installed H&R spacers

**nando** · 08-25-2005, 02:43 PM

Originally posted by Rob

funny, when kavkazia or whoever posted his shit with 14" weaves and spacers, every one jacked off to it. What's the difference? Oh, K had a IS lip.... :roll:

I'd love to see some evidence that 20mm spacers alone will "ruin the handling"

same here.. this is rediculous. having more track is not going to ruin your handling, if anything it will improve it. I got basically the same effect by running 15x7 ET24 euro weaves on my ix rather than the cheesy FWD offset stock wheels (15x7 ET41). it looks a lot better too.

**Bitburger** · 08-25-2005, 04:22 PM

Originally posted by nando

Originally posted by Rob

funny, when kavkazia or whoever posted his shit with 14" weaves and spacers, every one jacked off to it. What's the difference? Oh, K had a IS lip.... :roll:

I'd love to see some evidence that 20mm spacers alone will "ruin the handling"

same here.. this is rediculous. having more track is not going to ruin your handling, if anything it will improve it. I got basically the same effect by running 15x7 ET24 euro weaves on my ix rather than the cheesy FWD offset stock wheels (15x7 ET41). it looks a lot better too.

Exactly. I recently added 20mm spacers to the et40 Rota GT3's on my Golf and I noticed a slight improvement in the handling. And like you said it just looks a lot better. Sure it'll put a little more stress on the wheel bearings but nothing unsafe and I'm still wondering what "the geometry of the wheelbase" even is and what it has to do with increasing track :? .

**Stu** · 08-25-2005, 04:32 PM

After installing my 8mm spacers, I noticed a slight increase in required steering effort. Minimal, but a slight increase. A 4WD buddy suggested it is due to the longer 'arm' of the tie-rod, result of the the spacers. I have made no observations on the handling differences, but I suppose I'll be able to compare it at the track next month. My spacers are small, so these differences should be less significant than a 20mm spacer would provide.

Almost forgot, from my understanding...widening the track changes the ratio of length to width, actually decreasing stability at high speeds...due to widening the 'box' but not proportionally increasing the length of the wheelbase. This may be a moot point but I thought I'd see if there is any discussion for it.

**arsevader** · 08-25-2005, 04:53 PM

Sure it'll put a little more stress on the wheel bearings but nothing unsafe and I'm still wondering what "the geometry of the wheelbase" even is and what it has to do with increasing track :?

Maybe not the best choice of words I'll admit :oops:

I just don't think that the issues that may or may not be created by adding 40mm of track is worth the negligable increase in handling that you may or may not have.

These cars have enough issues with front end vibration, why add spacers to the mix when they aren't neccesary?

A 4WD buddy suggested it is due to the longer 'arm' of the tie-rod, result of the the spacers

Spacers have no bearing on the length of the tie rods. Not sure what he's talking about.

James

**nando** · 08-25-2005, 04:54 PM

I noticed more steering effort as well, but I never encounterd unstability. of course getting my car over 115mph is a challenge so that's a moot point..

**Bitburger** · 08-25-2005, 04:58 PM

Originally posted by Stu Mc

After installing my 8mm spacers, I noticed a slight increase in required steering effort. Minimal, but a slight increase. A 4WD buddy suggested it is due to the longer 'arm' of the tie-rod, result of the the spacers. I have made no observations on the handling differences, but I suppose I'll be able to compare it at the track next month. My spacers are small, so these differences should be less significant than a 20mm spacer would provide.

Almost forgot, from my understanding...widening the track changes the ratio of length to width, actually decreasing stability at high speeds...due to widening the 'box' but not proportionally increasing the length of the wheelbase. This may be a moot point but I thought I'd see if there is any discussion for it.

I too noticed an increase in steering effort although in my case it's amplified since I have manual steering.

The thing about the track to width ratio seems logical. My interpretation of that would mean that anyone who puts on wider wheels with a lower numerical offset would be decreasing stability at high speeds also for the same reason that spacers would. I would have to agree and say it's a moot point for the driving any of us would do.

**Stu** · 08-25-2005, 05:19 PM

Originally posted by arsevader

Sure it'll put a little more stress on the wheel bearings but nothing unsafe and I'm still wondering what "the geometry of the wheelbase" even is and what it has to do with increasing track :?

Maybe not the best choice of words I'll admit :oops:

I just don't think that the issues that may or may not be created by adding 40mm of track is worth the negligable increase in handling that you may or may not have.

These cars have enough issues with front end vibration, why add spacers to the mix when they aren't neccesary?

A 4WD buddy suggested it is due to the longer 'arm' of the tie-rod, result of the the spacers

Spacers have no bearing on the length of the tie rods. Not sure what he's talking about.

James

Not sure you know what I'm talking about. :P Of course the length of the tie-rod doesn't change..but the length of the 'arm' from the end of the steering rack to the outside edge of the wheel/tire...is increased, thus requiring more work for the tie-rod.

**BMWVolvo** · 08-25-2005, 07:35 PM

i noticed slight increase in effort but a lot better handling, ill have to see how it handles on sept. 4th at the autox. so far its been great. and if anyone is wondering...yes i got longer wheel bolts.

**arsevader** · 08-26-2005, 05:08 AM

I still find it kind of odd that if someone came here saying they were going to fit 6 inch wide rims with an offset of 15-13, people would be all over them for fitting the wrong rims. But because these ones 'look' kind of cool, everyone is ok with it.

I'm not arguing that they don't look better, but I fail to see why you'd trade looks for handling and/or safety. Especially seeing as it looks like these will be used at an autocross.

James

**Digitalwave** · 08-26-2005, 08:08 AM

Running 20mm spacers on an ET40 wheels puts the same amount of stress on the wheel bearings/hubs as running an ET20 wheel.

**E30ownerwithanopinion** · 08-30-2005, 06:09 PM

one hella install you should work for a shop in Texas im sure your resume with this on it will get you a job.

**BMWVolvo** · 08-30-2005, 07:14 PM

well i am a Volvo mechanic...i think ill call a company in Texas now...

**trent** · 08-30-2005, 07:27 PM

Originally posted by arsevader

A 4WD buddy suggested it is due to the longer 'arm' of the tie-rod, result of the the spacers

Spacers have no bearing on the length of the tie rods. Not sure what he's talking about.

James

Scrub radius -- read about it. And yes, it can mess up handling.

To not change handling, you need to increase the width of the wheel on the inside, and add a larger tyre. The centerline of the wheel needs to be closest to the balljoint/tie rod for correct turn radius. By moving the bottlecap outward all one does is increase resistance and scrub, therefor slowing cornering speeds.

**trent** · 08-30-2005, 07:30 PM

Originally posted by Digitalwave

Running 20mm spacers on an ET40 wheels puts the same amount of stress on the wheel bearings/hubs as running an ET20 wheel.

Hubs yes, studs no.

I would rather have ET20 wheels with short studs than an extra 20mm of stud length that has to pass through a spacer.

**arsevader** · 08-30-2005, 08:08 PM

Finally someone seems to understand. :)

James

installed H&R spacers

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