17 inch wheels on c900

[juiceman_one]

Hi there!

Anyone experienced driving c900 on 17" wheels? I have one set of really nice ACT's ready for mine but not sure if it'll work together.

I know about the front control arms weakness, so they need to be strenghtened. Any other issues to worry about?

Thanks in advance for replies.

Peter (new here)

[peva]

I think it's almost certain you are going to be rubbing the wheel arches, especially at the rear - 16" certainly do. There's only one way to find out. Also checkout the offset on the wheels. It should be the same as spec Saab, otherwise you will be getting strange steering effects. Don't think you need to worry about the strength of the control arms, unless they are heavily corroded.

[juiceman_one]

So they are not corroded I don't see the problem.

And can you tell me whats the stock offset rate on 86? I think 40, but not sure.

[Dave T]

I haven't had a 900 for nearly 10 years. I think my stock wheels were 15 x 5.5, ET40 (offset 40). Even the SPG only came with 16". In those days, 15" were big. Many cars had 14", some even 13". In the early 1980's, some of the Porsche 911's had 225/50VR16. Saabs often had 195/60HR15. In comparison, my current 9-3 has 235/45R17 tires on 17 x 7.5.

[euromobile900]

Only some commemorative edition c900 cars came with 16" wheels, I believe. More in Europe than here. I think that the stock offset for '79-'87 15 inch wheels is 45, but I will check tonight. One of my friends has an early-style c900 with larger wheels, so I will also ask him about them. Personally I find large wheels impractical in foul weather and vulnerable to rough roads, but some people really like them.

[juiceman_one]

Thank you for answers, with offset 40 or 45 i found nice 17 inches here with offset which will fit.

And I'm probably one of those who really like large wheels. Also the car is not for daily purpose so I dont see a problem with driving on rough roads - sure, in Czech we have so many of these.

[JohnJardine]

I have a 1991 900S with 17" BSA rims 215/45R Nanking tires. We did have some rubbing with 2 people in rear. Put new springs on rear and have no problem. Love the look. Don't know what offset is. These rims have been on car many years.

[juiceman_one]

I have a 1991 900S with 17" BSA rims 215/45R Nanking tires. We did have some rubbing with 2 people in rear. Put new springs on rear and have no problem. Love the look. Don't know what offset is. These rims have been on car many years.

Can you post some pictures?

I calculated tyre size compared to original 195/60/15, the closest size is 215/40/17 - they are 6mm smaller in diameter than original. Also I calculated (some web chart) offset number and if original is 15x5,5 off 40 or 45, these 17x7,5 off 35 are going to have the same stance as original. If my (web) numbers are right, there can't be caused any rubbing.

I have prepared whole supspension kit Sachs Advantage/Kilen -40mm. So I hope it'll look nice.

[JohnJardine]

I have picture on this site under JohnJardine Picture of 91 900s convertible on snow

[JohnJardine]

picture on third page of 900 garage scarabe green