16x7,8 wheel/tire question

[Juergen911sc]

I have a 1980 911sc with original 15x6,7 Fuchs. The tires need replacing and, since my car came with a new set of 16x7 and 8 rims, I would like to go with the wider set-up. The car has been lowered and the current configuration is 205/55/15 in the front and 225/50/15 in the rear. What are the best sizes for the new rims?

[Joe Bob]

IF you can find the tires.....225/45 and 245/45.

50 series is my second choice.....

[McLovin]

the same sizes you are running now.

[darrin]

Originally Posted by McLovin

the same sizes you are running now.

Agreed (but 16 inch instead of 15 inch).

If the previous owner hadn't mounted the 16x7 and 16x8, you may need to roll the insides of the front fenders to keep the tires from rubbing.

I now have around 400 miles on a set of Continental Extreme Contact DWs (205/55-16 front 225/50-16 rear) on my 16x7 and 16x8 summer rims and am quite happy with them so far -- starting to break in and develop a nice balance of smoothish ride and crisp handling.

[McLovin]

Originally Posted by darrin

Agreed (but 16 inch instead of 15 inch).

If the previous owner hadn't mounted the 16x7 and 16x8, you may need to roll the insides of the front fenders to keep the tires from rubbing.

Oddly, he says 15 in his post, but his picture seems to show 16s.

For fender rolling, I'd change your "may" to "will probably."

[Juergen911sc]

Thank you for your insights. Double checked, they are 15's on the car now. Can I run 205/55 front and 245/50 rear combination?

[sobamaflyer]

I'd say the 245's rear are going to be pushing it but maybe.

I have 205 & 225/50/16's on 7 & 8x16's and they fill out the wheel wells pretty fully (especially in the rear). My car may be a little lower than yours but not by too much.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by sobamaflyer

I'd say the 245's rear are going to be pushing it but maybe.

I have 205 & 225/50/16's on 7 & 8x16's and they fill out the wheel wells pretty fully (especially in the rear). My car may be a little lower than yours but not by too much.

the SC/Carrera rear wheel wells are huge and can accommodate up to a 275mm tire on the right o/s wheel.

245 on Fuchs 8 is an easy fit. 9 is a better wheel for a 245 though.

the front is where it gets tight w/ Fuch 7s. 205/55 x16 is the most usual fitment but can require fender rolling/trimming depending on ride height and suspension setup.

225/45 x16 is a shorter tire that actually gives you more room than a 205/55

i'd use either 205/55 & 225/50 or 205/55 & 245/45 or 225/45 & 245/45