Porsche 901 (1963) Wheel Fitment
Porsche 901 (1963): 5x130 bolt pattern, 71.6mm center bore. Factory wheels: 15x4.5J. Reference fitment ranges.
Wheel Size & Offset at a Glance
| Configuration | Wheel Size & Offset |
|---|---|
| Factory (OE) | 15x4.5J at ET45 |
| Flush Fitment | 15x6J at ET36 offset |
| Maximum Aggressive | 15x7J at ET23 offset |
How to Read Wheel Offset & Measurements
Use these two references before ordering: the left diagram shows where each spec (PCD, center bore, offset, width and diameter) is measured on the wheel; the right diagram shows how positive, zero and negative offset shift the wheel face relative to the hub centerline.
Porsche 901 OE Wheel Specs
The 1963 Porsche 901 (Prototype Coupe) uses a 5x130 bolt pattern with a 71.6mm center bore. Factory wheels are 15x4.5J at ET45.
Why the factory spec works for most owners:
- Keeps unsprung weight low to preserve the factory handling balance
- Matches the wider, performance-oriented tire sizing typical of this platform
- Maintains clearance for the factory brake package and suspension geometry
- Balances grip with ride comfort for daily and spirited driving
Flush Fitment
For a flush look with minimal rubbing, 15x6J ET36 is the recommended starting point on a stock or mildly lowered Porsche 901.
Maximum Aggressive Fitment
15x7J ET23 is a more aggressive reference setup. Beyond this, expect rubbing under compression without fender rolling or camber correction.
Real-World Fitment Notes
The 901 is the pre-production 911 name and shares the classic 5x130 Fuchs platform; period-correct builds use 15in Fuchs 4.5-6J or Braid alloys 5x130 / 71.6 CB carried through all classic 911s to 1989; hub-centric with 71.6 rings 15x4.5J (5x130 PCD, 71.6 CB, ~ET45)
5-Tier Configuration Options
A Factory-Style 15x4.5J ET45
Recommended setup: 15x4.5J ET45 | Economy impact: Negligible | Best for: Daily commuting, family use
Appearance: 7/10 | Comfort: 9.5/10 | Install difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆
Estimated cost: $450-800 (wheels + tires + install)
B Comfortable Upgrade 15x5.5J ET41
Recommended setup: 15x5.5J ET41 | Economy impact: -2 to -4% | Best for: Daily / street
Appearance: 8/10 | Comfort: 9/10 | Install difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆
Estimated cost: $1,950-2,550 (wheels + tires + install)
C Balanced / Flush Fit 15x6.0J ET36
Recommended setup: 15x6.0J ET36 | Economy impact: -4 to -6% | Best for: Street
Appearance: 8.5/10 | Comfort: 8/10 | Install difficulty: ★★☆☆☆
Estimated cost: $2,600-3,400 (wheels + tires + install)
D Aggressive 15x6.5J ET30
Recommended setup: 15x6.5J ET30 | Economy impact: -6 to -9% | Best for: Show / occasional track
Appearance: 9/10 | Comfort: 6.5/10 | Install difficulty: ★★★☆☆
Estimated cost: $3,900-5,000 (wheels + tires + install)
E Max Aggressive 15x7.0J ET23
Recommended setup: 15x7.0J ET23 | Economy impact: -8 to -12% | Best for: Show only
Appearance: 9.5/10 | Comfort: 4/10 | Install difficulty: ★★★★☆
Estimated cost: $4,800-6,200+ (wheels + tires + install)
Performance Comparison Matrix
| Metric | Tier A | Tier B | Tier C | Tier D | Tier E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel Spec | 15x4.5J ET45 | 15x5.5J ET41 | 15x6.0J ET36 | 15x6.5J ET30 | 15x7.0J ET23 |
| Economy Impact | Negligible | -2 to -4% | -4 to -6% | -6 to -9% | -8 to -12% |
| Appearance | 7/10 | 8/10 | 8.5/10 | 9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Comfort | 9.5/10 | 9/10 | 8/10 | 6.5/10 | 4/10 |
| Install Difficulty | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Cost Range | $450-800 | $1,950-2,550 | $2,600-3,400 | $3,900-5,000 | $4,800-6,200+ |
| Best For | Daily commuting, family use | Daily / street | Street | Show / occasional track | Show only |
Real-World Reference Cases
The examples below are compiled from typical ANKUSI customer configurations and are labeled as reference cases, not individually verified real-world builds.
Case 1: Daily Driver (Factory-Style)
Profile: Everyday driving, prioritizes comfort and low running cost.
Setup: 15x4.5J ET45
Cost: ~$620
Outcome: Minimal visual change, ride and fuel economy essentially unaffected.
Case 2: Balanced Enthusiast (Balanced / Flush Fit)
Profile: Wants a sportier stance without sacrificing daily usability.
Setup: 15x6.0J ET36
Cost: ~$3,000
Outcome: Noticeable visual upgrade, fuel economy drop within the expected range.
Case 3: Show Build (Max Aggressive)
Profile: Built primarily for shows or occasional track/show use.
Setup: 15x7.0J ET23
Cost: ~$5,500
Outcome: Maximum visual impact; daily comfort and fuel economy are heavily compromised, physical test fit required before production.
Decision Guide
Offset & Backspacing Reference
Backspacing is calculated as wheel width (in) ÷ 2 + offset (mm) ÷ 25.4 + 0.5 (flange allowance):
- OE: 15x4.5J ET45 → ~4.52″ backspacing
- Flush: 15x6J ET36 → ~4.92″ backspacing
- Max: 15x7J ET23 → ~4.91″ backspacing
A Note on Clearance
Final clearance depends on the exact tire model, suspension height, brake package, alignment and vehicle tolerances. A physical test fit is recommended before production.
Want to check a different width or offset before you order? Use our Offset & Backspacing Calculator to solve the numbers yourself, or looking for your exact Porsche spec, or want a wheel built to a custom offset for your Porsche 901? Contact ANKUSI with your bolt pattern and offset target and we will confirm the correct forged wheel spec for your build.