Wheel Offsets or Spacers

[Icey1174]

My 944 looks horrible from the rear end. The wheels need to be moved out a good two inches to fill out the fenders properly. I see they have 2" wheel spacers on here. Has, or does anyone use anything like that?

[FrenchToast]

Your wheels shouldnt be that far in, unless you're running 928 15" Phonedials.

You don't want the tires right up to the fender lip, they'll rub.

As for the spacers you mention, they are likely adapters because they're 2". I've never been a fan of adapters because you now have an entirely second set of lugnuts to properly torque.

That's my opinion, anyway.

Be safe, have fun! Cheers

[Icey1174]

I do have phone dials and they actually look good on my car, they are just inside the read quarter a little too much. I understand the extra set of lugs. Is that my only option while keeping the same wheels?

[Cocacolakidd]

Nothing wrong with running adapters on your car - Most sanctioning bodies at the tracks will not let you use them in the races because the lug nuts tend to loosen. If you keep up with the torque on your lug nuts they work well enough.

A second option to adapters with a second set of lug studs is to change out the lug studs on the axle to longer ones and use Spacers. The change out of the lug studs on the axle is a semi complicated job though.

[James Chimney]

85.5 944 na, I have late off set 7" & 8" 16's and needed 1 1/2 spacers in the rear and 1 1/14 in the front and it looks ok, but I just came across early off set 7 & 8 16's that I am refinishing then I will install, I never liked running the spacers but they have been on for a year and no real problems, I did have to have the front "Hub Centric" machined down as it did not fit and torquing the front so it did not wobble was the hard part but slowly doing each one a little at a time did the trick.
old set up will be for sale soon.

[Icey1174]

Would your spacers work for my 87? If so, what size are they and how much would you want for them?

[James Chimney]

Originally Posted by Icey1174

Would your spacers work for my 87? If so, what size are they and how much would you want for them?

Not sure if those spacers would work with an 87, I used late off set (they do not stick out as far as the early off set do) on my 85.5 so to have those rims "fill the wheel well" you have to use spacers (you don't have to use them but it looks funny)
I will be selling the rims and spacers (maybe tires) as a set, I just resprayed them last year so in good shape. but wont be ready for a month or 2

[Icey1174]

I'll have to look for some spacers. At $150 a spacer on here it seems a little on the expensive side.

[bigbirdh2]

Originally Posted by Icey1174

I'll have to look for some spacers. At $150 a spacer on here it seems a little on the expensive side.

I have used 2" wheel spacers on my Black 944 for autocross and asphalt hill climbs and it always pasts Tech inspection. One Trick I learned is clean the new spacers with carburetor cleaner, blow off with air, clean the bolts good too then blow off with air. Let them dry and good use good old LOCTITE® 271™ RED is designed for the permanent locking and torque them down in gear with the E brake on. Now walk away and let it all dry over night before you drive it. I had to take one off already ( drifting sideways and got off line "smack" bent a rotor/wheel. I had to use a Gas Torch to heat them up to impact that one off. I love them and I will buy more! If there ever comes a day when the Tech guy wants to go that far. Ill gladly hand him my Snap-on $750 HI-Impact gun, (Better yet an Impact gun from harbor freight) and say be my guest! Have fun getting them off!!!

[looneybin]

i added 1-1/4" spacers to the rear of my car ('86 w/ early offset)
I don't have any issues with rubbing


here is before spacers





here is after adding the spacers

[Icey1174]

LB - I have the same car and color as you except my phone dials are painted white to match the car and mine is an '87. It looks A LOT better with the spacers! Can you post a pic from the rear end? Where did you get the spacers and how much were they?

[looneybin]

'87 has different offset wheels, so i don't know how much spacer thickness you will need.
I purchased my spacers here at Pelican, i think they were about $50 or $60, but i don't recall the exact price. I know it wasn't anywhere near the $120ish they are now

edit - i just remembered i purchased the spacers from Performance Parts - which is now defunct & absorbed by Summit Auto

This is the most "rear" picture i have, but i can take a direct shot & post it if you like

[medicineman3245]

I have an extra pair for my 944 turbo which work well. You may have to roll the fender out if you go for wide tread,>275. Fred 7574770606

[Catamax944]

From the pics seems you have the correct early offset phonedials.
All early 944's need at least 20mm spacers at the rear .On the 82-85 cars with cookie cutters they were installed from factory , i don't know why they didn't do it to the '86 as well since the phonedials are the same size and offset.

[medicineman3245]

I have a spare set of spacers/adapters and will sell the pair for $125 plus shipping. They're off my '88 951. Fred drsiegel2@verizon.net