Using Wheel Spacers

[7783911]

My 77s Targa has metal SC flares so there is room for more tire...I can source 2 16 x 7 or 16 x 8 fuchs but then need new tires too..so a bit expensive

My current setup uses a 1 in bolted on spacer for the rears




But I worry about what additional stress it places on the suspension etc

Should I be concerned..its not tracked, more of my run about in the summer


I can always just go back to no spacer if there is a concern and address the 16 x 8s when ready

thanks for your input

Bob

[EC900]

Watching an episode of The 900 Series, the shop owner gave a explanation of the use of spacers as a way of correcting the asymmetric offset of the rear of the SC. An example of this was the passenger side is closer to the fender lip than the driver side. Take a look and measure and you’ll find the difference. Using spacers as a way to enhance the appearance of too much emptiness in the wheel well that makes the car look “odd”.
He recommended nothing more than a 1/2” spacer to correct this, I think he mentioned how thicker spacers do have a some negative effect. As for spacers in general, he said the lowering of the ride height will determine tire width and clearance as would an alignment to compensate.
As you say, your 1” spacers are not a problem with rubbing, but how’s your alignment as this might cause tire wear and longevity. The contact patch or any wear pattern could tell you a lot.
Spacers been around and used for decades, my concern too would be stress on bearings and bushings when wheels are extending too far out, especially if beyond the my needs. A smaller spacer on driver side for the asymetric offset but with a wider tire profile and a correct alignment.

[Joe Bob]

I have run 1 inch spacers on 6 and 7s for years. No problems.

[7783911]

EC: I had the car aligned by a race shop with the spacers and no problem, I will do the measurement anyways out of curiosity now :-)

JB: Good to hear, the car handles well with the spacers, but as EC stated, stress on bearings/bushing was a concern that you ve dispelled

Thank you both

[RarlyL8]

Those are adapters not spacers. Spacers use longer studs, adapters use an extra set of studs.
930's run spacers on the rear from the factory, no issues.
When using adapters it is extremely important to check the torque on the nuts attaching the adapters after a few miles, then re-check the wheel nuts a few miles later after they are back on. If the adapter nuts get loose you can damage your lugs and the adapter or lose a wheel, same as for the wheel nuts.

[7783911]

Tx Walt

Yes, i torqued to 94lbs

in midst of gravity bleed now, thought i d try that method :-)

[Kraftwerk]

Cheaper than a new set of wheels, but its added weight... and rotating weight is a x3 penalty. I wouldn't worry about it on a street-car too much.

[porsche930dude]

Use factory hub centric wheel spacers and longer studs you will have no problem. Mine are double stacked in the rear its been like that since the 80s for 100k. Wider wheels are not much easier on it than spacers. You are putting tire farther out from the pivot point either way.

[rattlsnak]

I ran 3” adapters and 1” on the front for thousands of hard track use with no issues..

[Joe Bob]

Early Turbos had spacers from the factory

[tsuter]

I like to keep them under four inches....

[PeteKz]

The turbos also has different swing arms which locate the axle bearings differently. If you are using or thinking about, spacers, try to make the centerline of the wheel+spacer end up in the same plane as the centerline of the original wheels, which should be between the inner and outer bearings. This will keep the loads on the bearings near the original design.