5mm spacers
10-01-2010, 04:11 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
5mm spacers
Put these on this week.
Kind of surprised at how visible the change seems, as there's not much to 5mm - not even a 1/4 inch for the metrically challenged.
I got them mainly to get just a bit more clearance when cleaning the front brake calipers
(OK, come up with a better reason for adding them).
I have to wonder though, is there really any performance gain - if one was to care about that sort of thing? In other words, what are 5mm spacers really intended to do - cosmetics, or performance? Can that small difference actually amount to something noticeable on the track?
Kind of surprised at how visible the change seems, as there's not much to 5mm - not even a 1/4 inch for the metrically challenged.
I got them mainly to get just a bit more clearance when cleaning the front brake calipers
(OK, come up with a better reason for adding them).I have to wonder though, is there really any performance gain - if one was to care about that sort of thing? In other words, what are 5mm spacers really intended to do - cosmetics, or performance? Can that small difference actually amount to something noticeable on the track?
10-01-2010, 04:52 PM
#3
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
10-01-2010, 05:15 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
10-01-2010, 05:36 PM
#5
Wider tracker reduces the weight differential between wheels in hard cornering. You have to be an extremely serious racer to benefit though. And 5mm is so tiny it's not making a huge difference no matter what.
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10-01-2010, 06:03 PM
#8
Rennlist Member
One 5 mm spacer is 220 grams.
One lugbolt is 100 grams.
The weight is negligible.
When I had them on my old C4S, it was purely for cosmetics reasons. There was no difference that I could perceive on track.
10-01-2010, 10:55 PM
#9
Poseur
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I had always thought it was to get clearance on brakes, otherwise why bother? 5mm is so small that I think you're kidding yourself that you can see that difference on the car.
10-02-2010, 12:30 PM
#11
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
You (I) can see the difference - I figured the same thing when I was getting them - invisible, but nope - our eyes and brains are quite the tool sometimes.
Yes, I got them at the dealer during service - with PCA discount it was about $450. Yes, I could have DIY'd it and got the parts from Suncoast and saved a good bit, but decided to let the local guys have this one - part of my relationship building fantasy.
Good news is the clearance up front is just enough extra now to get in there and wipe and wax the front "Porsche"s - and at least I *think* they sort of look nice.
Pics - maybe I'll do one today if I can find a good "before" to match to - but, being honest, if it shows in a pic, I'll be really surprised.
Thanks for the comments guys - goofy topic as it was.
Yes, I got them at the dealer during service - with PCA discount it was about $450. Yes, I could have DIY'd it and got the parts from Suncoast and saved a good bit, but decided to let the local guys have this one - part of my relationship building fantasy.
Good news is the clearance up front is just enough extra now to get in there and wipe and wax the front "Porsche"s - and at least I *think* they sort of look nice.
Pics - maybe I'll do one today if I can find a good "before" to match to - but, being honest, if it shows in a pic, I'll be really surprised.
Thanks for the comments guys - goofy topic as it was.
10-02-2010, 12:51 PM
#12
Rennlist Member
Yes, you can see the difference but it is subtle.
i took controlled before and after pics and posted this a while ago: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...ng-w-pics.html
i took controlled before and after pics and posted this a while ago: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...ng-w-pics.html
10-02-2010, 01:28 PM
#13
Admin
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Lifetime Rennlist
Member
Spacers are not only for looks, Porsche uses them for years as OEM equipment to various models 993GT2, 9932S, GT3mk1 etc. to be able to fit stocked wheels with older offsets to newer cars with different track widths requirements and body widths without having to R&D new wheels again.
The benefits of a wider track always in relation to a cars wheelbase are well documented in racing.
Also sometimes they can be used for clearance requirements when a car runs lowered and with aggressive offsets.
In any case if you buy make sure they are good quality, come with longer bolts if they are above 3mm and if they are considerably thicker make sure that they are hubcentric to avoid unpleasant results.
About the weight, yes they do add some but no more than if a wheels offset was same or the axle width was the same.
Besides the weight is added on the centre of the wheel, and so it’s not affected by centrifugal forces from rotation contributing to a multiplied added unsprung mass.
The benefits of a wider track always in relation to a cars wheelbase are well documented in racing.
Also sometimes they can be used for clearance requirements when a car runs lowered and with aggressive offsets.
In any case if you buy make sure they are good quality, come with longer bolts if they are above 3mm and if they are considerably thicker make sure that they are hubcentric to avoid unpleasant results.
About the weight, yes they do add some but no more than if a wheels offset was same or the axle width was the same.
Besides the weight is added on the centre of the wheel, and so it’s not affected by centrifugal forces from rotation contributing to a multiplied added unsprung mass.
10-02-2010, 01:39 PM
#14
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Yes, you can see the difference but it is subtle.
i took controlled before and after pics and posted this a while ago: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...ng-w-pics.html
i took controlled before and after pics and posted this a while ago: https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...ng-w-pics.html
And yes, I am sure they used the longer bolts for mine as I found a box of short bolts in the frunk when I got the car back.
