I just bought a 2003 GT Convertible. It's got 17" Cobra R wheels, with stock sized 245/45/ZR17 tires on it. The car is not lowered, but I plan on doing that just not right away. Has anyone used the 1" spacers with stock sized tires? The rear tires look really wimpy and it seems like this would be a cheap quik fix, any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

I would do a couple things to confirm that you clear in ALL areas back there and would begin at a section under "I want fat meats" in my suspension guide (sig). There is a VERY specific way in which to confirm not only clearance, but making sure your fenders don't come in contact with the tires and cause damage.

The second thing to consider, and VERY IMPORTANT is the studs that will protrude PAST the spacers and into the back of the wheels. OEM wheels do not usually have a space between the actual holes in the back-side of the wheels...


See the little valley of space between the lug-holes? You MUST have some space here and deep enough to accept the ends of the axle studs on your car. Confirm this before you buy these spacers!!!

If you DO have such space and the appropriate clearance, go ahead and buy some. Once installed, make sure to check the "hidden" lug-nuts after 20 miles or so and again after 100 miles. Check them a THIRD time after another 100 miles to make sure they don't get loose on you as aluminum tends to do on such things.

Jazzer

 

Thanks for the info, I'll pull the rear wheel tomorrow and see what the inside of the wheel looks like. Is it possible to shorten the stock wheel stud so it doesn't extend past the spacer? Or would this weaken anything back there?

 

This can be done with no weakness in any way. The only issue would arrise if you were to want to remove the spacers one day.... you could not. Well, you could.... just have to have new studs pressed into your axles.

BTW... this is what I had done to run a 1/2" spacer out back on my ride. I had some custom studs made so that I can run this spacer and have 1" full thread contact with lugs. Now... I would be screwed if I was to want to run without spacers

Jazzer

PS. YW

 

Is that Jazzzzeer cleaning a wheel??? ...I use 1" wheel spacers out back with my AZA whells...no problems!

 

Na.... my wheels usually look WAY worse. The ones up front always have gobs of grease that ooze from all the zerk fittings for the SLA

.... stuff's nasty!

 

....I just thought your wheels were worse due to HARD racing Jazzzzzeer!!

 

Jazzer don't be runnin' no 8" wheel like that

The Jazzer runs 10"s/11"s baby.... YA!

 

Does anyone use the 1" spacer with the original 245/45/ZR17 tires? Or do you have to use a wider spacer to make the wheels look even with the fronts?

 

I have seen a 1" spacer on a set of 10" wheels, but requires some fender rolling. I would be willing to bet that a 1" spacer on an OEM 8" wheel would put it pretty even with the fronts.

To find out for sure, hit up Choosing a new tire thread and see "I want fat meats.." section for how to confirm the look and clearance issues.

Jazzer