944 Turbo Wheels

[allgonepetetong]

Hello Guys

Has anyone upgraded the wheels on the their late model (90-91) 951? The standard wheels are 16" in diameter and I'd like to hear any experience anyone has of 18"s before I splash the cash

Things I'd particularly like to hear are:

Does the 1" lower profile tyre sidewall has an adverse effect on handling?
Does it cause the car to tramline excessively?
Do you find the car sharper on turn in, if so does it cause the back to tend to oversteer on turn in?
Does it make the ride harsh and choppy?
Does the increase in wheel size increase the unsprung weight significantly and what effect did this have?

Most cars seem to have the 17" wheels if upgraded, but I love the look of the 18" so would prefer this but not at the expence of ride quality and handling.

Thanks all - here's looking forward to some interesting comments

Cheers

Pete :beer

edited to make the whole thing comprehendable

>> Edited by allgonepetetong on Friday 2nd June 03:54

[The Undertaker]

Hi,
the 18's will fit no problem. Usual donor wheels are the 993 Turbo size alloys which are 7 1/2J fronts with 225/40 tyres and 10J rears with 265/35 tyres but obviously these need spacers as the offsets are incorrect for the car.
Porsche themselves do not recommend fitting 18's to 944's as they say that there is additional stress put on wheel bearings,but obviously it can be done. Handling wise things are going to be slightly more harsh due to the decrease in tyre profile but if you like a hard ride then you'll be fine.
I have a friend who has run these on his 951 for a number of years with no problems.
On a personal note I tried 18's on my 968CS but found the car to be better suited on the original 17'' cups especially for track work.
There are a few sets knocking around so they shouldnt be hard to find although the genuine hollow spoke turbo wheels wont be cheap.
Happy hunting !

Mark.

[cuneus]

18's are one of the most desperately sad things you can do to a 944. If you must have bigger wheels get 17's (genuine Porsche) and fit the upgraded caster mounts

[allgonepetetong]

cuneus said:

18's are one of the most desperately sad things you can do to a 944. If you must have bigger wheels get 17's (genuine Porsche) and fit the upgraded caster mounts

I do hope that you actually meant to say 'it would be a desperate shame' (to put 18s on a 944) due to the spoiled handling / asthetics Cuneus.

Someone could get a bit upset if they thought you were calling THEM sad for wanting to fit 18s on their 385bhp Turbo.

Of course, I know you have a bit more tact and consideration for others than to post something like that. :wink

>> Edited for spehelling by allgonepetetong on Friday 2nd June 09:47

>> Edited by allgonepetetong on Friday 2nd June 09:56

[HAB]

There's a statement from Porsche that says under NO circumstances should 18 inch wheels be fitted to the 944,something to do with wear/stress on wheel bearings and/or hub assembly.
I'll try and find a link to it this evening.

Oh, and 18 inch wheels look awful on the 944,anyway.

Edited by HAB on Friday 2nd June 10:57

[sfl993t4]

If anyone's interested I have an original set of 993TT hollow spoke 18's that I don't use (currently run Ruf 18's). 3 fine, 1 with a slightly dented rim (I guess either a repair, or buy one new rim).

Steve

[cuneus]

www.asco96.dsl.pipex.com/944t/wheels.htm

Of course my previous comments were not directed to the person :]

[HAB]

That's the one,David. I for one would'nt even consider buying a 944 that had 18 inch wheels fitted. Imo the styling of the 944 doesn't lend itself well to huge wheels with rubber band tyres- just looks....wrong.

[cuneus]

Yeah m8 whn had me cookin 944 me hacked the springs and slammed it - 90mm wiv da 19inch chromy spinners it waz wikid.

[shaunportlock]

I put 18 inch wheels on my 944 and it does all those things.Porsche spend millions on getting the handling of a car right.You cannot make it better by putting bigger wheels on,something has to give.They tramline and aquaplane like mad but they do look great!I would do it everytime.

[009]

17's are the best choice for a 944 in terms of all round handling & looks, stick to a 205 55 on std 944 front & 225 50 on a Tbo & S2 front, rears will be 255 45 17 and are fine on both cars, 18's look great but are too big realy!