Wheel spacers affect performance

[Megabass]

Do wheel spacers have a negative affect on performance in anyway? I have an M3cs and paid for the special tuning, I'd hate to ruin the dynamics.

Also wondering if I did the M-performance adjustable, coil-overs would I adversely affect the car.

Thanks in advance for your input.

[jmg]

Spacers are used in competition and track use, so as long as you aren't going with crazy offset and 20mm+ spacers you shouldn't see significant affect in performance. In fact a wider stance might be desirable to increase your track. I'd always try and use the thinnest spacer you can get away with to minimize any affects to the dynamics. Also keep in mind that you can change the balance of the car slightly by not getting matching widths front and back. Wider in the back increases grip in the back, wider in front increases grip in front etc.

[Megabass]

Originally Posted by jmg

Spacers are used in competition and track use, so as long as you aren't going with crazy offset and 20mm+ spacers you shouldn't see significant affect in performance. In fact a wider stance might be desirable to increase your track. I'd always try and use the thinnest spacer you can get away with to minimize any affects to the dynamics. Also keep in mind that you can change the balance of the car slightly by not getting matching widths front and back. Wider in the back increases grip in the back, wider in front increases grip in front etc.

Thanks, great logical response.

[CanAutM3]

Altering the stock offset will have an effect on suspension tuning.

Reducing the offset with spacers increases the track. A wider track means less weight transfer during cornering which in turn yields more total grip. As jmg pointed out, changing track width differently front and rear will affect the handling balance of the car (over/understeer).

Changing offsets also aters the wheel to spring/damper movement ratio, which essentially changes the effective spring and damping rates. Albeit by relatively small amounts.

IMO, the biggest negative drawback of changing offsets is on the front axle due to the effect on scrub radius and required Ackerman angle when the wheels are steered. It can adversly affect steering feel and feedback and reduce front end grip due to increased scrub (and consequently increase front tire wear).

[Megabass]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

Altering the stock offset will have an effect on suspension tuning.

Reducing the offset with spacers increases the track. A wider track means less weight transfer during cornering which in turn yields more total grip. As jmg pointed out, changing track width differently front and rear will affect the handling balance of the car (over/understeer).

Changing offsets also aters the wheel to spring/damper movement ratio, which essentially changes the effective spring and damping rates. Albeit by relatively small amounts.

IMO, the biggest negative drawback of changing offsets is on the front axle due to the effect on scrub radius and required Ackerman angle when the wheels are steered. It can adversly affect steering feel and feedback and reduce front end grip due to increased scrub (and consequently increase front tire wear).

So with that said if you go to just a wider wheel does it have the same affect on suspension dampening? Thanks guys great information

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Megabass

So with that said if you go to just a wider wheel does it have the same affect on suspension dampening? Thanks guys great information

In general terms, the forces transmitted by the tires balance out at the wheel centerline. So as long as the offset is maintained and all else being equal, a wider wheel will have no effect on the above.

[Megabass]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

In general terms, the forces transmitted by the tires balance out at the wheel centerline. So as long as the offset is maintained and all else being equal, a wider wheel will have no effect on the above.

Thank you!

[gatorfast]

Unless you are an advanced track driver I highly doubt you will notice any difference whatsoever running spacers.