83 944 cup 2 tire size

[darrelloswald51]

I have a set of cup 2 wheels on my 83 944 they are offset 7.5 and 9 inches. the rear tires are 255/50-17 which makes them 25 inches tall. The current front tires on the 7.5 wheel are 205/50-17 which are 25.1 tall and 8.1 wide. the OEM size for that wheel from Porsche is 225/45-17 which is also 25 tall but is 8.9 wide. The .1 in height is negligible but will the .8 in width make a big difference? There seems to be plenty of clearance for a slightly wider tire. Trying to figure out why the previous owners had a 205 instead of a 225 and trying to figure out what is best for my 944

thank you,

[924RACR]

Hmmm... can't speak to 944 fender clearance, but I JUST put a set of Cup2's on my 931 that came with 205's front and 245s in the rear. I honestly wouldn't want any more front tire because manual steering (guessing your 944 is power? Most likely) but the 245's in the rear are an easy fit under the body...

As for what is "best" for your 944 - what does "best" mean to you? Are you going for looks, or handling, or what exactly? Different answers...

[djnolan]

Cup II's are beautiful wheels. when you get a chance can you post a pic on the car?

[darrelloswald51]

924RACR. The 205/50-17 on the cup 2s are 8.1 wide and the original 215/60-15 are 8.5 wide while the larger 225/45/17 are 8.9 so just curious is .4 narrower or .4 wider is better than the stock size.

[walfreyydo]

Either 205 or 225 would be fine for a 7.5" wheel. Typically 205 is best on a 7 and 225 is best on an 8. A 205 might have a bit of a stretch and a 225 may have a bit of a bulge (both very minimal in either), so aesthetically, its your choice. You could also go 215, but I think tire choices in that size are more limited. I would also shoot for a sidewall between 205/55 to 225/50, if you are shooting for an OEM appearance.

Performance and everyday driving, you will not feel or notice a difference. Maybe a tad bit more front grip with the 225 but youll never reach the limit to notice on the street.

[924RACR]

Again, you'd need to define what you mean by "better" before I can speak to that.

We put 245/45/15 tires on our 15x6 rims for racing, but it doesn't make the tire guys happy.

[924RACR]

Pics of black Cup2s on various cars here:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-924-944-968-used-parts-sale-wanted/1124841-17-cup-ii-wheels-tires-oem-recently-black-powder-coated.html

[Jfrahm]

I run 225/50-16 on 7's and like 'em. In your case since Cup2s are late offset a lot depends on the spacers or offset of aftermarket wheels to determine what will fit, but IMO 225s would be fine if they don't rub. I had cup2s on a 968 with stock tire sizes and those were just fine as one would expect but I think the front spring diameter is smaller though for tire clearance?

Stock 1994 968 with Cup2 wheels were:
225/45ZR17; 7.5Jx17 ET55
255/40ZR17; 9Jx17 ET55

[darrelloswald51]

Thanks for the replies everyone!