I want to get spacers, there is 31mm gap between tire and fender. What is the recommended gap?

Hi there, I have a "new to me" 1980 911 SC Targa with the Ruf wide body. Love the car! But one thing bothers me...and it's the font wheels which are too sunk in. I want to get spacers, there is 31mm gap between tire and fender. What is the recommended gap? I'm thinking a 21mm spacer would do the trick. But then, do I need longer studs? Current tire size is 205/50R16 see pic. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Roch.



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[Nick at Pelican Parts]

Don't know the answer to that one. I opened a post in our forums. A Pelican community member may be able to answer your question.


- Nick

[DRACO A5OG]

Yes, you need longer studs.

But before that make sure the new set up will not touch the very expensive RUF fenders. you may need to camber in to avoid damage after modification.

[Sicklyscott]

Any side photos? Maybe one directly from the front?

[rochmartin]

Here is a side view. Are the studs easily removed and replaced with basic tools and knowledge? Also, what lenght would I move to if I add a 21mm spacer? thanks again.

Roch.

[gamin]

Why not use adapters? Like spacers except that they have 5 holes for your present studs and 5 attached studs for the wheels. A bit more expensive but you don't have the time and dollar expense of changing the studs. They work fine and come in various widths.

[Das Schnell Ei]

looks like the wheel offset is for a later car ....

[Driver_X]

#1 What he said

Wheel offset appears to be the problem here. Can we see a shot of the rear wheels as well? And the whole car.

[Three.Two]

Based on my own recent experience, I'd be very cautious using adapters. I bought a set of 23MM adapters a few months ago from our host. They were very easy to install and I torqued each of the lug nuts to spec. After a few days of light driving I rechecked the torque and they weren't even hand tight. I've never had lug nuts back off like that before. Longer studs and hub centric spacers would appear to be a much safer route.

[safe]

Adapters (or bolted spacers) are fine to use.
They can be bought or custom made in almost any thickness, under 21 mm can be tricky.

I use them a lot without problems, but they need to be torqued properly and you should always use a bit of anti seize on the shoulders of the nuts, otherwise you might not get the proper torque.

[rochmartin]

Here are some better pics.

[rochmartin]

[rochmartin]

[rochmartin]

As you can see the rears are fine. I just need to deal with the front. How hard is it to replace the studs? Is removing the hubs a DIY job with decent skill and tools? Looks like the bolts just push out the back of the hubs. Is that correct?

the car is stored in my heated garage for the winter so I have time to do this myself if it's relatively simple. Thanks for all the input folks. Keep it coming!

Roch.

[neill]

Use something like below and you don't need to change the studs.

Porsche 5x130 Wheel Spacers 20mm Thick Hub Centric Includes Mounting Lug Bolts | eBay

[dos531]

Originally Posted by neill

Use something like below and you don't need to change the studs.

Porsche 5x130 Wheel Spacers 20mm Thick Hub Centric Includes Mounting Lug Bolts | eBay

You would still need to replace the studs with shorter ones.

[safe]

Originally Posted by dos531

You would still need to replace the studs with shorter ones.

Depends on the wheels. Most Porsche wheels has space on the backside between the holes.

But the link above shows spacers for a Porsche with lug bolts (Boxster/996...)

[safe]

Originally Posted by rochmartin

As you can see the rears are fine. I just need to deal with the front. How hard is it to replace the studs? Is removing the hubs a DIY job with decent skill and tools? Looks like the bolts just push out the back of the hubs. Is that correct?

the car is stored in my heated garage for the winter so I have time to do this myself if it's relatively simple. Thanks for all the input folks. Keep it coming!

Roch.

They press out and in.
Ideally you do it in a press, you can do it with a small sledge hammer on a bench so the hub can be supported, I wouldn't do it on the car (not the front). You have to hit it pretty hard...

[neill]

Was a quick search, but yeah, those are technically for a Boxster. You could still use them however, you would just have some lug bolts as spares.

I would go the bolt on spacer approach over changing studs personally. But both options achieve the same goal.

[rochmartin]

Ok, so it looks like I have options. Thanks gang. I'm gonna do some shopping now.

Roch