Will using the 964 rims affect the handling of the 944 ?

shlim · 10-22-2001, 07:48 AM

Hi,

I recently obtained a set of 16" rims from a 964. They're 6Jx16" and 8Jx16" offset 52.3mm. As my car is a 85.5 944 with the 23.3mm offset I have a set of 28mm and 32mm spacers.

I'm thinking of installing 205/55-16 rubbers on the 6jx16" with 28mm spacers and the rears 225/50-16" with 32mm spacers.

Although, I think (not tested yet) this combination will provide an acceptable appearance (maybe slightly inner on the fronts), I am more concerned about using 6" rather than 7" width rims upfront. Although the rubbers will be of the same size - 205/55, will using narrower rims cause any side effects, especially since the rears will be on 8" ? ie more understeer ?

Any one using this combination ? Any advise ? I've not tried it out yet, will need to buy tyres to fit the 16" rims and would hate to shell out the $$ only to find that the handling has gone to the dogs.

Basically, I'm trying to change from my existing 15" phone dials as the 60 profile does not do justice to the nature of the car and more importantly, it's difficult to find decent rubber on 15". And I can't find a good set of 23.3mm offset 16" (at least where I can economically ship as I live in Asia).

Any feedback or advise would be much appreciated.

shlim

lordgrommit · 10-22-2001, 11:26 AM

you may want to watch the use of spacers if your going to do PCA event's they don't like them. I haven't heard SCCA say anything about them as long as they are well done. Should firm up the ride.

Matt

Macabre · 10-23-2001, 09:27 AM

a 205 on a 6" wide wheel is generally narrower than a 205 on a 7" wheel given the tires are the same.. shouldn't be too big a deal though.

------------------
'86 951 Graphite Metallic/Tan

shlim · 10-23-2001, 09:42 PM

Thanks for the feedback.

I tried the 6" rims with 7(!!) year old tires and the 28mm spacers.

Did not feel any difference except a little vague in the straight ahead direction. Probably due to the harden rubber. But none of the wheel shimmy that I was worried about. It also seem to handle normally (given the hard rubber). But this is without installing the 8" rims (I can only carry 2 wheels at a time in the 944.

Looks like I'll go for it !

shlim