Boxster Rims

[SWERYD]

Hi...I'm a recent first time owner of a 1987 944NA. I've been reading different topics in the Forum over the past few months and have gained a lot of knowledge and learned a lot of helpful tips from you guys. Thanks, and keep up the good work.

I already know there's a lot of different opinions regarding rim and tire sizes that can or should be used on the 944. I'm still not sure what the REAL physical limitations are, but I think what I'm considering is within the limits. I'd just really appreciate some experienced input.

I currently have a set of beat up 15" phone dials with tires that need replacing on the car. So, I'm starting from scratch. A local Porsche owner whose helped me with a few things already has a nice set of Boxster rims I can get at a good price. They are: Front=6.5x17 ET55 and Rear=8x17 ET40.

My questions range everywhere from: are these a good fit? to: what size tires do I use? and include anything you can think of in between. Like I said in the beginning, I'm a novice owner and would appreciate any input you can provide. Thanks.

[Dantilla]

I use Boxster wheels on my race car when not on the track.

They look nice, but expect your 944 to understeer like a pig with wide tires in the rear and skinny ones in front.

You may not notice for normal street driving, but if you attand any track events, or are an aggresive driver, the front will plow unless the alignment is changed to more "tail-happy" settings.

[nynor]

i run boxster wheels on my car. i have two sets, actually. the tire sizes are staggered, but i run the fronts at 225, instead of the stock 205. this helps a lot, with the rears at 255. i think that look nice.

[racer]

Boxster wheels came various sizes..

Most base boxsters came with 16" wheels.

Next step up were 7x17 front, 8.5x17 rear.

Similar vintage 911 wheels could be .5" wider front and rear (also an option on the base car).



That said, making the jump to 17"s will allow:
1) Greater modern tire selection
2) a great way to update the visual of your car
3) Allow for harsher ride as the 40-50 series tires are not as cushy as the 60series tires your car came with.

imho, the original wheels in question sound like they are from a 987 based car. The 986 based cars have a slightly "better" offset for the older cars iirc.

You might also just consider some 16" wheels from similar year 944/968 (964 and 993 too).

or you could have your 15"s refinished.

[Catamax944]

If you like the look of the 16" Boxster wheels they are great for the 944.
They are light ,about 7.5kg each ,same as the 15" phonedials.

[maxhofer]

You will have to use spacers, as they have a diferent offset.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by maxhofer

You will have to use spacers, as they have a diferent offset.

Not on an '87. that was the first year the 944 used late-offset wheels.

1983-86 would need spacers.

[SWERYD]

Thanks for the input. Every little bit helps.

I've pretty much decided to go with the 17" rims I detailed in my original question. Now I'm concerned about tire sizes and clearances. I've talked to several local tire dealers and two area Porsche dealerships but they're all very non-committal as soon as you're outside the Mfg. specs for your vehicle and at 17", I am.

I've also used RIMSnTIRES.com to do the calculations on various size packages but when you don't have the real world experience with the 944, it's still kind of a guessing game.

I believe the "standard" for these rims is: Front=205/55 and Rear=235/50 and member NYNOR has suggested 225's on the front (I believe to correct possible understeer). I have no immediate plans to race the car and from what I've learned so for, if that changes, I would probably use different rims.

My bottom line question is: Is there a point in 17" rim and tire packages that present clearance issues that would require modifications to the car? I'd really appreciate any input/advice I can get. Thanks.

[Mr. Squid]

Originally Posted by racer

Boxster wheels came various sizes..

Most base boxsters came with 16" wheels.

Next step up were 7x17 front, 8.5x17 rear.

Similar vintage 911 wheels could be .5" wider front and rear (also an option on the base car).



That said, making the jump to 17"s will allow:
1) Greater modern tire selection
2) a great way to update the visual of your car
3) Allow for harsher ride as the 40-50 series tires are not as cushy as the 60series tires your car came with.

imho, the original wheels in question sound like they are from a 987 based car. The 986 based cars have a slightly "better" offset for the older cars iirc.

You might also just consider some 16" wheels from similar year 944/968 (964 and 993 too).

or you could have your 15"s refinished.

Will 993 wheels fit a late offset 944/924S? I thought the offsets were wrong?

What is the offset range that will bolt up to a late 944?

Thanks

[racer]

Late offset wheels: 964, 993, Boxster, 996 and 87+ 944 wheels will ALL fit.

Most use the 7 and 8.5 x17 of the boxster (986) or the 7/9x17 combo from the 911s.

Tires?
205 or 225 fit fine on the 7"s.
255's work well on the rear.

If you only street drive and like easy parking, stick with a 205 front. If you don't mind a little more effort and less understeer, 225.

The wheels in my avatar were aftermarket 17" "twists". ran 225-45-17 front and 255-40-17 rear. No fitment issues.. just heavy.

For an idea of wheels that will fit, check wheelenhancement.com