aggrevation in trying to get rid of something you should never have bought.

Just curious ......Andras

gezz...