Tire Sizes for Ruf Wheels?

[esample]

I really hate to ask this question here, but have done a lot of reading (Search) and am still unsure what size tires I can use on Ruf 8+9x17s to fit my '86 Carrera. Car is not a candidate for rolled fenders. Ruf says 215x45x17 and 235x40x17, but some guys are using 255x40s on the rears. Any Speedline owners have advice for me?

Thanks!
-e.

[wildcat077]

You can safely use 225/45/17 and 255/40/17 on a stock narrow bodied Carrera with 8 and 9 inch rims.
Actually 235/40/17 fronts are an even better fit on an 8 inch wheel,215's will be stretched but you might have to roll your front fenders to be safe for 235's.There is also the size factor as every tire make is different in specific dimensions ...

Cheers !
Phil

[esample]

Thanks, Phil!

-e.

[Geronimo '74]

I run dunlop sport maxx on my Ruf speedline 8 and 9's.

225 in the front, had to roll right side fender because it was rubbing. (car sits kinda low)
245 in the rear. No issues.

Not to thread-jack bit do any of you need to use spacers in the front? I need 5mm spacers to keep clear of the bilstein shocks...

[wildcat077]

I'm using 7mm spacers in the front with my 7.5 x 17 and 225/45/17 street wheels and no spacers with my 8 x 17 and 235/40/17 track wheels along with 66mm studs due to the 996TT brakes ...

Cheers !
Phil

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by wildcat077

You can safely use 225/45/17 and 255/40/17 on a stock narrow bodied Carrera with 8 and 9 inch rims.
Actually 235/40/17 fronts are an even better fit on an 8 inch wheel,215's will be stretched but you might have to roll your front fenders to be safe for 235's.There is also the size factor as every tire make is different in specific dimensions ...

Cheers !
Phil

It depends on the wheel o/s.

The OP need to check that the wheel o/s are 8 ET30 & 9 ET17.7 w/ those ETs 225/45 and 255/40 are pretty easy fits but if the front fenders absoliutly cannot be massaged I'd go w/ Ruf's rec,

this is a Ruf 9x17 ET17.7

[wildcat077]

For what it's worth,my 8 inch Fikses are ET25 and the 9's are ET13 ...
Bill will be your best guide when it comes to wheels and brakes

Cheers !
Phil

[esample]

Originally Posted by Bill Verburg

It depends on the wheel o/s.

The OP need to check that the wheel o/s are 8 ET30 & 9 ET17.7 w/ those ETs 225/45 and 255/40 are pretty easy fits but if the front fenders absoliutly cannot be massaged I'd go w/ Ruf's rec,

this is a Ruf 9x17 ET17.7

Yep, Bill, those are exactly what I have. I'm thinking maybe I'll try 215/45/17 front and 255/40/17 rear. Thanks for the help!

-e.

[esample]

Finally decided to go with Bridgestone 225/45/17 and 255/40/17's on my new Rufs. They don't rub anywhere but the passenger side tire is within 1/16" from the shock. Driver's side has slightly more clearance.

Thinking maybe I should add 5mm spacers just to be safe.

-e.

[JeremyD]

I have some 4mm spacers if you want to try them before purchasing. They are currently on my car = but I can take them off and let you try them if you want

[esample]

Originally Posted by JeremyD

I have some 4mm spacers if you want to try them before purchasing. They are currently on my car = but I can take them off and let you try them if you want

Wow, Jeremy, that's incredibly generous of you but I wouldn't want to put you through all that trouble. Spacers aren't all that expensive. I really was just wondering if you think putting some small spacers on would be prudent. As I said, they aren't rubbing, but the rims and tires are uncomfortably close. What do you suppose?

Thanks!

BTW, hope to see you at Sebring. I'm looking forward to watching that car run.

[wildcat077]

Ernie,

Good choice on tire size ...
There's no problem using spacers on your car,i'm using 7mm spacers in the rear and 10mm spacers in the front because of my camber!
In my case i had to install longer studs because i use steel lugnuts for the track and they were flush with the stud but for the street a 5mm spacer won't change anything !

Cheers !
Phil

[esample]

Thanks Phil. I appreciate all your help.

-e.

[JeremyD]

No Problem - Actually now that I think about it - When I was fitting my wheels I bought a big bag of washers and then mounted the wheels with different washer configurations - didn't drive like that - but it definitely let me zero in on the correct spacer size

[esample]

Great idea, Jeremy. I think I'll try that before purchasing. Thanks again.

-e.

[agrimmitt]

"e"
I run the same rims on my 83sc (RSR clone) as your looking to install. I easily run 215/17 up front, I normally run 245/45/17 and or even 255/40/17's. But before you run out and purchase them, read my garage section on the suspension work that I have done over the past two years. That's the main reason for them fitting without issue. I ran them (hard) on this years Targa California event. Leave me a message if you have any questions; I will be in Monterey, CA all week returning the follow week.
art
agrimmitt@pelican

[esample]

Art

That is one fine looking car! Thanks for the advice, but I've already purchased wheels and tires (see above).

-e.

[esample]

Finally got tires and wheels on the car. Brand new (old stock) Rufs with 225/45/17 and 255/40/17 Bridgestones. I believe I could have used 275/40s on the rear with no problem, but I ended up putting 5mm spacers on the fronts just to make sure there was no rubbing on the shocks. Friend and tire guy says if you can get a piece of paper between them, no worries but I don't know. Anyway here are a couple of shots of the car as of this morning.

[JeremyD]

Those look great Ernie = Just need to drop it down a little now.

[wildcat077]

Like Jeremy says .... just a little lower all around

Cheers !
Phil