Spacers - Affect on performance?

  1. Super Moderator Joined: Aug 2007 Lancashire Posts: 14256 Astra VXR + 1989 Astra GTE
    #1
    I've had to fit some hubcentric spacers to my saxo to get my alloys on.

    Was a ball ache of a job.. but with abit of force i've got one on.

    I'm sure i read once that it affects performance in a bad way?

    Could someone confirm this give a breif (or in depth) explaination as to why?

    Cheers.
    Paul
  2. West Midlands Joined: Nov 2005 Nuneaton (West Mids) Posts: 13835 '64 Volvo V40 R’Design, '89 Ph1 309 GTi, ‘97 Mk1 S
    #2
    They will be absolutely fine if they are hubcentric

    What size spacers did you have to use?? 5/10mm would barely make any difference atall to be honest depending on what alloys you have and what bolts have been used

    For example mine are hubcentric on oz ultraleggeras with 5mm spacer and 'extended' bolt yet the bolts are only just slightly longer than standard bolts.

    20mm or above there are also variences, whether its really extended bolts or the type which bolt onto the hub and then the wheel bolts into the spacer

    Generally though if theyre hubcentric you'll be fine
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  3. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Oct 2005 Aycliffe Posts: 32205 Saxo VTS
    #3
    how big are the spacers?

    If they're there to match the required ET, then they're fine.
    They may add a bit of weight but because it's concentrated close to the centre it makes very very little difference. If they're there to protrude the wheels further out you get the following...
    Increased steer feel
    Increased strain on Power Steering pump
    Increased ackerman percentage (don't ask)

    I'm tired and cant remember what else.
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  4. Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: May 2006 Bristol Posts: 16575 JP4urio, 306 DTurbo SportShed
    #4
    would normal non hubcentric spacers be ok to use if theyre 5mm? Need the backs out a bit and hubcentrics are a bit overkill for 5mm
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  5. Regular Poster Joined: Jan 2004 Fareham, Hants Posts: 383 Rattly old French can
    #5
    Yeah, although non-hubcentric made that old Furio I had vibrate like fook when I brake, cos they don't fit snug onto the hub and therefore wouldn't balance 100%.
  6. West Midlands Joined: Nov 2005 Nuneaton (West Mids) Posts: 13835 '64 Volvo V40 R’Design, '89 Ph1 309 GTi, ‘97 Mk1 S
    #6
    you'd probably get away with it for 5mm, but for your own piece of mind and if it were me id get the hubcentrics to be safe if im honest.

    Probably thousands of people who would never have a problem, but if theres potential and it can be avoided then personally go for the better option
  7. Super Moderator Joined: Aug 2007 Lancashire Posts: 14256 Astra VXR + 1989 Astra GTE
    #7
    Cheers for all the replies. Love it most the time when i get sensible replies that i learn from.

    They're 20mm spacers.. I did ask for 10mm but the tool at the shop gave me wrong ones and couldnt be bothered going back. And yeah they're hubcentric.

    The alloys are multifitment but fit perfectly with the spacers.

    So from you're replies i take it i shouldnt feel a loss in performance?

    The car had some silly 17" alloys on that iv swapped for 15"s with toyo T1s tyres.
  8. Super Moderator Joined: Aug 2007 Lancashire Posts: 14256 Astra VXR + 1989 Astra GTE
    #8
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by adsayer View Post
    Increased ackerman percentage (don't ask)
    Dont worry i wont lol.
  9. Regular Poster Joined: Jan 2004 Fareham, Hants Posts: 383 Rattly old French can
    #9
    There will be no physical difference in performance, no. The rolling radius and weight of the wheels is the same.
    The only difference would be different handling characteristics, possible tramlining, scuttle shake...if anything. I'd be surprised if you even knew they were on there personally.