What size tyres?

[Veerzigzag]

Can't find anything posted about this so apols if it's an old chestnut.
Have just acquired a set of Cup 1's and had them refurbished - epoxy powder coated in original colour.
Great job by Peterborough Trim Repairs for £300+VAT - they had several coats of paint to be removed but no kerbing or corrosion.
Now for the tyres - am going round in circles (oh!) using the internet calculators.
Fronts are 16x7, so ideally 205/55 or 215/55??
Rears are 16x8, so perhaps 225/50 or 235/50 (but latter tyres size does not seem to be available in 16"). They had 245/45's on them before, but that seems a bit fat.
I understand that skinnier tyres on wider rims give better handling but harsher ride - is that true?
What do people with this size of wheels fit by way of rubber? Examples that have been found to work would be greatly appreciated!
(p.s. Without wishing to have people spluttering into their tea, I was thinking of opting for Continental Sport Contact N1 items)

 

[Copperman05]

205 front and 225 rear should be fine with those cup 1's, very nice wheels and pretty light too. Why would anyone splut into their tea? The Continentals are a well proven tyre and being German look good on an old Porsche too, an alternative would be Bridgstone S02 N3, or as a budget choice (but still very good) the Falken 452's are popular with us 944 lot.


Edd

 

[GlennS]

205/55 Front + 225/50 Rear on those wheel sizes is the "standard" 944 S2 setup. I'd recommend Bridgestone Potenza S02s N3 in that size but if your heart is set on Contis... well that's good too.

 

[zcacogp]

I had Conti's on my D90's when I bought the car. They are perfectly fine tyres, although my only criticism is that they break away quite sharply.

When they wore out I changed them for some Falken 452's, as Edd mentioned. I prefer them; while the ultimate grip is fracitonally less, the breakaway is much more progressive and the ride quality is possibly better. They are also a LOT cheaper than the Conti's.


Oli.

 

[edh]

I think you've got it absolutely spot on - will look great

 

[Veerzigzag]

instant help - brilliant - should have asked before ploughing through all that internet tyre calculator nightmare! Size sorted and just that choice of make - I had Falkens on my Brabus Roadster and they were fine - Potenza's on my Honda S2000 and ditto fine. Spoilt for choice!
Apologies for showing a pic of an undressed wheel rim - this version has the Tequipment centre and Richbrook titanium screw-in valve - that's better!

 

[T3rra]

Center caps need 2 macth, easyer done with a colour creast


Concaved style cap works well

 

[GlennS]

Just for interest, here is Porsche's recommended list from Feb 2011 for the 944, mod. ´87-´89

7Jx16 205/55 ZR16 (Front)
Pirelli P Zero Direzionale N3
Bridgestone Potenza S-02 N3
Continental ContiSportContact N1
Dunlop SP 9000
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 N0

8Jx16 225/50 ZR16 (Rear)
Pirelli P Zero Asimmetrico N3
Bridgestone Potenza S-02 N3
Continental ContiSportContact N1
Dunlop SP 9000
Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 N0

 

[944 man]

My suggestion is 225/50/16s all around. A slightly stretched tyre is preferable and it wont be stretched at all on a seven inch rim, but compared to the benefit offered by 225s, I wouldnt lose any sleep over it.

With regards to 'approved Porsche fitments' and the tyres suitability: remember that Porsche fitted the 7"x16" original Boxster rear with a 225/50/16...

 

[Veerzigzag]

Center caps need 2 macth, easyer done with a colour creast

The photo looks like they don't match but that is the lighting, as the crest is square-on and the surrounding walls are sloping inwards. Looks perfect in daylight. I have a set of coloured ones as well, and will be able to swap them - vanity!!
Many thanks to Glenn and 944-man; your constructive and informational advice is greatly appreciated.