Fuchs - a couple of questions please

BradD · 08-10-2006, 10:40 AM

Hi Folks

I'm about to purchase some "replica" fuchs for my Stock 76 911 S. I am currently running 15" Cookie Cutter Mags and I'm looking at 15X8 Fuchs. Will these fit under the fenders of my stock 911 S?

Secondly, should I be concerned with replica Fuchs; are there any gottcha's with these wheels?

Thanks for your help!

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Brad,
I tried 15 x 8 Fuchs on my stock '74 and the rears would rub if the kids were sitting in the rear seat. If it was just me and my wife, they wouldn't rub at all. I switched to 15 x 6 on the front with 15 x 7 on the rear and have had no problems... I would recommend that you avoid the "replica Fuchs" and try to get a real set, they're worth it!

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

8x15 w/ the normal +10.6mm o/s won't fit a narrow car.

7x15 w/the normal +23.3 mm o/s can be used front or rear. In the back it can get tight but depends on the tire and supension setup.

I would try to keep the width at 215 or less and the total height at ~24.75" or less

BradD · 08-10-2006, 11:10 AM

Hi Gents

Thanks for the quick reply. I guess this means that I won't be going for the 8's based upon your sage advice.

Just wondering Art about your reply that I avoid replica's " real ones are worth it"? How can you tell the difference- is it in the ride or the appearance?

Bill Verburg · Bill Verburg's Garage

Strength and appearance

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

Brad,
I had replica Fuchs on my '74 when I ought it 4 years ago. When I saw real Fuchs "up close", I saw the difference. My replicas were poorly made (stamped) and I bought a set of Fuchs from a fellow Pelican and sent them to Al Reed in Anaheim, CA for refinishing. The "real" Fuchs are well made and worth the extra cost. In my opinion, my replicas were poorly made and could have caused me serious problems! Maybe there are some good replicas out there, but I would stick with the real forged goodness!!

stormmaster · stormmaster's Garage

real fuchs are forged....replica fuchs are cast.....real fuchs are light.....replica fuchs are far from light.....unsprung weight makes a HUGE difference on older porshes.....they simply don't have the horsepower like the new breed have to overcome the handling differences caused by heavier wheels....there are used Fuchs all over the place to be had for prices close to what replicas cost....you can polish them yourself or send them off to have it done and they will look like new....dont waste your money on replica wheels.....

jhladousa · 08-10-2006, 12:24 PM

I'll echo what others have said - get the real deal and stay away from the replicas.

Check out Jason Cullen - he's on this board. He specializes in porsche wheels and can get you just about anything you want with any finish you desire. I bought a set of 16x7 Fuchs for my 75 911s and they are fantastic. Good guy to deal with and very good pricing!

I run 205/50/16 Pirelli's with the car lowered and have no rubbing problems at all.

Dan in Pasadena · Dan in Pasadena's Garage

Brad,
What everyone is telling you is correct. 15x8's are too big, yeah you'll get those that tell you with negative camber, etc, etc. Use 15x7's max with a 215 tire or even a 205. I am running 15x6's on my 76S with 205/60x 15 tires. No rubbing and original appearence - which I like with narrow bodied cars, YMMV.

I have posted this before but to give you an idea of the condition of used Fuchs you can consider, look at this picture of one of mine before and after sending to Al Reed. Big gouges in the before picture, Al said he would try but don't count on them being perfect. They're perfect, at least to me!

Don't be afraid to post a "WTB 15x6 Fuchs" ad....or 15x7's, but they will definitely run more, probably a lot more. Good luck.

P.S. Don't buy replicas no matter who chimes in and tells you, "for street..." or "I've run them for years...". They're heavy and don't look like real ones.

Before:

After: