Spacers anyone?

bahnstormer vrs · 06-02-2008, 22:08

Bought my car last year with dealer fit 'B14' alloys 8J x 18" ET45 that give it really good handling in the dry and a lovely wide stance (track width) as seen here;-

Around Christmas bought myself a set of 'Winter Wheels' being 7J x 17" ET54 'Pegasus' alloys from an Octy Sport to give more responsive wet/cold handling, taller sidewall for more forgiving feel and 2.5kg lighter for less unsprung weight.

Only snag is that they sit a fair bit 'inboard' within the wheel arches as seen here;-

I checked out some other Octys, my dealer had an Elegance with Pegasus wheels on the forecourt and the inboard wheel position was the same. I decided I need to widen the track, for handling improvement and also to restore the 'wide track' stance of the B14s.

Did a load of research, measuring and calculations and decided that 15mm hubcentric spacers would do the trick. They couldn't be slimmer as the wheel would fall off the hub and any wider and the wheels would be outside the line of the wheel arches. Bought a set of Eibach Pro-Spacers with longer bolts from Demon Tweeks, as here;-

Pro-Spacer Aluminium Wheel Spacers | Wheel Spacers | Demon Tweeks Motorsport, Motorcycle, Modifying, Parts and Accessories

.... and lo and behold the car feels and looks great once again;-

A highly recommended mods for anyone with Pegasus, or even other 16"/17", wheels.

Mater · 06-02-2008, 22:13

dont mean to sound dumb but never used or seen spacers used before. how the foook do they fit on or how do your wheels fit on afterwards

djgritt · 06-02-2008, 22:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mater

dont mean to sound dumb but never used or seen spacers used before. how the foook do they fit on or how do your wheels fit on afterwards

Sandwich between the Wheel and Hub

Longer bolts, generally longer by the size of the spacer, ensure they are held on...

dstev2000 · 06-02-2008, 22:48

MASSIVE difference

, I hate it when wheels are hidden away in the arches, my black combi makes it even worse

Whats the situation with insurance and such like?

It's amazing what a difference 15mm can make

bahnstormer vrs · 06-02-2008, 23:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by dstev2000

what's the situation with insurance and such like?

Can't make any difference I would have thought; all I've done is got the wheels in the same place as with the B14s. Wheels are OE kit anyway.

Its not like I've gone and put a set of 20" wheels with dodgy offset on!

djgritt · 06-02-2008, 23:16

Looks really good with them sat level with the bodywork BTW.

Still unsure of the wheels themselves though...

dstev2000 · 06-02-2008, 23:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by bahnstormer vrs

Can't make any difference I would have thought; all I've done is got the wheels in the same place as with the B14s. Wheels are OE kit anyway.

Its not like I've gone and put a set of 20" wheels with dodgy offset on!

Fair enoughski

I think I'll get me a set before I go mad and plump for new alloys.

bahnstormer vrs · 07-02-2008, 08:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by dstev2000

Fair enoughski

I think I'll get me a set before I go mad and plump for new alloys.

Remind me; what wheels do you have at present? Do you know their offset, ET**?

Fluffmeister · 07-02-2008, 10:36

What length and make of wheel bolts did you go with in the end Guy?

dstev2000 · 07-02-2008, 11:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by bahnstormer vrs

Remind me; what wheels do you have at present? Do you know their offset, ET**?

7Jx17" Sputniks but I don't know the offset of them but the wheels do sit quite inboard, I would guess the ET is fairly high. It looks even more apparent than with the Pegasus wheels.

bahnstormer vrs · 07-02-2008, 16:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fluffmeister

What length and make of wheel bolts did you go with in the end Guy?

OE bolts are 27mm so with +15mm for the spacers = 42; plus a bit for good measure - I bought 45mm bolts (no particular make, just what Demon Tweeks had, shiny zinc finish although the OE wheel nut caps fit over them OK.

I also got a set of 45mm McGard 'lockers' to protect my investment!

bahnstormer vrs · 07-02-2008, 16:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by dstev2000

7Jx17" Sputniks but I don't know the offset of them but the wheels do sit quite inboard, I would guess the ET is fairly high. It looks even more apparent than with the Pegasus wheels.

If you get the chance, take a wheel off and you will find the size 7J x 17 ET** embossed on the inside face of the wheel.

Alternatively has someone got a parts catalogue they can look them up in?

PS> I know the 'Sputnicks' are a bit of a bu**** to clean but their finish/colour is IMHO pretty good; spacers could be a worthwhile alternative to new wheels for you.

Jonno VRs · 07-02-2008, 18:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by bahnstormer vrs

Can't make any difference I would have thought; all I've done is got the wheels in the same place as with the B14s. Wheels are OE kit anyway.

Its not like I've gone and put a set of 20" wheels with dodgy offset on!

You'd be suprised what a difference it makes. Even changing your wheels to none standard should be notified to your insurer irrexpective of if they're bigger or smaller.

I'd definitely say you should notify them if you're using spacers.

dstev2000 · 24-02-2008, 17:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by bahnstormer vrs

If you get the chance, take a wheel off and you will find the size 7J x 17 ET** embossed on the inside face of the wheel.

Alternatively has someone got a parts catalogue they can look them up in?

PS> I know the 'Sputnicks' are a bit of a bu**** to clean but their finish/colour is IMHO pretty good; spacers could be a worthwhile alternative to new wheels for you.

I finally got round to removing the wheels for their big 6 monthly clean and the offset is 7J x 17 ET54.

bahnstormer vrs · 24-02-2008, 18:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by dstev2000

I finally got round to removing the wheels for their big 6 monthly clean and the offset is 7J x 17 ET54.

Same offset as the 'Pegasus' wheels I have.

15mm spacers should suit you nicely.

and give the same effect as mine.

dstev2000 · 24-02-2008, 18:13

Excellent, thanks for that

Would that give an equivalent offset of 39mm?

I'll get the spacers somehow. Question is how to get it approved by the 'War department' (a.k.a. SWMBO)

Another question:

Is it worth getting the alignment/camber checked out after fitting the spacers?

I think I have a rear camber issue on my combi (shock horror!) and spacers will only make the camber problem worse.

redbaron · 24-02-2008, 18:51

make sure you check the bolts regularly.. have snapped a number of DT wheel bolts in the past... admittedly running slicks but even so worth a check!

bahnstormer vrs · 24-02-2008, 19:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by dstev2000

Excellent, thanks for that

Would that give an equivalent offset of 39mm?

I guess so; 54 - 15 = 39. The B14s I have are ET 45, so 6mm difference that is just about noticeable.

Quote:

I'll get the spacers somehow. Question is how to get it approved by the 'War department' (a.k.a. SWMBO)

Good luck

Quote:

Another question:

Is it worth getting the alignment/camber checked out after fitting the spacers?

I think I have a rear camber issue on my combi (shock horror!) and spacers will only make the camber problem worse.

I think the difference with having this size of spacer, considering you are only really replicating the fitment of OE 18" rims, will be negligible; but if you think you have a rear camber issue I'd get it checked anyway.

Johnwg · 24-02-2008, 20:16

Car looks mint Guy... nice to see that so much thought goes into keeping it look spot on, even when running winter wheels

irin · 24-02-2008, 22:30

how many spacers are coming in a set?
2 or 4?

dstev2000 · 24-02-2008, 22:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by irin

how many spacers are coming in a set?
2 or 4?

They come in pairs.

bahnstormer vrs · 24-02-2008, 23:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by dstev2000

They come in pairs.

Correct; sometimes referred to as an 'axle set'.

Be careful when looking up availability as often the measurement quoted is the increased width for the axle i.e. a pair of 15mm spacers (as I have) are quoted as 30mm (for the axle, total increase in track width).

irin · 25-02-2008, 15:03

bahnstormer: do you have spacers on the front wheels too ?
I know that you said in first post that you got 1 set but from pictures looks diferent to me or is the front wheel in an angle

Can someone confirm me that the zenith 17" et is 54 ?

06-02-2008, 22:08	#1
bahnstormer vrs Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Herts Posts: 2,684 Members Car: Octavia vRS TDI - Koni FSDs & RallyFlapz Thanks: 46 Thanked 155 Times in 140 Posts	Spacers anyone? Bought my car last year with dealer fit 'B14' alloys 8J x 18" ET45 that give it really good handling in the dry and a lovely wide stance (track width) as seen here;- Around Christmas bought myself a set of 'Winter Wheels' being 7J x 17" ET54 'Pegasus' alloys from an Octy Sport to give more responsive wet/cold handling, taller sidewall for more forgiving feel and 2.5kg lighter for less unsprung weight. Only snag is that they sit a fair bit 'inboard' within the wheel arches as seen here;- I checked out some other Octys, my dealer had an Elegance with Pegasus wheels on the forecourt and the inboard wheel position was the same. I decided I need to widen the track, for handling improvement and also to restore the 'wide track' stance of the B14s. Did a load of research, measuring and calculations and decided that 15mm hubcentric spacers would do the trick. They couldn't be slimmer as the wheel would fall off the hub and any wider and the wheels would be outside the line of the wheel arches. Bought a set of Eibach Pro-Spacers with longer bolts from Demon Tweeks, as here;- Pro-Spacer Aluminium Wheel Spacers \| Wheel Spacers \| Demon Tweeks Motorsport, Motorcycle, Modifying, Parts and Accessories .... and lo and behold the car feels and looks great once again;- A highly recommended mods for anyone with Pegasus, or even other 16"/17", wheels. __________________ Mine - '07 Octavia vRS TDI, Superchips BlueFin (210bhp/293lbft) 'Winter wheels' 7.5J x 17" Audi S-line, Ultrac Sessantas 225/45 17, xenons, rear parking sensor, heated seats (driver's Recaro Style full leather), climate/jumbo etc., Koni FSDs, Neuspeed Rear ARB & Short-Shifter, K&N induction kit, RallyFlapZ - Colin McRae memorial decals. Wife's - '08 Roomster Scout 1.6 Tiptronic, Cruise, parking sensors Son's - '02 Fabia 1.4mpi, vRS 16" alloys, Michelin Pilot Exalto 2 195/45 16, vRS front bumper, Koni Sport shocks. Last edited by bahnstormer vrs; 07-02-2008 at 08:29.

06-02-2008, 22:13	#2
Mater The Stig Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Folkestone Posts: 1,173 Members Car: Race Blue vRS TFSI Hatch Thanks: 47 Thanked 56 Times in 42 Posts	Re: Spacers anyone? dont mean to sound dumb but never used or seen spacers used before. how the foook do they fit on or how do your wheels fit on afterwards __________________ "And when he gets to heaven to Saint Peter he will tell... One more Soldier reporting Sir... I've served my time in Hell" Mods done so far : Revo Stge 2, Forge Adjustable Spacer, Forge Diverter Valve, Miltek CBE, Evoms, Stu's Cruise , Autotech Fuel Pump, Xenons Upgrade, Koni FSD, Eibach Springs, Forge Short Shifter, VF Torque Arm Insert, NGK Iridium Plugs, Sachs Clutch & Flywheel, MFD3 Mods to come: KO4 Conv, LSD, Big Brakes

06-02-2008, 22:48	#4
dstev2000 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Back in the Green Posts: 4,036 Members Car: 2 Octavia II's, an L&K combi and a vRS hatch. Thanks: 48 Thanked 168 Times in 153 Posts	Re: Spacers anyone? MASSIVE difference , I hate it when wheels are hidden away in the arches, my black combi makes it even worse Whats the situation with insurance and such like? It's amazing what a difference 15mm can make __________________ MY08 L&K: Black-Estate-Diesel-Sunset Glass-MFD2-W8 Interior light-Colour coded door strips-LED sidelights and Puddle lights-VAG-COM fettled-Lovely! SWMBO's: MY08 vRS TDI - Standard

06-02-2008, 23:16	#6
djgritt Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Blandford, Dorset Posts: 601 Members Car: 2007 Octavia vRS Thanks: 26 Thanked 24 Times in 23 Posts	Re: Spacers anyone? Looks really good with them sat level with the bodywork BTW. Still unsure of the wheels themselves though... __________________ MY07 Octavia vRS TDi Hatch - Black Magic - Replacement Engine, Replacement Gearbox, Replacement DPF - Colour Coded Grille Surround, De-Tangoed F&R Indicators, 'vRS' Etched Tax Disc Holder, 2nd Rear Fog, Anti-Hijack, Leaving/Coming Home Lights, Michelin PS2 Tyres - RR Proven 177.9 bhp / 289 lb/ft www.vauxhallownersnetwork.co.uk - South Central Regional Organiser www.freewebs.com/holebrookfarmlivery/index.htm - Horse Livery & Grazing in North Dorset

07-02-2008, 10:36	#9
Fluffmeister Hai! King Rat Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North West UK Posts: 3,544 Members Car: A black thing Thanks: 90 Thanked 154 Times in 124 Posts	Re: Spacers anyone? What length and make of wheel bolts did you go with in the end Guy?

24-02-2008, 18:13	#16
dstev2000 Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Back in the Green Posts: 4,036 Members Car: 2 Octavia II's, an L&K combi and a vRS hatch. Thanks: 48 Thanked 168 Times in 153 Posts	Re: Spacers anyone? Excellent, thanks for that Would that give an equivalent offset of 39mm? I'll get the spacers somehow. Question is how to get it approved by the 'War department' (a.k.a. SWMBO) Another question: Is it worth getting the alignment/camber checked out after fitting the spacers? I think I have a rear camber issue on my combi (shock horror!) and spacers will only make the camber problem worse. __________________ MY08 L&K: Black-Estate-Diesel-Sunset Glass-MFD2-W8 Interior light-Colour coded door strips-LED sidelights and Puddle lights-VAG-COM fettled-Lovely! SWMBO's: MY08 vRS TDI - Standard

24-02-2008, 18:51	#17
redbaron Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 9,568 Members Car: Thanks: 15 Thanked 70 Times in 61 Posts	Re: Spacers anyone? make sure you check the bolts regularly.. have snapped a number of DT wheel bolts in the past... admittedly running slicks but even so worth a check! __________________ ________________________________________ Some times I just feel like smiling.

24-02-2008, 20:16	#19
Johnwg Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: South Lakes (Grange Over Sands) Posts: 2,075 Members Car: Octavia II VRS Thanks: 66 Thanked 57 Times in 56 Posts	Re: Spacers anyone? Car looks mint Guy... nice to see that so much thought goes into keeping it look spot on, even when running winter wheels __________________ 2007: Octavia II VRS TDI in Black

24-02-2008, 22:30	#20
irin Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cork Posts: 121 Members Car: Thanks: 12 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Spacers anyone? how many spacers are coming in a set? 2 or 4?

25-02-2008, 15:03	#23
irin Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Cork Posts: 121 Members Car: Thanks: 12 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Spacers anyone? bahnstormer: do you have spacers on the front wheels too ? I know that you said in first post that you got 1 set but from pictures looks diferent to me or is the front wheel in an angle Can someone confirm me that the zenith 17" et is 54 ?

25-02-2008, 15:15	#24
bahnstormer vrs Briskodian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Herts Posts: 2,684 Members Car: Octavia vRS TDI - Koni FSDs & RallyFlapz Thanks: 46 Thanked 155 Times in 140 Posts	Re: Spacers anyone?