17" wheels..., any reasons not to? Options

[campbellcj]

Much better selection in high-quality (aftermarket) wheels, and 15-16" race rubber will probably not get any more common in the next couple years either.

I know I've seen race 914s with 17's but most were flared cars running large Kinesis, BBS or Fikse wheels with Hoosiers or slicks.

My car is unflared and so I would be looking at 17x7's with 205/40 Hoosiers. This would give me a 1.6% (just about 10mm) taller tire than the 205/50R15's I'm running now. I am thinking that would be a good thing, i.e. I could keep the slightly shorter tires for short-track or autox use and the taller ones for big road courses.

I still might end up with 16x7 fuchs due to cost, but the 17" concept is intriguing and there sure are some nice wheels in the 17-18" sizes these days.

I don't think the extra weight would be highly significant, because some of the modern forged race wheels are very light and strong. And Hoosiers are very light too.

Any thoughts/ideas?

[Jeroen]

here's some pics from a member of our dutch club

he's got 17" 993 turbo wheels under a narrowbody 914
(dunno what size wheels/tires/spacers he used though)
he did have to pull the rear fenders a bit, but that's hard to notice

I really like the look of 'em
gives the 'ol teener a very modern look

cheers,

jeroen