Converting from 15" to 16" wheels - 1985.5 944
 

I have 1985.5 944 NA with 7 x 15 phone dials with 23.3mm offsets (running 215/60 VR15s).

I am considering converting to 7 x 16 in front and 8 x 16 in the rear (either phone dials or Fuchs replicas). Both have 52.3mm offset.

Q.1 - Will these bolt on to the existing hubs or will I have to make modifications?

Q.2 - I expect to run 225/50 VR16 up front and 245/45 VR16 in the rear. Will this create any fender clearance issues?

Q.3 - Alternately, would the 7 x 16 all the way around make more sense?

The 52.3mm offset will fit but you should uses spacers with them to bring the offset back to your 23.3mm.

With the larger offset, the lug bolts will be closer to the outside of the rim. Without spacers, the wheels will sit closer to the center of the car and will look funny.

I picked up a set of 16" phondials from a 928 and didn't realize that the offset was 65mm vs. my 52.3mm on my '88. It had the same result as what I just stated above and when I measured from the outside to outside, I had a 3" difference from my stock 15's. It actually made the tires look skinnier eventhough they were the exact same width and the wheel wells did not fill correctly.

With spacers, this will push your wheels out which is exactly what is happening with your current 23.3mm.

If It were me, I'd try and find a set of the correct 23.3mm offset - they look better and are more deep dish than the later 52.3mm wheels.

Vern

I would go for a good set of Fuchs 16" X 7" of correct offset. I like the nuetral balance of the car with 7" all around. I like to be able to bring the back end around with some throttle lift off. I think if you went 8" in the back your car would have more tendiancy to understeer at the limit of adhesion.

Speedy:)

Thanks for the help.

I have found some Fuch's repilica's 16" x 7" with 23.3mm offset and 16" x 8" with a 10.6mm offset that appears to work (based on 1010tires.com's offset calculator).

Now to pick tires... Think I am going to try General Exclaim UHP or Kumho Ecsta SPTs based on the reviews on TireRack.com

I would try to find some original Fuchs on ebay. Not much more than replicas but alot better (stronger) wheel and I think they are lighter too.

Thanks for all the help. Looks like it could be challenging to find 16" wheels with the right offset, but I guess that's what the Internet is for:)

there's a set on the for sale forum right now.

nate