After a friend “borrowing” my 302-powered ’95 960 did a neat grind job on an out-of-production 17” Borbet, I started looking for alternatives. Being a fan of the sleeper look, I found the Centerline Del Mar, 2-piece forged aluminum, http://www.centerlinewheels.com/customs/customs1.php# which if you leave off the ugly center cap, look just like a steel wheel when painted/powder coated black. The 16 x 8-inch wheel is just $169 (17x8, $189), and when asked said they would drill the proper bolt pattern.
To the questions:
1. Searching the archives, I haven’t found much in the way of definitive answers as to what larger-sized tires will fit without major surgery; a 225/50-16 is an easy choice, but I’d like to go bigger… 235s would be nice. Any firsthand experience with what the widest practical wheel and tire size for a 9-series is?
2. Does anyone know much compression travel is there in the front and rear? After years of suffering in lowered cars, I'm a big fan of travel, so if it's limited I’d rather have a little more sidewall (ie the 16-inch wheel).
Thanks and regards, Jared