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1987 Porsche 911 — going one inch smaller for winter wheels

BatteryLearner102Community StarterFeb 7, 20261987 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2Houston
1987 Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2, about 247,000 miles. I want smaller winter wheels for more sidewall. Overall tire diameter can stay close, but I am worried about caliper and spoke clearance. What measurements should be checked before ordering? I am trying not to assume the first explanation I see online.
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3 replies

NewCarMechanicish876Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 8, 2026permalink
I'd pick the setup I'll actually live with in slush. In Houston, dedicated winters on the 1987 Porsche 911 paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. Then you'll know the next fork. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
NewCarMechanicish876Community StarterCommunity StarterFeb 8, 2026permalink
This is a climate question as much as a tire question. In Houston, dedicated winters on the 1987 Porsche 911 paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. That's where I'd start. On “going one inch smaller for winter wheels,” that was the fork that mattered for me. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
V8CollectorCommunity StarterCommunity StarterFeb 8, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. In Houston, dedicated winters on the 1987 Porsche 911 paid off more than I expected on ice, even on plowed roads. I'd do that before spending real money. This is from a 1987 Porsche 911 in Houston with 247,000 miles. Did the worksheet show tax yet? Next check is the cheap one I can do in a driveway.
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