86 951 -- what are my wheel options?

[htron435]

I have an '86 944 turbo that has a bent Momo 5 spoke wheel. I know that the offset was unique to that year. What are my choices for a wheel that will fit? Will the later offset wheels fit with spacers/adapters, and, if so, what size? I want to stay with a 16 or 17, and would be interested in a set of something CHEAP as long as they're true.

[TCMdocs944]

You may want to search for the wheel specialist in miami.

I can't remember the name of the company but they will 'fix' any wheel and paint, polish whatever for $100 with a one week turn around. They usually just pull one already finishe off the shelf in your size (big warehouse).

Anything will fit with spacers. I recommend going to the later offset or alternately the newer Porsche offset as this will increase your chances of getting cheaper/better wheels.


Good luck.

[COLDBASS]

IMHO the best looking and lightest affordable wheel is a Fuch.

This would have been perfect for you...


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2493829533&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT


I'm running the "shallow" 951 16 x 7s up front and some standard 16 x 9 on the rear

[htron435]

What size of spacers do you need for pre 89 911 fuchs? And then what size of spacers for 87 & up 944/968/late 911 wheels? And what about 928 wheels?

[Dantilla]

Pre-1989 911's are still early offset.

944 offsets changed for 1987.
911 offsets changed for 1990.

[htron435]

So early 944's have the same offset as pre89 911's?
And late 944's have the same offset as late 911's? I've had a few 911's, but this is my first 944 & I've yet to learn this stuff!

[DannoXYZ]

"What size of spacers do you need for pre 89 911 fuchs? And then what size of spacers for 87 & up 944/968/late 911 wheels? And what about 928 wheels?"

"So early 944's have the same offset as pre89 911's?
And late 944's have the same offset as late 911's? I've had a few 911's, but this is my first 944 & I've yet to learn this stuff!"

Check out the 944 WheelsFAQ on my 951 RacerX website.

Basically, the answer to your questions is that you cannot use ANY 911 Fuch on your 951 because the larger calipers will hit the spokes on the wheels. The only 911 Fuchs that will fit is the 16x9" rear. The standard 911 16x7/8" wheels WILL NOT fit. That's why the optional 951 Fuchs are unique to the 951 with the spokes set a little further on the outside even though the offset is the same 23.3mm (early).

You can also use any late-offset (52.3mm) 944/951 wheel as well as Boxster and 911 wheels (55mm offset). Just requires longer studs and spacers. Porsche parts list and procedure on my website as well. Cool thing about this conversion is that you can use BOTH early and late offset wheels if you want. Like having a street set of wheels and a race set with sticky rubber.

[TCMdocs944]

^^^ahhh^^^

good info on the 911 fuchs.


I did Danno's recommended conversion using his website (thanks X) and am very happy with it. It is involved but well worth it.

[seaboltman]

not having read dannos website yet, What kind of wheels should i look for, for an 86 N/A?

[TCMdocs944]

There are a set of 928 dished (garbage cans) on ebay right now that I would buy if I had the dough...new rubber...in my neck of the woods...going for about $150 set of 4.

A real steal

[sm1]

Originally posted by DannoXYZ
Cool thing about this conversion is that you can use BOTH early and late offset wheels if you want. Like having a street set of wheels and a race set with sticky rubber.

Hey Danno,

I always wondered about this for the 86 and earlier cars - 86 951 to be specific. With the 21mm/28mm spacers on the front/rear hubs, will there be rubbing when the original 23mm offset rims are mounted? I know the rear wheels are set in a little, but the fronts look like there isn't much room between the tire and fender lip as it is.

If it works without rubbing, I'll be a happy camper...

[DannoXYZ]

To go back to original 23.3mm offset wheels, you remove the spacer along with the wheel and use open-ended lug nuts (914). By pulling off the spacers, you revert the configuration back to stock.

[sm1]

Originally posted by DannoXYZ
To go back to original 23.3mm offset wheels, you remove the spacer along with the wheel and use open-ended lug nuts (914). By pulling off the spacers, you revert the configuration back to stock.

Ahh, so the spacers just "slide" on? Not threaded or held on tight by the studs?

Nice...

[DannoXYZ]

Yup, they just slide onto the longer studs and space the wheel outwards. The load path is direct through the studs. Wheel-adaptors are those things that look like spacers but bolt onto the hub and provide a second set of studs themselves. The load path is not direct and you end up with a lot more weight. Downside is you'll have a second set of lug-nuts under the wheel that you can't check easily....

[powerzen]

i know what accounts for the track width difference in the rear (early vs. late ali arms) since i applied both to my bug, but what is the difference in early and late 951 front track width? i have an '86 951 as well. was debating cost of stud and spacers vs. just going to late arms in the rear and not having the concern of longer studs and spacers, but left me wondering about the front offset differences. did the 87 andup 951 have a wider track (and if so where is the difference) or did they just all use spacers?

[tifosiman]

Hey htron435,

There is a place in Columbus that does alu wheel repair, around $100 or so per wheel. I have seen some wheels that I consider to be "totalled" come out of there looking like new. If you are interested, shoot me a PM and I can get you the info. I had them repair one of my wheels and I was very satisifed.

If you are intersted in hanging out with other 944 owners, let me know and I can keep you in the loop for our next local get-together......

:bigbye: