What's the largest size wheel/tire package I can fit

dd74 · 07-03-2002, 07:12 PM

In my ongoing debate with myself about flaring my 911 to accept 16-inch rims, I've also been wondering what the largest size wheel/tire combination I can fit on my 911 in its current form, which is the narrow style, front and rear. As of now, it has 15x7 Fuchs with 205-60-15s in the rear, though the right side rubs slightly. I believe this can be corrected with some suspension alterations, as opposed to "rolling" the fender, or so I hope. Can the same size wheel and tire fit in front? If I go to 55 series tires, am I able to go wider than 205? Maybe 225? I was looking at fellow pelican Adam Chaplin's 911, but not sure about his tire size, though he says the wheels are 15x7s all around. What do you guys think? 55 series tires look cool to me.

Also, can someone suggest a good bushing for the rear suspension. I'm putting in new torsion bars and would like to replace the bushings at the same time.

Thanks.

pjv911 · pjv911's Garage

I have a narrow body car and managed to squeeze on 16x6 in front with 205/55/16 yoko avs`s and 16x7 rears with 225/50/16 yoko avs`s. The rear rims were from an 86` carrera . I have several sets of 16x7 fuchs and found that the offsets vary a couple of millimeters even though they appear the same. The problem is when using a front oil cooler the driver rear tire needs clearance there as well so you dont rub the copper piping. My clearance is about 10mm betwwen the tire and piping and about 3mm from the lip of the quater panel. I did have to trim the lip (about 8mm) to gain clearance so there is no contact with the tire. Also factor in that my rear camber is set at 2.5 deg`s negative . Fronts are set at 1.5 deg`s neg and there`s plenty of room up there.

Kurt Williams

YOU MIGHT NOTICE THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN BEFORE THE AVS`S WERE INSTALLED. THATS A PIRELLI P7 ON THERE.

dd74 · 07-03-2002, 07:30 PM

That's sweet! Did you notice a handling difference between the 15s and 16s? Do you have anymore shots - like from the side?

pjv911 · pjv911's Garage

Honestely I have never pushed the car to its limits as far as handling goes. Im still kinda new to driving a rear engine car and fear wrecking my baby. However my winter cars are a good learning tool but last winter it was a 912 so im still inexperianced with the 911`s extra weight . Anyways here`s a shot from the side.

Adam · Adam's Garage

Kurt,

That's an amazing looking car! I'm really jealous of that look. Ducktails and skinny guards... mmm...

dd74,

My '76 has 205/60-15 on 15x7" Fuchs at all four corners. I know that 911s are supposed to have slightly larger tires at the rear than the front, but I like the way it drives. I do have some occasional issues with the front tires rubbing on the front left guard (usually because of fast entrances to gas stations) but overall it rides beautifully.

Here's a side profile:

Here's another:

I do intend to change the fronts, at some time to 205/55-15 to help with the clearance. Post some pics both before and after, I'd love to see your car.

dd74 · 07-03-2002, 10:02 PM

You got it. Thanks for your response.

dd74 · 07-03-2002, 10:04 PM

Did you lower it? Those tires really fill up the wells.

Adam · Adam's Garage

Yup, she's quite low. When I get it back from the bodyshop, I'll measure the fender height for you.

pjv911 · pjv911's Garage

Adam how did that work out for you . Did you get stuck with any part of the repair bill or did insurance cover you.

Kurt Williams

Adam · Adam's Garage

Kurt,

The car's still smashed up. I'm now waiting for the liable party's insurer to complete assessing my car. My panel guys are stripping the bumpers off the car and reporting on "unseen damage" to the exhaust/muffler and suspension etc. It will be carefully measured and checked on a jig. After that's done, I guess I'll have the money in my hand within 10 days, then I'll get the panelshop to begin work. I'll document the process, with the digital camera and make a restoration diary online. I'm planning some extra work while it's under the knife!

I am going to keep the skinny guards, everyone's got flares!

dd74 · 07-04-2002, 09:39 AM

I'm glad to hear you're keeping your's narrow. I'm on the fence myself, though your car, PJV911's Carrera-style and several other middle-year guys' automobiles, is a convincing argument to keep the fenders as they are.

What new mods are you thinking of?

Thanks.

k9handler · 07-04-2002, 10:10 AM

I have 15x6 with 205 60 15 all around...my car is lowered to european ride height. I do have tire rub during hard corners on the track...but no rubbing at all during normal street use.

dd74 · 07-04-2002, 11:15 AM

I guess it's because of the greater load generated on the track that you'd have the rubbing. So, if my 15x7 rubs in the rear during street use, it'll probably saw like crazy on the track.

dd74 · 07-04-2002, 11:20 AM

16x7s with 205-50-15s or larger - front and back, as opposed to 205-55-15s or 205-60-15s on 15x7s - would there be a real handling difference? Would they even fit at all four corners? PJV911: you did rear fender trimming, right? Another question is would the larger rims and tires (16x7s, 205-50-15s) sap much engine power?

Thanks.

Halm · 07-04-2002, 11:25 AM

K9,

With you car lowered and the 15X6's, have you tried other size combinations, like 205/55 or 195/65?

k9handler · 07-04-2002, 11:30 AM

Yes I have,
before I switched to the current Yoko's I was running Pirelli 195 65 15 with no rubbing at all on or off track. I plan on rolling the fenders and keeping the 205 60 15 size. The rubbing at the moment is very slight and only happens on the track, so I am sure the fender roll will solve this.

marcesq · marcesq's Garage

16 x 7s all the way around with 205/55s. Rolled rear fenders just in case.

The ONLY spring plate bushing for street/track are Neatrix (sp) from Weltmeister. IMHO.

Car lowered to 24.5/25 rear/front of course.

Handle like it has claws.