S2 Wheel Upgrade

[cdickinson]

Hi Folks,

I have finally decided to take the plunge and upgrade from the D90's.....

Having read many threads and searched on here about which offsets I need, I am now totally confused - I have narrowed by search to the wheel options below - can someone please confirm if they will fit straight on / if I need spacers / if they won't fit at all......

Option 1
GT3-style, 2 Piece from a 996 C2
7.5J x 18 ET50
10J x 18 ET65

Option 2
Cup1-style, from a 964
7.5J x 17 ET23
9J x 17 ET15
(not sure if the offsets are the wrong way round!)

I have a 944 S2 Cabriolet - 1990.

Many thanks,
Chris.

 

[Fen]

Option 2 won't fit (but I don't think they are from a 964 with those offsets). Option 1 will fit I'm almost certain, but with 10x18 rears you don't have a lot of room for maneuvre. If there is a problem with that combo it will be on the inside of the wheel, not the outside, but I'm pretty sure Rick's wheels will be similar offset. Worst case a 5mm or 7mm shim on the back would sort it out.

 

[Diver944]

ORIGINAL: Fen

Option 1 will fit I'm almost certain, but with 10x18 rears you don't have a lot of room for maneuvre.

Check your wheel arch lips first. Most Turbos (like Ricks) have their arch lips rolled so there is an extra 1 cm clearance. Most S2's do not and you run teh risk of the arch lip gouging into your tyre if clearance is tight.

If you go for 17" or 18" wheels you really must change your caster mounts on the front wishbones to the 968 version or you will get terrible tramlining. Plenty of info (and pictures of my caster mounts [] ) here:

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

 

[Fen]

Good point on the lips, though my cab had them rolled so I think it's more age than model that defines it.

I also just noticed the candidate is a cab; it will drive like a complete dog on 18's, trust me.

 

[wjk_glynn]

I know that the Cup II rims from a 993 work fine on my S2. Those wheels and tyres are:

Front: 7x17, 55mm offset, 205/50 R17 (804rpm)
Rear: 9x17, 55mm offset, 255/40 R17 (806rpm)

Here's a pic:

Karl.

 

[eastendr]

Paul & Fen are spot on. Option 1 are the same size as on WUF. However.

You will definately need the arches 'rolled'. Also you will need 7mm spacers on the rear if running 285 rubber or they will rub the inner arch. Also there may be an issue at the front if you're running standard (wide) springs and not the much thinner M030 or equivalent 2.25" coilovers.

If you're going to 18", I recommend the Lindsey Racing spherical caster mounts and a thorough 4-wheel alignment - it's quite critical. Mounts are http://www.lindseyracing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=LR&Category_Code=944CONTROLARMMISC

I'm currently experimenting with 245/40/18 P zero at the front and things are heading in the right direction. 255/35/18 next []

HTH

Rick.

 

[cdickinson]

Many thanks for the feedback gents.

I have now gone and bought the 18's (yes, rushed into it but did it because of a good price) and therefore have a few more questions....

I was considering the following tyres sizes:
front 225 40 18 - would these still foul the front springs? - how wide can I go before fouling?
rear 265 35 18 - would I still need spacers? - should I go wider with spacers? - where can I get the required spacers from?

I'm taking the car for a bodywork quote tomorrow (front end re-spray) and will therefore also mention the need for rolling the arches (if they aren't already! - will check tonight).

Fen, would you strongly recommend against the 18's due to scuttle shake (handling like a dog) etc. or can you live with it when compared with how good it should hopefully look?!

Paul, what should I expect to pay someone to do the caster mount work and where should I get the parts from?

Sorry for the barrage of continued questions - your help is much appreciated.....Chris.

p.s.Once I know the full scale of the job, I may have to make a decision to just re-sell the 18's and continue the hunt for nice 17's.....! (I was always wanting some OEM cup 1's)

 

[mik_ok]

Castor mounts are approx £80 for the pair inc VAT from your OPC.

See THIS THREAD for part numbers and ifo (and lots of silly banter too I'm afraid [] ).

Fitting is easy ~ less than an hour.

 

[Fen]

Yes, the 18's will make the flex in the chassis much, much worse. That said I lived with it for a fair few months and if you already have the wheels you may as well try them out to see what you think for yourself.

 

[cdickinson]

So, just to be clear - the least you should do for 17's is get /do the following:
replace exitsing 'FRONT' castor mounts with OEM 968 items (or better from Lindsey racing)
968 part no: 951-341-023-01
approx £83 for the pair
DIY - approx 1 hour but soak everything in WD40 well in advance (2 weeks)

If you're going for 18's, consider:
rolled arches
front springs may foul
rears may fouls inner arch if running 285's
get a 4-wheel alignment
cab's may still handle like a dog

....easy eh!

 

[Fen]

You can run 265/35 18's instead of 285s to help rear clearance. At the front I can't see a problem if you stick to 225 tyres. Get a 4-wheel alignment whatever you do (even if you keep the D90s).

 

[cdickinson]

Well, I've decided to whimp out and abandon the 18" route: I don't have rolled arches so getting that done, having spacers, worrying about spring clearance on the front and a potential bad ride has put me off.....Expect to see some GT3 18" split rims for sale.....!

Does anyone know of any 17" Cup1 or Cup 2's that are for sale with the correct, following offsets: (or a combination that you know works on S2's)

Cup1's: front ET47, rear ET55
Cup2's: front ET55, rear ET55

Thanks for all the help,
Chris.

p.s. 968 caster mounts on their way.....

 

[Guest]

Hi Chris,

I went through all this several months ago. You need to choose between Cup1's and Cup2's then keep a regular eye on Pistonheads and ebay. I opted for Cup2's (as Karl's above) and am really pleased with the choice.

there's a set here that would fit...

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PORSCHE-CUP-2-ALLOYS-AND-TYRES-911-944-968_W0QQitemZ170005996975QQihZ007QQcategoryZ10408QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Good luck

Matt

 

[Guest]

another set here, that may or may not fit...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/87350.htm

perhaps a little overpriced, depending on condition, tyres etc

Matt

 

[cdickinson]

Thanks Matt.

I had noticed the cup 2's but the price is rocketing already - ebay seems the place to sell and not buy!
I would prefer cup 1's so will hold out..... I found a set of cup 1's at Jasmine Motorsport - they want £1050 +vat without tyres !!!!!!!! - (think they're getting a little carried away)

Chris.