15 vs. 16 rim question

[dorschman]

I am looking at having my 7j15 and 8j15 rims refinished. I would like to know if you guys think it would be advantageous to trade them for refinished 16" rims. I believe that there are not as many tires available for 15" rims. They are black fuchs that were stock on my car as far as I know. Some rim rash (previous owner) and the black center is faded slightly.

Would this be a good idea? What would be the likely effect on ride and would I need to modify the car? Just trying to gather a little information as I think about it.

thanks

erik dorsch

[Bill Verburg]

There are pluses and minuses too each choice, For Fuchs w/ a performance orientation, w/o too much mounting trouble 7 & 9 x16 are best, 7 & 8 x16 are a fairly close second

[masraum]

16" wheels have lots of tires available. 15" wheels still have several good tires available. 15" wheels should be lighter which means better handling. To put 16" wheels on your car you won't have to do anything other than bolt them on. They were an option on the 911 for many years including yours.

[dorschman]

Do any of you guys think there eventually will be a severely limited 15 inch wheel tire selection?

The car is street driven only at this point. Maybe some day a little driver education work but probably never any serious track use.

I am looking at purchasing refinished rims from Wheel Collision Center in PA and just trading in mine. Kind of like an exchange- refinished for refinished. I have several personal refernces for these guys and am comfortable with the trade.

I figure if there ever was a time to consider a change or upgrade now would be good.

I am perfectly happy with the current rims but am willing to consider a change if it makes sense for me with my use and style of driving (spirited street at best, daily driver if it is not raining).

The prices are as follows for refinished rims with trading mine in-

all black fuchs anodized and all per wheel.
7 and 8 x15- 325.00
7x16- 325.00, 8x16- 425.00
9x16-525.00

thanks for the opinions and advice.

[Paulporsche]

Just my opinion, but I recently switched from 15x6s to 16x7s because I felt the tire selection was limited, and would become even more so. I haven't regretted it at all. I prefer the deeper dished look of the 16s and I like the feel of the lower profiled tires (Fuzion 205/50/16s).

[Racerbvd]

Well, if you switch to 7X16s up front, most likely you will need to roll your front fender lips, that is the only draw back. One other thing to consider, you are running a 60 series tire (if using the stock sizes) and if you have rough roads, you will notice a much harsher ride. I kept my 15s, for trips, bad weather, ect, and 16s for the rest of the time

[911pcars]

"Well, if you switch to 7X16s up front, most likely you will need to roll your front fender lips, that is the only draw back."

That depends on the final front end ride height. If the front end isn't lowered too much, it should be okay, but YMMV. Trimming the fender lips for add'l clearance (only in a few spots) isn't a big deal.

Sherwood

[jhladousa]

I switched to 16x7 Fuchs on my 75 911 and lowered it. I have no rubbing problems at all on my narrow body car. Tires are 205/55 all around.

I switched for a couple reasons - one was tire selection (much better in 16 inch size) and two I too really liked the look of the deeper 16s and I feel they fill out the wheel better.

Another advantage of running the same size all around is you can rotate tires.

Personally, I would keep your originals. You can always put the car back to original spec if you wanted that way.

[Racerbvd]

Originally posted by jhladousa
I switched to 16x7 Fuchs on my 75 911 and lowered it. I have no rubbing problems at all on my narrow body car. Tires are 205/55 all around.

I switched for a couple reasons - one was tire selection (much better in 16 inch size) and two I too really liked the look of the deeper 16s and I feel they fill out the wheel better.

Another advantage of running the same size all around is you can rotate tires.

Personally, I would keep your originals. You can always put the car back to original spec if you wanted that way.

When I switched to 7&9s on my 78 SC, any time I hit a big bump, SCRUB!!! Then when I switched to 7&9s on my 83 SC cab, any time I hit a big bump, SCRUB, again!!! I know it doesn't always happen, but it has been my findings (between myself, PCA events, teck, ect and other friends) that most of the time the fender lips need to be rolled, not that it is a big deal.

[dorschman]

Sorry but what do you guys mean by rolling the fenders? Is this a cosmetic issue or does it involve some kind of grinding or part removal?

[Dan in Pasadena]

I think if I had an SC or a Carrera I would use 16's too, although I have never liked the look of the flat "band" around 16x6's. I'd say if you're going there (16's) and can afford it go to 8's & 9's if you can find them or 7's & 8's minimum.

On my Mid year car, it had 16x6's and 7's when I bought it. I took it back to Al Reed-restored 15x6's because I prefer the earlier look they impart. But then again, I have bright window trim and I mini-backdated it to '74 bumperettes, metal grill and stainless rectangular mirrors - none of that applies to your Carrera. I think your car would look best with deep 16's.

[c911s]

sorry for the hijack of the tread........but
does anyone know if I can use a 15x8 on a 73 911?
I tried with a 16 rim but tires would not fit the wheel well;
other info on site suggests max tire width is 205/55 or /60

[Dan in Pasadena]

I'm using 205/60x15 on my narrow body mid year car ('76) and I very much doubt an 8 would fit under there. Possibly a 951 8 but those are 16's.