Re: 944 wheels

Jun 29, 2003 4 Replies

Those were definitely a switch.



There were 2 options available for 1983-1985.5 and that was Fuchs (high end aluminum) found on the 911 or Cookie Cutters (Steel). In 1986 the Phone Dial (Aluminum) was added as a choice, and Fuchs and Cookie Cutters were dropped by 1987. The idea was to put the 944 more into it's 928 roots. The dish wheels were added in 1989 as were the C2 Type 90's. Ironically the 911, 928 and 944 ALL had C2 Type 90 wheels by 1990.


Heres the story: Saw a 1983 944 for sale, but it had the 85.5+ phone dial
> wheels on it and not the black out ones that the typical 83-84 cars had (It
> was for sure an early car by looking at the dash). Owner said that they put
> those style wheels on the late 83 models. I've never seen another early 944
> with these before, is the owner correct or did a previous owner put those on
> as an upgrade?
>
>
>
>

Is there any advantage to those wheels? I'm not so sure I even like the looks of them better.

I don't think so. The phone dails with an ET of 23.3 where from the 85 and

86 type 2 models. After that the offset changed to 52.3 to get space for the ABS option.

I don't see it as an upgrade it is just how you like the looks. Fuchs are an upgrade because they are stronger and maybe also a bit lighter.

Paul

Yup. Phone dials were 85.5-onwards.

Cookies are aluminum too.

Fuchs were dropped when the wheel offsets changed (i.e., 1987 model year).

Cookies and phone dials are cast aluminum. Fuchs are forged, so are a bit stronger than the others. All are very light compared to aftermarket wheels. IIRC, they are in the 19-22 lb range, whereas most aftermarket wheels are in the 25-30 lb range.

Appearance-wise, I've always liked the phone dials - especially as you get a few feet away from the car. The holes seem to stop looking like holes, and there is a neat 'criss-cross' look to the center of the wheel. Technically, the Fuchs are a better wheel, but they don't have quite as modern a look.

Walt - 86 944 w/phone dials (and a spare set of Fuchs...)

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required