Question about 16x8 Fuchs

[B.Green]

I am thinking about giving up on my 15' wheels (7 and 8's) for lack of tire selection - 88 Carrera. Been starting to look for 16 x 7&8's and don't see much now or in history compared to others.

Any expert input on 16x8?

Are these uncommon for 911 Carrera (84-89)?
I see references to 951 (for big brakes) with big price tags.
The prices I do see are all over the map. Any opinions for price range for good driver or refinish-able quality and how best to buy used (beyond positive feedback)?

I have struggled with the "real versus replica" decision, used buying risk, read a bunch and perhaps the price will determine. Have done some track car control events and want to do more.

Thanks,

Bob

[porsche0nut]

I believe stock was 16" (6 & 7). From what I've heard, 7&8 is a very common upgrade. My friend has 7&8's on his SC and it fills out the fenders very nicely without rubbing. Definitely looking to get a set of 8x16 in the future and moving my 7's up front.

[Bill Verburg]

Originally Posted by B.Green

I am thinking about giving up on my 15' wheels (7 and 8's) for lack of tire selection - 88 Carrera. Been starting to look for 16 x 7&8's and don't see much now or in history compared to others.

Any expert input on 16x8?

Are these uncommon for 911 Carrera (84-89)?
I see references to 951 (for big brakes) with big price tags.
The prices I do see are all over the map. Any opinions for price range for good driver or refinish-able quality and how best to buy used (beyond positive feedback)?

I have struggled with the "real versus replica" decision, used buying risk, read a bunch and perhaps the price will determine. Have done some track car control events and want to do more.

Thanks,

Bob

Your stock 7&8 x15s are ET23.3 and 10.6 respectively, if you want 7&8 x16 then you want the same ETs. All 911 7x16 are ET23.3, all 911 8x16s are ET10.6.

Additionally there are 951 7x16 which also have ET23.3 and more brake clearance than the same ET 911 7x16, these can be ided by part # and by their countersunk lugs. Then there ar also 951 8x16s which also have more brake clearance but have ET23.3. These wheels will need at least 12.7mm spacers in back to reduce ET to 10.6, some have squeezed them on the front but they are not a comfortable fit there, 8s in front really ET25 to 31, larger ET is generally slightly better there.

If I were going from 15 to 16 I'd want 7ET23.3 in front and 9 ET15 in back, 205/50 and 245/45 tires

[nickyclyde]

Before this goes to far ,16" tires are limited to 1 single brand tire for road use.

[Arne2]

Originally Posted by nickyclyde

Before this goes to far ,16" tires are limited to 1 single brand tire for road use.

Only if you are trying to use 245/45-16 on the rear, currently available only in Bridgestone RE11.

But for stock sizes - 205/55-16 front and 225/50-16 rear - there's still a reasonable selection, especially if you aren't looking for state-of-the-art extreme summer tires.

[TheSt|G]

Personally, I've found over the years that cars(in terms of fun) are often served best by tires that reflect the grip found in tires of their time. When over gripped they become too competent and the excitement of slip is lost.

[B.Green]

While I have seen plenty of mention of 9x16 (and impressive prices), I see what you mean by few tire choices - which is the reason for getting away from 15" wheels.

So if you can get a 225/50 series on a 7x16, is there any value in going with the 8x16?

The reason I was looking for 8" is because I run a 225's on my 8x15 and they seem to fit nicely in width.

Then there is the dilema of going to replica 9x17 for tire options, but that is still the ongoing topic of other threads. Voices of experience (that I don't have) staying with forged and looks that I'm not sold on, have me thinking I should be looking for 16's. 17's are growing on me as I see more samples.

Thanks for the detailed reply on sizes, part numbers and back spacing. All of the replies help.

Bob

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by B.Green

So if you can get a 225/50 series on a 7x16, is there any value in going with the 8x16?

The reason I was looking for 8" is because I run a 225's on my 8x15 and they seem to fit nicely in width.



Bob

You asked for expert opinion- and I'm no expert, but here's my 2 cents.

Perhaps the 8's weigh a little more, and perhaps the 8's would handle a 'little' better because of the way the tire sits on the rim compared to a 7 inch rim (maybe people with auto-x experience can chime in), but I bet the difference is mostly looks. If you like the deep dish look of your current 15x8's and the way they fill out the fenders, you will like the way the 8x16's look. Imagine swapping your current rear 8x15's and going to a 7x15 rims. How would the the car look? If you are okay with that, then you would be fine with 7x16, but, if you want to preserve that current deep dish look, go with the 8x16. Also, by going with 8x16, you could always squeeze that 245/45/16 re-11 on there if you were desperate for a little more rear grip. I just went through this with my car. Went from 6 and 7x16's to 7 and 8x16's. The tire sizes remained the same (205/55/16 front- 225/50/16 rear), but it transformed the look of the car. I didn't really notice any difference in ride or handling quality, but I don't push my car hard enough to notice that kind of stuff. I do notice myself walking to the back of my office to stare at it more during work hours.