OK, Let's Try This: Performance Parts That DO Work

[Z-man]

Originally posted by Britwrench
If you have a 924S, then the 16x9 stock Porsche wheels won't fit.
Due to the limited wheel arch clearance it's difficult to get wide wheels on and not rub. Also, a 9" is overtiring the car, wider rears tend to reduce the oversteer, 924S/944 models already understeer so you would be making the problem worse unless you also replace the sway bar/springs/alignment set up

True, but I think you can fit 16x8's at all four corners, which is what I did. (The max tire on a 8 inch wide rim is 245.)

-Z.

[TNT25169]

Does anyone know if 16 x 8 phonedials will fit on a 1988 944 with enough room for 245/45s?

[Moneyguy1]

Put the chip in backward and get 5 speeds in reverse?

[highboost951]

Sorry z-man I think 8's and 9's are a bit too wide for the 924S, they don't have any fender flares like the 944. Yes tnt, 8's will fit all the way around, but that's way too much tire upfront on your car, at most use a 225.

[Britwrench]

205 front and 225 rear is a good mix, more doesn't necessarily mean better.

[Z-man]

I believe a friend of mine is running with 8's all around in his 924S. But his car has been modified (suspension), and he may have needed to roll the inner fender. I'll find out.

TNT: 16x8 phonedials will fit an 88 n/a. You can use the 16x8J's with the 52.3mm offset (stock rear wheels on 951's & 944S2's, and possibly the 928's) 245-45/16 tires will not rub up front.

highboost: why do you think 245's are too much tire for a 944 n/a? Granted, I have more power in my S2, but I think an n/a can more than handle the bigger rubber up front. It really changes the handling dynamics of the car to a better attitude, IMHO.

Again, just my $0.42,
-Zoltan.

[highboost951]

they get around just fine w/ 225's all the way around. the thing is only a 924S(I'm building a '87/'88 pca/scca car, so I'm not insulting it), doesn't weigh nearly as much as an S2 or a reg. 944. Plus 245's won't fit on the front of a 924S. You have 220HP, he has 160Hp, that's way too much rotational mass for a small car w/o HP or torque. I'm just talking about a track/autocross angle, not street though. I know more rubber looks better, I do agree. On an S2 or turbo, 245's all the way around is very balanced for track use, but on a narrow, light, low hp and tq car you'll be scrubbing off way too much speed.

[Apache]

OK, Let's see if I have this right.

Fronts Wheels: 16X7
Rear Wheels: 16X8

What about tire size or brand? Any suggestions?

Leave the front sway bar alone and get a thicker rear anti-sway bar. OK, I think I got that.

One question: How much thicker?

I guess that as this age (1988) a new set of Konis or Bilsteins all the way around would probably be in order as well (assuming that the PO has not already done that)?

What about front springs and the rear torsion bars?

[TNT25169]

I am running Koni adjustable strust with 220lb springs in the front of my 944 n/a and I just don't want it to understeer. I am going to purchase rear konis very soon and I think a rear sway bar. I was curious to see if the 245/45 all around would help so I don't understeer so much.

1988 944 n/a
1976 Chevy Vega station wagon with flames (sold)

[Scott R]

Do the Koni's, its the best upgrade I ever did to my 951. It is an instant tremendous upgrade in handeling. I can out corner most all of the other autocrossers in my class, and when conditions change so can the suspension, few twists of the adjuster. A little lower with the spanner wrench and your set.

[Z-man]

Originally posted by TNT25169
I was curious to see if the 245/45 all around would help so I don't understeer so much.

The answer is: YES!

This year, I've done three DE-track events so far: the first two were with 225/50-16 front, 245/45-16 rear. Still had some plowing/understeer.

For the third event, I had 245/45-16's all around. The difference was very noticable. (I also did upgrade to R-compounds at the same time!) Turn in was more crisp, and I no longer plow through the slower corners of a track! The car rotates very well through the turns.

For the 924S, I suppose 245's may be too much tire, but I'm not buying it! If so, then 225-50's all around is a good alternative.

Another benefit of having the same tire/wheel combo at all 4 corners is the ability to rotate the wheels back and forth, side to side.

-Z-man.

PS: Cool thread, BTW!