Narrowing an swb 912 for a good drop?

[la2mtl]

I've noticed that several Ghia owners that have mounted low profile's on their fuchs have narrowed something or other. Should I be looking 16 x 6/7's if I narrowing is an option for me instead of being stuck on fat fifteen's? 16's would allow for a virtually unlimited tire choice and appearance-wise have a dramatic look with a significant drop.

Is this even possible? Could anyone shed some light? I am looking to drop my 912 and pull it off with style.

Thanks!

[HarryD]

Hi,

Welcome to our BBS.

Ride height is an interesting topic. I guess we need to know how low do you want to go and still have a streetable car. With my 15x6 cookies, my shop can slam my car to the ground with 205/55's but I will need to find glass smooth streets to drive since I will have virutally no ground clearance.

[Trackrash]

What year 912 is it? A 69 may take a wider wheel than the older ones.
A Ghia will need spacers to use Fuchs, since the VW wheels have less backspacing.
A friend has a 68 911 and is running 16 x 6 fuchs all around. 7s may be a problem fitting.
For looks the 14" fuchs are the best, IMO, or the 15x6s would be the way to go.
There are lots of threads on lowering 911s. Much lower than 25" when measured from the top of the wheel opening to the ground and you will have problems.

[tcar]

Originally Posted by Trackrash

What year 912 is it? A 69 may take a wider wheel than the older ones.

In the title he says it's a SWB. (Easy to miss).

'68 or older.

[Oh Haha]

Tire sizing...

Here's another thread with some other info about his plans.

[la2mtl]

The 912 is a 67 - short wheel base. I've been dreaming, sketching, browsing, reading, seems like years, oh wait, it has been a few years, of planning this and now that I have decided to do it and buy some hardware I'm running into more questions.

I haven't thought about the 14's, Trackrash, but thanks to you I will spend another few hours online

I was this close to buying 5.5 x 15's and was obviously stuck on tire sizing. Now, 16's (x6) seem nice...

HarryD - what needs to be done suspension-wise to really drop an swb? I'm ready to pick up some parts and start operating, but if there are a few key items to get and to stay away from I'd appreciate any insight. I will ultimately ride the car both city and highway, so 'slamming' it down won't be the goal. Edgy... noticeable, yet appropriate is what I'm going for...

Thanks guys!

[la2mtl]

This is the look I am going for... If I'm not mistaken, those are 15's...

[Butzip]

here's mine with 5.5x14s 205/55 V710s


Now with 6x15s 205/50 V710s



I'm at 25in in the rear and 25.5 in the front. Easy to drop, do new bushings,
t-bars at the same time obviously.

[Butzip]

Think the ideal look is 7x15's with 205/50s...... that's my next mission. here you can see them mounted on my car in the background..... damn they look sweet!! I also love the 4.5" steel wheels..... I'm just crazy about my 912

[JerryL]

Welcome, I am running 205-55 16's on 16 x6, on my 66 912 coupe, nice ride height, had to roll the rears a bit to keep from running the fender lip. running a spacer in the front (10 mm from memory) to keep the tires off the inner wheel well, (use longer studs)
Nicley sorted ride, F & R sways, in the trunk adjustble Koni's front std rear, drilled rotors, lots of fun, many upgrades.

Have you found your way over to the 912 board, great info here at P.Parts but you can get a bit more of the specific 912 info there when needed, the 616 motor ect.
912 Board

Regards

[Trackrash]

A ton more pictures here. Show me your narrow bodied early hot rod!
The SWB cars are sure pretty.

[HarryD]

Originally Posted by la2mtl

The 912 is a 67 - short wheel base. I've been dreaming, sketching, browsing, reading, seems like years, oh wait, it has been a few years, of planning this and now that I have decided to do it and buy some hardware I'm running into more questions.

I haven't thought about the 14's, Trackrash, but thanks to you I will spend another few hours online

I was this close to buying 5.5 x 15's and was obviously stuck on tire sizing. Now, 16's (x6) seem nice...

HarryD - what needs to be done suspension-wise to really drop an swb? I'm ready to pick up some parts and start operating, but if there are a few key items to get and to stay away from I'd appreciate any insight. I will ultimately ride the car both city and highway, so 'slamming' it down won't be the goal. Edgy... noticeable, yet appropriate is what I'm going for...

Thanks guys!

Our Cars have a Torsion Bar suspension which makes adjusting the ride height straightforward, you just re-index the torsion bars. You should pick up Wayne's "101 Projects for your Porsche". Lowering your car is one project and he lays it out, step by step.

After you lower your car, you will (most likely), need a bump steer kit to correct some steering geometry issues. Unless you have the skills/tools, you will need to bring your car to a shop to get the car aligned and corner balanced. If you are going low, I would use a shop that specializes in setting up Porshes for the track. They have the tools/skills you need to do this right.

My car is lowered. Here is my early 911 (no flairs) with 6x15 cookies and 205/55-15 tires.



Here is the same car with 16x6 Fuchs and 205/55-16 tires:

[fbarrett]

1965 912, lowered, 22 and 27-mm torsion bars, stock fenders (not rolled), 15x7 factory alloys, spacers at rear, 205/50VR15s, no rubbing.



Frank

[la2mtl]

So, I'm going to look into picking up new front & rear torsion bars, polybronze bushings, and a 930 turbo tie rod replacement? That doesn't sound too bad... (AND "101 Projects for you Porsche")

What about achieving some extra negative camber at the rear? 2-degrees or so?

[Oh Haha]

What is your general knowledge of automobiles?

Do you have any experience with this type of suspension? The Porsche make at all?


This is probably not a job for a novice to cars.

Don't take that the wrong way, please. I don't know you from King Tut.

I would just hate to see you get in over your head. Not only is that time consuming and frustrating, it can become expensive very fast.

BTW-I admire your attitude and positive approach to what sounds like a dream you have had for some time.

[la2mtl]

To be honest, I've always loved 911's. I remember when I was a cub-scout (early 80's) and my father and I had to sculpt and build a roller with weights to race down a slope... We built a 73 RS.

I've had my 912 for almost five years. The first two of which I drove her around the block, to the store, the movies... but later found myself dissecting her and wanting to be able to use the car for what it's worth. It wasn't a million dollars, but I think it could look like a million one day.

I'm not tech-savvy; learning about how my swb operates has been an on-going process. I know what I want and don't want and I do have a budget, but 'one thing at a time' can suffice.

Plus, my neighbor, who I've only said "hello" to for the past two years, just happens to be a Porsche/VW mechanic... My wife was talking to his wife, etc... I hope to have him over for a pint or two

I'm new to the Pelican, but have found a warm welcoming already. Lot's of insight and instant support.

I was told to start from the ground up, with suspension and wheels, etc. I want to at least get that under my belt this summer!!!

[Scooter]

Send me a PM with your name and number and I will be happy to give you a call tomorrow to talk about your swb suspension.

[Oh Haha]

Good to hear. As you've found out, Pelican is a great place to learn more about Porsche and get help from others that have been there and broke that, er done that.

Post your location if you're comfortable sharing that information. Chances are, a Pelican isn't too far from you.

I'll wish you the best on your project.

[rpidduck]

'68 912 example with original 5.5 x 15 Fuchs and 195-60s all around, lowered from US to Euro specs, has had F & R sway bars since '69 but now new, always had Konis. More fun than ever. As noted above, lots of info at 912registry.org. Richard