Hi, can anyone tell me the effect of using wheel spacers on my car? Obviously they make the wheels sit out farther from the hub, therefore I must make sure of tire clearance under the fender and check for rubbing (will be using 225/45/17s). I am thinking about using spacers, because the 17X7" wheels I have for my car (from '02-'03 I35 Sports- 6spoke) probably won't clear the BBK I want to put on in the future (Cobra 13" rotors w/ Z32 Calipers). Does anyone know what size spacers I would have to use, and what is the effect on performance and safety? Is there more chance of wheels braking or falling off with spacers? Does it throw off the car's balance and suspension? Do I have to get longer studs for my '89 Max? Any info would be great. Thanks.

-Mrkanda

 

you will need longer studs, nismo has them. i would only go 1/4 to no more than 7/16 in the rear, and nothing in the front. keep in mind you'll have new offsets for the front and the rear. with the spacer in the rear and not the front, they should be flush front to back.

 

Well, if you recommend nothing in the front then that will yield zero extra BBK clearance. Sometimes just 5mm will make the difference, bolt it up and see.

 

i'm a loser, what's bbk clearance?

edit - big brake kit. once again, a loser.

 

I've run 5mm spacers with stock studs, 20mm adaptors with built in studs and 32 mm spacers with built in studs. I never had problems, but also never did track days. Personally I prefer wheels that fit without them, which is what I have now.

 

I have a set of 22mm hubcentric spacers/adapters like Randy mentioned above and have had zero problems with them. I've had them about three years now. They dont cause vibrations, have never loosened up on me, and fit like a glove.

I think the big thing you want to make sure is that they're hubcentric. This probably wont be an issue with 5mm spacers or whatnot, though. I had mine made by Fred Goeske and they're worth every penny.

 

Cool! Thanks for the advice. So, for my 17"X7" wheels I'll just have to see how much clearance is needed once I have the BBK (Big Brake Kit) between the outside of the caliper and the spokes, right? And then choose a spacer that will give me the minimum safe clearance so the spokes don't hit or rub on the caliper.

Another part of my question was how does using spacers affect performance and safety? Is there any difference than not using them? The reason I ask is because I really like the wheels I have and don't want to get new ones, at least not for a while.

I'll show pics when I can.
Thanks.

 

I would love to add wheel spacers on the rear of my car to get the rear wheels to come slightly "out" of the wheel well. Does anyone think the Eibach 25mm spacers on the rear would achieve that without any problems?????Should i add 5mm or 10mm spacers to the front with a 25 or 20mm on the rear??? Really would appreciate anyfeedback/suggestions.

 

BTW my tires are 225/50/17 on stock rims.

 

I would say any spacer you use should be hubcentric. I had some 3mm generics and they caused vibrations if they were not perfectly centered. Then I got hubcentric 5mm's from Crow Automotive (http://www.crowautomotive.com/) and they cured all my ills. Crow makes hubcentric with an option for wheelcentric BTW.

 

i'm doing 5mm in the front and 15mm in the rear and thats flush

 

Being flush cannot be stated as a general statement. Being flush or not depends on wheel width, offset and pesronal opinion.

My 2 sets are flush w/5mm in front and 15mm in rear, 8" wide, +40mm offset one set, and +45 on the other.

IMO, stock wheels look better w/ 25mm in the rear.

 

more drop...get wider spacers.

I had 20mm rears and 10mm fronts dropped on eibachs. wouldnt say dead flush, but huge clean-up opposed to no spacers

as far as safety...installed correctly = zero problems