Are Wheel Spacers Really the Boogie Man?

[Doyle623]

My understanding is that spindles on the early offset 944 turbos are a weak point, and this offset also limits wheel options, etc. Some have converted to a late offset (control arms, hub/spindles, tie rods, struts) , which would not be a terrible project, but not as easy (or cheap) as mounting some alternate offset wheels with with some H&R spacers.

I believe many use hub-centric wheel spacers/adapters on street driven cars, while others swear they would never use them on street or track. What do the Carpokeans think? Are they that bad?

[audi4t]

I’ve installed them on BMW’s and Audi’s in the past without issue.

H&R are a quality product.

[chris white]

Make sure you use hub centric spacers if you go that route. There is a lip in the hub center that centers and supports the wheel vs just the lug studs.
conversion to later is a better way - and you can change your rotors with out disassembling the hub...and conversion to bigger brakes is way easier!~

[AudiSport]

The difference in offset between early and late is over 1". You'll mess with king pin inclination and scrub radius pretty big. This can effect handling behavior and steering feel. If you want the later benefits, switch to late components.

[Doyle623]

The difference in offset between early and late is over 1". You'll mess with king pin inclination and scrub radius pretty big. This can effect handling behavior and steering feel. If you want the later benefits, switch to late components.

Thanks for the information and I believe you are right. Do you know how this would effect the handling behavior (heavy steering, etc.)?

[chris white]

The difference in offset between early and late is over 1". You'll mess with king pin inclination and scrub radius pretty big. This can effect handling behavior and steering feel. If you want the later benefits, switch to late components.

Dosent change any geometry if you use a later offset wheel the tire location will be the same. Hub spacer is 1” further out but the later offset brings the wheel rim back to the same location. No change in geometry

Thanks for the information and I believe you are right. Do you know how this would effect the handling behavior (heavy steering, etc.)?

[Doyle623]

Thanks Chris, I see what you are saying. You are basically adding in the missing material on the wheel/hub surface, thus keeping it the "same' as long as you have spacer that is the exact difference between the offsets.

I have a nice pair of club sport wheels that I may throw on with some spacers for now, but in the meantime start looking for bargains on the late offset components. I see a nice looking set of M030 spindles and hubs on Ebay, but the price looks to be a lot steeper than I have seen before (~$2250)...maybe that is the new going rate!?