Porsche 911 SC - Tire size issues

[ozcanusa]

Listmates
I recently acquired a lovely 1978 911 sc Targa. Fantastic shape and great fun. Anyway, the car rides too high (way too high) so I'll be lowering it shortly - no big deal. I don't plan on lowering it lower than the euro spec as I still want it usable. The issue is that the car came with 245/50/16 rear tires. I'm contemplating changing the tires to 225/50/16 but not sure if I can due to the rim size (9inch).
Hence, I have two questions:
1) Can I put 225s on 9 inch rims?
2) More to the point, has anyone got any experience with keeping 245s on the rear of such a model without rolling the fenders? Also, do the 245s compromise the ride or any related issues to keeping the 245s on the rear?
I have read many opinions but any responses would be valuable as I wish to do this correctly.
Thanks. David

[euro911sc]

I believe you will be fine w/ 245 and euro height. This is on a 9" Fuch? 225 on a 9" wheel will look odd. You would go to a 235 anyway... if you can find them for 16" rims these days. People have issues fitting 255s in the back

Best regards,

Michael

[arbita1]

1. I think 8" wheels are the largest for 225's.

2. You can fit the 245's on the rear with the 9" wheel no problem. (I have them.) However, you have the wrong profile...you need 245/45/16...not 245/50/16.

[Head416]

I had very light rubbing with 245/45/16 on 9" wheels until I rolled the fender lips. ("Light" as in the tire size numbers were rubbed off, but no more than that.)

I suspect my ride height was a tad lower than euro.

[UrQuattro]

Yes, you can put 225 tires on a 9" rim. I just checked with the star specs in 225/50 on tire rack and they showed that a 225' range of wheel widths extend up to 9".

Michael

[ozcanusa]

Thanks guys for your responses. I do agree that the 245/50/16 are wrong - should be 245/45/16 (seemingly more difficult to find and a tad expensive!). I'll probably stick with those and go to euro ride height. Incidentally, absolutely love the SC!