Changing spacing of wheels

[BenG]

What are the pros and cons of changing the track of a front wheel drive car (Gen3 Camry)? I just bought these wheels, but they have a really high offset of +47 on a 7.5" wide wheel. It looks like it will fit fine on the front, but the rear will have to have at least a 3mm spacer put in.

1) Will I have to put a spacer in the front to match the rear, even if the front doesn't require a spacer for clearance?

2) How does increasing the track of the car affect handling?

3) If I only put spacers in the rear to clear the suspension, will that negatively affect the handling?

4) I've heard that increasing the front track of a front wheel drive car will generate more understeer...true?

[EKam]

1. No, the front is wider than the rear (stock) if you haven't notice already.

2. Understeer / oversteer. Possibly alignment?

3. That means more understeer.

4. I think it will create more oversteer, but I really don't think you would want spacers on the front for a FF car.

Tip: Don't put on spacers if you don't have to. Spacers in general are considered as an afterthought rather than a solution.

[BenG]

Originally posted by EKam
1. No, the front is wider than the rear (stock) if you haven't notice already.

Tip: Don't put on spacers if you don't have to. Spacers in general are considered as an afterthought rather than a solution.

Actually, I didn't know that the front is wider than the rear...hmm..that's interesting.

And, well, it is an afterthought. I got these amazing wheels (17" 13.5 lbs) for CHEAP and everything was perfect...but i forgot about the offset...doh! Oh well...I know that HR makes a 5mm spacer and hub adapter for the Gen3, so I'm not too worried. With the hub adapter, i can have a 5mm spacer AND still have the wheels be hubcentric!

[EKam]

Those wheels don't happen to be white are they?

Just don't put spacers if the tires don't rub. And the front should be fine, I tried +45mm 17x8" GS400 wheels and the front was fine.

[BenG]

Yup...white ones...i posted a pic of them photoshopped onto SBC's car a little while ago...

[BenG]

Bah...just found out that the 5mm H&R spacer doesn't have a hubcentric extension. Only the 15+mm spacers come with a hubcentric ring.

I measured the hub of my Camry and it's 9mm, so even with a 5mm spacer, my wheel will still have 4 mm to sit on. Anyone here have problems with spacers causing vibrations or anything?

Better yet, anyone know if there's a way to get a longer hub? Say off a supra or something? I'd really rather have the wheel sitting on more than just 4mm of the hub. Let this be a warning to you guys...Don't be blinded by a good deal...or else you have headaches like me.