Wheel question, cross post from RL

[voo-doo]

I am thinking switching from 15" wheels to 17", more choices for tires. I have an '83, early offset manual steering. What wheel options are there for early offset? I would prefer to not have to use spacers.

If I do go to a larger wheel are there changes that I would need to make. And how would it effect my car?

[DannoXYZ]

There are no factory 17" wheels with early 23.3mm offset. Aftermarket ones are available but they are heavy monsters. Nothing wrong with spacers if you get the non-adapter types and install longer studs. In fact, this is how the factory did it on the rear.

If you get heavier than-stock wheels & tyres, handling and ride-quality will suffer. Main benefit is improved cornering grip. On my '86 951 (early offset), I was able to use 17x10.5/11.5" wheels with 255/40-17 and 275/40-17 tyres by increasing offset by 1/2" to 35mm. Similar to what Porsche did in going from Turbo to TurboS.

[Jreyes94]

You're gonna have to do some researching on custom wheels, as the backspacing will be different than stock. If you use a larger, wider wheel, chances are you'll need spacers. These links might help you.

944 Wheels FAQ
14.0 Performance Modifications

I personally love the cookie cutters, but couldnt stand the wheel gap in the rear. So, what I did was swap out my studs for longer ones, with the factory spacer and a second hubcentric spacer. Open ended lug nuts too.

Ive read not to go any larger than 17" wheels on a N/A 944 because it'll affect peformance.

[Rasta Monsta]

Search a u t o m o t i o n . c o m for "Euromeister." They may not be feather light, like the originals, but I've seen them on a few cars and they look fantastic. They do come in 17, and the price is right.

[djnolan]

Nice look, are they available in a late offset?

[DannoXYZ]

Originally Posted by Jreyes94

You're gonna have to do some researching on custom wheels, as the backspacing will be different than stock. If you use a larger, wider wheel, chances are you'll need spacers. These links might help you.

944 Wheels FAQ
14.0 Performance Modifications

I personally love the cookie cutters, but couldnt stand the wheel gap in the rear. So, what I did was swap out my studs for longer ones, with the factory spacer and a second hubcentric spacer. Open ended lug nuts too.

Ive read not to go any larger than 17" wheels on a N/A 944 because it'll affect peformance.

Note that the offset information in the 944FAQ is incorrect for some models. The '86 early-offset ones I think.