Want Opinions on Tires for 16 x 8/9 Fuchs on a '86 944 na

[COLDBASS]

Currently the car has Dunlops 45 series front and rear, My question is "Which tire and size would look best?"
The rear has 245/45/16 on a 9" wheel. To me, it looks odd, as though its too little tire for that size of wheel.

I am considering 225/55s for the front (8" Fuch) and 245/50-55s for the rear. I like the qualities if the Potenza on my P-Car '76 Coupe. I also like the Goodyear Eagle RSAs (tread, wear, feel) on the Wife's 323i...

Any opinions? For now I am staying with the Fuchs, eventually upgrading to some 17" C2s

TIA,

Bob

Blk '86 944 na

[Makis]

245/45/16 are the right choice here for the rear and 225/50/16 for the front. I would not change from these sizes. Wait until you go for 17 and go for 225/45/17 front and 255/40/17 rears.

[tifosiman]

Interested in selling or trading your Fuchs? Email me off-list------ jeremy.mudd@huffy.com

Thanks,

Tifo

[COLDBASS]

Makis,

The 245/45s seem to be the widest combo that folks talk about, however I believe that this is with an 8" wheel.; with my rear 9" wheel, the current tire 245/45, the wheel actually seems wider than the tire. Perhaps the rear 9" wheels are too big for the vehicle? I was comtemplating a 255/45-50 for the rear...

I may simply swap the 9" Fuchs for some 8" Fuchs. I was informed that there would be a few 911 folks that would be willing to trade...

Tifo,

Originally, I had planned on selling the Fuchs if I was able to find a deal on some 17" C2s. After my last trip to the Pomona Swap meet (local Socal event) that produced no results ( I was too late for a deal that someone else scored, OE C2s with decent rubber sold for $550), I have decided to keep the Fuchs and purchase new rubber as the Dunlops are cracked...however I shall keep you in mind when I do upgrade.

Thanks all.
Bob

[shlim]

Currently I have 205/55-16 (front - 7" Fuchs) and 245/45-16 (rear - 9" Fuchs). I agree that the rears do look like too little (narrow) tire for the width of the rim. But as they were special orders - I had to take them - would look for wider tires when it comes time to change.

My vote of rubbers go out to Bridgestone S03 - good wet and dry grip and acceptable quiet (was absolutely quiet at 225/50 size - [on my 8" Design 90] but at 245/45 is noticeably louder).

shlim
86 944

[COLDBASS]

Originally posted by shlim
Currently I have 205/55-16 (front - 7" Fuchs) and 245/45-16 (rear - 9" Fuchs). I agree that the rears do look like too little (narrow) tire for the width of the rim.
My vote of rubbers go out to Bridgestone S03 - good wet and dry grip and acceptable quiet (was absolutely quiet at 225/50 size - [on my 8" Design 90] but at 245/45 is noticeably louder).

shlim
86 944

shlim,

Ah ha, you know exactly what I am talking about.

I think that I am going to have try on several sizes for fit and clearance before making a decision. 255s sound good however
this may create a clearance issue.

Thanks for your info, the S03 do look like a winner...

[tifosiman]

I have some 8" x 16" 951 fuchs with almost new Dunlop SP8000 rubber on them (225/50X16). Interested in trading? I want 9's.....

TIfo

[Makis]

COLDBASS,

Note tires is clasified to be 245/45/16 if its physical dimension is within a specified range. Some manufactures opt for the minimum size others are more generous. Check for real physical tire dimension on the manufacturer web sites. The 944 TurboS came equiped with 8 and 9 inch wheels as standard using 225/50/16 front and 245/45/16 rear.

[COLDBASS]

Makis,

Yes, I agree. I plan to just take the car to the local tire store (Just Tires) and do a trial install with several manufacturer's tires. I hope to mount the widest , best looking tire available without clearance issues.

Coincidentally, Today during lunch, I visited the 2nd happiest place in SoCal (my Tuner's shop) and spotted an '86 951 in his parking lot. The rear had 255/45/17 on some type of Perrelli with the C2 style Boxster "take offs"...NICE. The rear tires filled the wheel well completely. Confirms my theory that a 255/45-50/16 will work on my '86 na.

Tifo,

If the above does not appeal to me then I might be interested in trading wheels (less tires). I'll let you know. Should have this project complete within the next 2-3 weeks as I also plan to paint the spokes. The high polished spokes do not appeal to me on this vehicle.

[Makis]

From my experience Yokohama seem to be more generous with size while Khumo's seem to the least generous. Some tire manufactures provide physical specification of their tires on their Web pages. Going to a larger profile tire will mean that the gearing of your car and the handling will be affected.

[COLDBASS]

Last Friday, I stopped by the tire store to obtain prices on some 225s and 255s (ouch!). Since I would have to special order the 255s (Goodyear RSA) the shop Manager asked if I wanted to look at a Bridgestone that he had in stock simply for size reference.
Last Dec, It seems that a ricer had special ordered them and when they arrived he had decided against them (too big). Turns out the tires were 245/45/16 Potenza RE730s. Hmmm, "well I am running this model on my 923 and I like their traction properties, how much?" I said. "Make me an Offer" he replied. "100 bucks each?" I said. "Sold. My Boss told me to unload them at any price...".

As you know, this was not exactly what I wanted however, the 730s look better on the 9" Fuchs than the Dunlops of the same size???
I have hesitated on the fronts, as I have decided that I do not want 8" Fuchs on the front. I have cut a deal with my tuner for 2-7" Fuchs for the front. Next week I will mount the wheels with fresh 225 RE730s. Next project I will begin focusing on induction
(chips, throttle body) to take advantage of the Web cam and (head work) that was recently installed with the rebuild.

All, Thanks for the advice...