I just bought some winter wheels and tires and have some questions about the wheels. I bought the OZ wheels which are 18X8.5 fronts and 18X10 rears. The tires are 225/40-18 front and 265/35-18's rear.

I figured this would be no problem for fitment on my 996tt; however, the rears look pretty small compared to the size of the factory wheels and wheel wells. I'm guessing this may have to do with the offset of the wheels? I did not buy the wheels and tires new, but according to tirerack it appears that the offset for these wheels is 40mm. I believe the factory wheels have an offset of 45mm.

My mechanic buddy that changed the wheels for me suggested a spacer for the rears. He measured and found that a 30mm spacer would work. This seems too large based on the above numbers? He found one online sold by ECS for around $200 for spacers and new bolts.

Basically, I'm lost here and can use any guidance in this matter. The fronts look ok, but the rears almost look like I have spare tires on. Any advice is much appreciated!!

Thanks

 

I have a similar question, I have a set of Blizzak 205/50 17's and 255/40 17's for my '01 C2, will these work on the '01 TT ? I know the OE are 18"

 

oem is 11 and gt2 is 12 width. so your down 1 to 2 " already adding a tiny tire from a 295 oem size to a 265 is the reason the look is so odd.

 

If your purpose is true winter tires, then narrower and some open well for the snow accunmulation is a good way Togo. Aesthetics aside, they arer functional.

 

another P, no to confuse things but which one of us were you answering?

 

i doubt the 17" will clear the calipers on the tt

 

Oops, sorry. I was responding to the original post. However the concept of narrow and smaller applies in all winter use cases. (as long as they fit over your brakes as someone else noted too)

 

HI,I run in the winter , Conti DWS all season tires,,295/35/18 and 245/40 18 and have no problem in light to moderate snow and they are great for traction when it is dry out and the temps are below 40 as compared to summer or snow tires..I have a set of 285/35/18s like new real cheap.

 

Great. Thanks for the info. I think I'm just going to leave them how they sit for now since they are only for the winter. The only purpose of the spacers is for looks as I am told.