wakejudge

I have recently purchased a low mileage 1999 996 Carrera 4 Convertible and have read a little about wheel spacers I would like to know which size to go for. I am confused why spacers improve the look - I know why, but why do Porsche not fit them standard, also if it improves handling and looks ? The official dealer says they fit 5mm spacers - no larger. But I've seen many sizes, I'm unsure what to use ? The wheels I have are Sport Design 18, with 265' on the back and 225 on the front.Any help would be great, no intention of track days by the way. Thanks Colin from England.

Viken

Porsche approves the use of 17 mm spacer on the rear of the 996 with 17" wheels only. With 18" wheels, they approve the use of 5 mmspacers all-around. The difference between the two setups is likely due to different clearances and such. The part number for the 5 mm spacers is 996.361.605.90 and you can always order them from <a href="http://www.carnewal-europe.com/" target="_blank">Carnewal.com</a>.

DonW-Cape Cod

Viken, do you happen to know whether the bolts that come with the spacer kit are 30mm standard or longer? Some say it's ok to use the 30mm with 5mm spacers and others suggest longer ones.

BTW your 993C4S is classic! I had a 98CS before my 02Cab. Miss it!

wakejudge

Thanks for the reply,Viken.
When you mention they approve 5mm spacers, I assume it is better to stick to 5mm. It seems 17mm spacers don't work on the rears of 18" wheels, from your reply.Is this correct ?? Most people improving their cars would move from 17" to 18".

Viken

[quote]Originally posted by DonW Cape Cod, MA:
<strong>Viken, do you happen to know whether the bolts that come with the spacer kit are 30mm standard or longer? Some say it's ok to use the 30mm with 5mm spacers and others suggest longer ones.</strong><hr></blockquote>

Hi Don,

I don't know what size the lug bolts are (standard or otherwise), but if you buy the kit pictured above, it comes with the longer bolts required with the 5 mm spacers.

[quote]<strong>BTW your 993C4S is classic!</strong><hr></blockquote>

Thank you, Sir. I enjoy driving that car very much.

Viken

[quote]Originally posted by wakejudge:
<strong>When you mention they approve 5mm spacers, I assume it is better to stick to 5mm. It seems 17mm spacers don't work on the rears of 18" wheels, from your reply.Is this correct ?? Most people improving their cars would move from 17" to 18".</strong><hr></blockquote>

Hi Colin,

If you really want to use spacers, the smaller the better for the car. Big spacers tend to put undue strain on the wheel bearings and can cause premature wear of the same.

As to the 17 mm spacers with the 18" wheels, you really need to experiment and see if they fit without causing tire rubbing. That may or may not be the reason for Porsche not approving them.

DonW-Cape Cod

FWIW, I checked with Gert on the 6mm spacers. The wheel bolts with the kit are 34mm long as opposed to the 30mm factory stock. That makes sense.

What I don't understand is that the overall diameter of 17" and 18" wheels are about the same so I wonder about the different requirement. Difference between 5 and 17mm is about 1/2" <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

Viken

[quote]Originally posted by DonW Cape Cod, MA:
<strong>What I don't understand is that the overall diameter of 17" and 18" wheels are about the same so I wonder about the different requirement. Difference between 5 and 17mm is about 1/2"</strong><hr></blockquote>

Hi Don,

The overall diameter of the 17" vs. the 18" has nothing to do with this. I believe the concern is mostly related to wheel widths, offsets and clearances.

17" wheels:
7" x 17" ET55 (ET50 as of MY '02)
9" x 17" ET55

18" wheels:
7.5" x 18" ET50 (8" ET50 as of MY "02)
10" x 18" ET65

wakejudge

Hi Viken
Thanks for the help, I was unsure about the possible down side of spacers but it makes sense. I will prbably go with 5mm in the Spring (UK time). Thanks again. Colin