Porsche 911/964 Safari Build Wheel Fitment Guide
The recent trend of Safari Porsche 911 builds focus on unique and adventurous modifications of the iconic sports car, combining high-performance engineering with off-road capabilities. Inspired by classic Porsche rally cars, these custom creations are designed to tackle rough terrains and challenging landscapes, making them stand out from the traditional road-focused 911s.
These builds often retain the iconic silhouette and design elements of the Porsche 911, maintaining its recognizable identity while showcasing an aggressive and rugged appearance. With upgraded drivetrains and specialized off-road components, Safari 911s are well-equipped for adventures and exploration beyond asphalt.
The Porsche 911 Safari builds appeal to enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance and exploration, offering a thrilling and versatile driving experience that takes the legendary sports car to new and exciting places.
The History of Porsche 911 Rally
Porsche 911 Domination at Dakar
The Porsche 911 has left an indelible mark on the Dakar Rally. In the 1980s, the 911 SC/RS secured a 1st place victory in the grueling event, showcasing Porsche's rally prowess. Additionally, in 1986, the Porsche 959, an advanced all-wheel-drive supercar, clinched a historic 1st and 2nd place finish. These triumphs underscore the 911's adaptability and performance, transitioning from asphalt to treacherous desert terrains. The Porsche 911's achievements in the Dakar Rally stand as a testament to its engineering excellence and its ability to conquer some of the world's most challenging motorsport challenges.
From Classic Rally 911s to Modern Safari Builds
The evolution of the Porsche 911 rally car into a modern Safari builds took the iconic sports car from tarmac to off-road adventures. Inspired by its rally heritage, enthusiasts started modifying 911s with raised suspensions, robust tires, and reinforced chassis to tackle challenging terrains. These custom Safari builds retained the 911's signature style while embracing off-road capabilities, creating a thrilling fusion of performance and exploration that captivates the imagination of adventure-seeking drivers.
Ken Block's Safari 911 from 2022 East African Safari Rally
The car started life as a standard 1978 Porsche 911 SC, it was purpose built by Tuthill Porsche with a strengthened body, uprated suspension and brakes, a rebuilt engine design for rally, a limited-slip differential, motorsport spec interior and of course, proper wheels by BRAID.
Well Known Safari 911 Builds
BRAID Wheels' reputation in competitive motorsports has carried through into modern safari builds due to their lightweight construction, strength, and precision design. Crafted using advanced techniques like forging, they ensure rigidity and consistent performance, crucial for high-stress racing. Customizable in various sizes and offsets, BRAID wheels cater to specific needs. Heat dissipation features prevent overheating during braking. Proven on the track, these wheels offer durability against impacts, compatibility with diverse setups, and even aerodynamic advantages. With a trusted reputation among racing professionals, BRAID wheels excel in rallying, circuit racing, and off-road competitions, embodying the essential blend of performance, resilience, and customization demanded by motorsport environments.
"BRAID Wheels, Used By The Best Builders"
Matt Farah's Daily Driver Safari 911
Leh Keen built this Safari 911 for Farah and is a stunning example of a modern Safari build. With a lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, BRAID wheels and robust modifications, this custom Porsche 911 delivers exceptional off-road capabilities.
Tuthill Built Safari 911s
Tuthill Porsche boasts a rich rally history that spans over four decades. Founded by Richard Tuthill in 1985, the team has left an indelible mark on the motorsport world. Renowned for their expertise in building and tuning rally-prepared Porsches, Tuthill has secured numerous championships and victories across various rally events globally. Their passion for precision engineering and unwavering commitment to excellence have cemented their status as a dominant force in the thrilling world of rally racing.
Leh Keen Safari Builds
Leh Keen Porsche Safari builds have taken the off-road world by storm. Known for his innovative vision and skillful craftsmanship, Leh Keen transforms classic Porsche 911s into rugged yet stylish safari-inspired machines. These unique creations blend iconic Porsche design with all-terrain capabilities, making them perfect for adventurous enthusiasts. Keen's passion for off-roading and dedication to preserving the Porsche heritage have earned him a devoted following and solidified his position as a trailblazer in the niche market of custom safari builds.
E-Motion Engineering Built Safari 911s
E-Motion Engineering specializes in crafting exceptional Safari-style Porsche 911s. These unique builds blend the iconic 911 silhouette with off-road capabilities, featuring raised suspensions, robust tires, and reinforced components. E-Motion Engineering's Safari 911s pay homage to rally heritage while embracing modern engineering, creating versatile and adventurous vehicles. With meticulous attention to detail, these custom builds offer enthusiasts a thrilling combination of performance and exploration, reimagining the classic sports car for off-road terrain.
Kelly Moss Built Safari 911s
Kelly-Moss is renowned for its masterful creations of custom Porsche 911s. With a rich history in motorsports, the company expertly transforms these iconic cars into high-performance machines. Kelly-Moss-built 911s often feature advanced engineering, aerodynamic enhancements, and powerful drivetrains. Their track record includes victories in various racing series, showcasing their prowess. These builds seamlessly merge innovation with the 911's timeless design, captivating motorsport enthusiasts. Whether for competition or the street, Kelly-Moss-built 911s represent the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship, delivering exhilarating experiences and solidifying their position as leaders in the Porsche customization landscape.
Wheel Fitment
The key to safari builds on 911s is finding a suitable tire. As most people prefer an all terrain option. The trick is to find a tire with a small enough overall diameter and suitable width. Fortunately some do exist in 16" and 17". The size with the most options is 215/75-16. So, not surprisingly, this is the most popular. One issue however is, that on g-body cars you have to trim some of the trailing edge of the bumper off to allow enough room for the tire to turn during steering.
"Wheels are just tire holders" - Paul Eddleston, President & CEO, BRAID USA
There are a couple of smaller sizes out there but with very limited availability. Namely 215/65-16, 215/60-16 and 205/60-16. I have no personal experience with them on 911s but, for reference the relative overall diameters are 27", 26.2" and 25.7". Stock 911 diameter tires are 25". There are some 17" AT tires available too, the smallest of which is a 225/55-17 at 26.7".
We have quite a few suitable options for these tires on these builds which vary in strength and by extension, weight. Here they are listed mostly in order of strength:
911 Safari Build Wheel Recommendations
These may not be up to proper off road usage, especially the three piece, BZ and forged but people are using them. The 16x7 Fullrace A is an exception though because in this size it is particularly robust.
View 16" x 7"
View 17" x 8"
These look the business but may be overkill for your intended usage as they are intended for trucks. They are by far the most popular though.
View 16" x 8"
View 17" x 8"
Once on an individual wheel page, select 17x8 from the size drop down to see the retail price. I understand there a lot of options so please feel free to reach out if you want help narrowing down your choice.