Baggerdude

I've seen on the Porsche web site where one can order "spacers" for the Boxster.

I guess I understand what they are .... washer like thingies that move the wheels out a bit. But, what's the deal ... are they just an esthetic add on? Do they do anything to the car's ride, suspension, 'feel', cornering? Or, just for looks?

Sorta pricey, too. Like $500ish USDs.

What's your opinion?

smlporsche

I have 7mm on the front and 15mm on the rear of my 986S.
They help fill out the wheel well and so make the car look better.
Do thay help the performance? Not in street driving.
Got my H&R spacers aftermarket (hubcentric) for alot less.

On the 15mm spacers you have to use longer wheel bolts as well...

R2R

Dido, but I have the 15 mm up front and 21 mm in the rear. A little pricey, maybe, but so is our car fetish!
Here are a couple before and after pics.

Baggerdude

I see that smlporsche has smaller (thinner) spacers than you. Any reason for thicker/thinner spacers .... other than looks? Any problem with fender rubbing with the larger spacers?

And, do you buy longer lug bolts based on the different sized spacers? Like 21 mm spacers would require 20-21 mm longer bolts? And, where would one find these spacers/bolts other than thru Porsche?

smlporsche

FVD has them with bolts !

http://shop.fvd.de/us/en/Porsche-0/-...5/Spacers.html

R2R

No real reason other then I wanted to fill the fenders as much as possible. The shop I purchased them from installed them with bolts.
I am running on stock tire sizes... FRONT 225/40ZR18, REAR 265/35ZR18 on Porsche Sport Design wheels. The car has also been lowered with H&R springs. However, I just switched over to Michelin PS2's from Pirelli P Zero's and have noticed some rubbing (mostly in the rear) on hard bumps. I found out after switching that the shoulder on the Michelin's is a bit wider and is probably causing the tire to hit the fender lip. Maybe some fender work is in order.

Baggerdude

I spoke with Mark at FVD this afternoon and asked about the spacers ....what size and what works. I'm not interested in tires rubbing and such.

Mark said he recommended the 7 mm front and 15 - 18 mm rear with stock suspension. Larger may cause some rubbing of the sneakers on the inner fender areas and I'm not interested in this or bending the fenders to accept the wider stance.

Anyone have personal 'non rubbing' wider spacers that listed above?

I know that R2R is running bigger spacers, smaller tires and different wheels and get some rubbing ... and then there is the lowering springs, etc. Mine is stock suspenion/springs.

BTW, my '05 Boxster S is running Pilot Sports (non 2s) sized 265/35/19 R and 235/35/19 F .... running 19" Carrera S wheels. Wonder if that makes a differrence.

TIA

R2R

This has to make a difference! If the roads were any good around here, I wouldn't have to worry so much. I do love the look though

Baggerdude

R2R .... not sure what your post means, m'friend.

I love the look of my 997 with the 305s/19s hangin' out the back end of that car. Thick sneakers with the wheels pushed out to the side of those shoulders. Mmmmmmmmm ... mmmmh !

I'm interested in pushing the sneakers out a bit.

R2R

I was referring to the uneven roads of North Texas! If your roads are smooth and without sudden drops or rise of grade, the lowered setup should be fine. There are several sudden drops and rise in road grade that puts my car on edge and ends in fender rub.
Post some pictures of your 997 rear end!

mborkow

i have spacers on my car (came that way from the factory). they give the car a more aggressive look

Turboflyer

When I put the 21mm spacers all around it was for looks on my O1S. It had the added benefit of making the car less twitchy if that make sense to you. More planted. I like the look. Regular smaller shims and spacers are used for tire clearance issues and I believe some track cars for handling adjustments.

Baggerdude

Turbo .... what size tires/wheels you using? And, what make/model tires?

Turboflyer

Tires 265/35/18 and 225/35 18, Toyo Proxis T1Rs Rims Porsche/BBS as in avtar.

Baggerdude

On Mark's recommendation at FVD based on my car/tires/wheels .... I ordered 7mm front and 18mm rear spacers with bolts.

I'll see if it makes any difference to me .... 'looks wise'.

I may order thicker spacers later.