Narrow body fuch 7R fitment, anyone running fuch 7R wheels? Options

[tomkirkcis]

.I have been running searches for a couple of hours but can't find any info on fitment of 7r fuchs on a 914.

I have a narrow body 1970 factory 914-6 that has a hot 3.2SS motor and a close ratio LSD box Dr Evil built for me. It currently has 205/50 on 6 x 15 fuchs. Not enough tire .

I have some AA metal flairs I got in a group buy a couple of years ago that I inteneded to install. I have four 9 x 16 fuchs that I was going to install all around . Certainly would take care things

I am having second thoughts about installing flairs. It is just so much fun having a stock looking 914 with a big motor.

I have access to a set of 4 7r Fuchs with 225/50 Brigestones. These are the Fuchs with the large backspacing

Is anyone have 7Rs fitted to a narrow body?
What tires can you fit?
What spacers?

Thanks
Tom

[tomkirkcis]

I have been traveling on business a ton, and was able to play in the garage for the first time. I took a set of 7R rims that are mounted with Bridgestone Potenza S-03 225/50ZR 15's. The 7R backset is listed as 138MM. I used a straight edge laid across the back of the tires and measured the backset at 6 1/2 inches to the rim mounting surface. I installed them on the rear of my 914. After rolling the car back and forth and bouncing it to settle, the inside fit is VERY tight, but clears. I would suspect cornering or bounce might cause contact on the inside. The ouside is also tight but might clear. The tight spot being the outside rear. My passenger sideis slightly tighter than the driver side.

I decided to use a high tech method. I went to the local Tractor Supply store and bought a pound of 1/2" flat washers I then used the 1/2" flat washers to space out the rims. Washers stacked 3 deep (about 8.5MM) "appears to give Just enough clearance on the inside. I have no idea why this looked to be enough space to me but it did. This would effectively reduce the 7R backset of 138 mm to about 130mm. All other fuch 7 inch rims, including both the 15" or 16" have a backset of 112mm . If my eyeball engineering is correct, the R's may have about an 18mm backeset advantage over other factory 7's.

HaraldD's post above says he uses a 27mm spacer. This would reduce his 7R's backset from 138MM to only 111MM. Eric Shea's comment would be correct, This would be a very expensive way to get the same backset available from far less expensive standard factory 7" rims.

The 225/50's on 7R look SO much better than the 205/50's on deep 6's. Not only the width but also the more correct height. I am thinking 225/50r rubber on 7's might be enough rubber.

The only way to tell if they fit is to drive them. With the washers in place,It might just take the slightest of rolling the opening

With the washers in place, I get 4 revolutions of the lug nuts. I am a little nervous thinking of driving with only 4 turns. Anyone know if I am asking for diaster? I am thinking limited testing, not a permenant condition here. I will have some images to post a little later.

Tom