Wheel-tire question -- 7x16 Fuchs vs. 8x16 Fuchs

FastCarFan · FastCarFan's Garage

I am considering an upgrade from 7x16 to 8x16 rear Fuchs wheels for my 88 Carrera. I have relatively new 225-50-WR16s (Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3) on the rear & I do not want to buy new tires until they wear out.

My question is, will the 225s fill out the rear fenders more on 8s than they do on 7s? And if so, how much more? Will they bring the tire a full 1" closer to the fender?

Any photos of 225s on 8" Fuchs wheels on a Carrera or SC (from the rear) would be appreciated.

I think I know the answer to my 2nd question...I assume I cannot put 7" Fuchs on the front with 205s without rolling the fender (which I do not want to do). The front is has been lowered slightly -- I hope to lower both the front & the rear in the future. Please let me know if this is incorrect.

As always, thanks for your help.

Geronimo '74 · 03-26-2007, 01:45 PM

If you are not using spacers or adapters now, 8's will fill out the rear fenders more. A big improvement visually. (ask me how I know... :-))

7's in front with 205s will be no problem, no rolling needed. (again, ask me how I know... :-))

Pics not handy, but plenty to be found here, (searchbutton will be a great help)

Did the upgrade recently myself, that's how I know...

grtz

Super_Dave_D · Super_Dave_D's Garage

I went from 6-7 to 7-8 on my Guards 88 - I noticed a nice difference. Here how mine looks.

cbeers · 03-26-2007, 03:18 PM

You MIGHT have issues up front even with just 205s, each car is different. 8s in the rear are generally trouble free.

My car need some rolling of the bumper extension more than the fender lip, so again, each car is different.

I'll post some shots following.....

-Chris

cbeers · 03-26-2007, 03:21 PM

Front shots (A little dirty just after a suspension rebuild)

16/7s with 205-55 Kumho MXs (keep in mind that tires can vary in sizes as well, depending on manufacturer)

-Chris

cbeers · 03-26-2007, 03:24 PM

Rears, same brand etc. 225-50:

Thought you might want to see how they look in use

-Chris

jorian · 03-26-2007, 03:41 PM

7's & 8's with 205's & 225's no spacers

FastCarFan · FastCarFan's Garage

Thanks everyone. I am aware of the "search" feature, but I have also read "Fuchs posts" for quite awhile & I don't remember seeing my specific question. Plus it seems most people put 245s on the rear.

I am pleased with the rear photos already posted -- keep them coming! One of the reasons I think I am going to go with 8s (other than $) is to keep my options open down the road -- I can go with 225s or 245s, but I am not committed to 245s, as I would be with 9s. I understand fewer tire manufacturers are making 245s.

I have read how some cars can take 7s with 205s in the front, & others can't (without fender mods). My question now is how I can find out if my car can, without actually mounting my 205s on my old rear 7s to see if they fit. I could "borrow" a couple of wheels/tires from a friend, but without the same tire brand it would not be a definitive answer.

I will talk to my mechanic to see what he suggests. If I can, I would prefer to put 7s on the front.

jorian · 03-26-2007, 04:21 PM

"I have read how some cars can take 7s with 205s in the front, & others can't (without fender mods)........."

This will depend mainly on your ride height. Post a pic of your current set up. My car is very low and currently sits on wide Yoko R compounds. My fenders are rolled and I have no issues. It is easy to adjust your front ride height if you are rubbing.

FastCarFan · FastCarFan's Garage

Here is a shot of my car. As I said, it is lowered slightly in the front only (unless the PO lowered the rear & I am not aware of it).

I want to lower the rear, & maybe the front a bit more, at some point (probably when I replace shocks). Not crazy low, just lower.

jorian · 03-26-2007, 04:47 PM

Your current set up will handle a 7 up front no problem. The rear ride height looks stock with the front being a little lower than stock.

oregonmon · oregonmon's Garage

79 911 SC - 7+8's and previous owner said it has been lowered. I think this stance and wheel/tire combo looks pretty good. Sorry I just got the car!

PS So the body style really hasn't changed between the 78 and 88?

jorian · 03-26-2007, 05:32 PM

Same body style (save for front valence and other very minor things) from 78 - 89. 74 - 77 is also very similar other than narrower rear fender flares - hence the name 'narrow-bodied' cars.

NE Ohio 911 · 03-26-2007, 05:41 PM

Hey Doug, slam that beast! You will be glad you did. A little negative camber and you will be in business.

I stopped by Steinel's today and ran in to Eric. He said I should be OK with my rear wheels which are at 24 1/4. My front end is going to have to come down because of the 50 series tires. Good thing my driveway is flat.

Geronimo '74 · 03-27-2007, 02:50 AM

245s will bulge a bit more than 225s.
I had 225s on my 7s on the rear (with adapters) and they looked nice with no rubbing but I prefer the look it has now (8s on the rear with 225s without spacers)
My 7s are now on the front with 205s, no spacers, no rubbing

here are some pics

Cellphone pics so quality is not great.

hope this helps

And yes I know, my car needs a washing... :-)

Tut · 03-27-2007, 04:06 AM

Doug,

I just did what you're contemplating. After contacting all of the national advertisers the best price I found on new 8s was at Hennessey Porsche, near Atlanta. It was painless. They ship wherever. I dealt with Kenn Young. Tell him I sent you.

FastCarFan · FastCarFan's Garage

Thanks Tut. I will check them out. Waiting for my tax refund before I pull the trigger.

Dave Nordhoff · 03-27-2007, 06:09 PM

I have 7 x 16's with 205/55/16 RA1's and I had to cut my fender lips on both sides. My SC is pretty low and has a little over 1.5 neg. camber.
Dave

DARISC · 03-27-2007, 06:31 PM

205/55 & 245/45 on my RoW, lowered a tad more yet, neg. 1 deg. camber.

Had to roll the front arches but probably wouldn't have had to if it was RoW height.

Bilstein sports, if that makes any difference. To my eye, the wheel wells are nicely filled out (no spacers).

billroth · billroth's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Tut
Doug,

I just did what you're contemplating. After contacting all of the national advertisers the best price I found on new 8s was at Hennessey Porsche, near Atlanta. It was painless. They ship wherever. I dealt with Kenn Young. Tell him I sent you.

Can you say what kind of $$ you got them for?

Could you PM me?

Lawrence