Wheel Spacers

[[ion] C2]

Originally Posted by widbyj

FYI - The PROPER bolt pattern for the GM platform IS 115x5. Might as well do it right. Also, hub centering and support IS important. just sayin...

You really think 0.3 millimeters of diameter difference is going to matter? 5x114.3 and 5x115 are completely interchangeable without worry. Motorsport-Tech already knows it's 5x115 and that's what the spacer is made to. The lugs they put on them are going to be 5x100 because that's the other bolt pattern the wheel accepts.

Also, my wheels right now have a center bore bigger than the Alero's hub size. No hub-centric rings, and I've had them on since '08 without issue.

[AleroB888]

Originally Posted by [ion] C2

You really think 0.3 millimeters of diameter difference is going to matter? 5x114.3 and 5x115 are completely interchangeable without worry. Motorsport-Tech already knows it's 5x115 and that's what the spacer is made to. The lugs they put on them are going to be 5x100 because that's the other bolt pattern the wheel accepts.

Also, my wheels right now have a center bore bigger than the Alero's hub size. No hub-centric rings, and I've had them on since '08 without issue.

It can make a difference, depends on the particular setup. I tried a 114.3 wheel in a 16X8 size, correct hubcentric rings and all, never could get them to run right. Finally returned them to the local performance tire shop, who were good at their job, btw. Sold them back minus a wear charge.

[mrmike]

since I have motorsport-tech spacers i should share a few measurements i found when selecting them.
difference of (front wheel to fender) to (rear wheel to fender) is 20mm
stock gls wheels 16x6.5 +42mm offset distance to fender F 30mm R 50mm
Basically this means that you need 20mm extra in the back to make the wheels an equal distance to your fenders. Ideally a new set of rims should stick out 30mm wider than the stock 2000+ gls wheels to get them flush vertically as well. One other thing I would recommend with this setup is a wider tire up front, maybe 245 or 255 on a good set of 8" or wider rims. The alero has different fender angles front to back, so this setup makes the rear wheels appear farther out than the fronts. A nice beefy sidewall up front will fill up the difference in appearance. I'm not the best judge of performance, but I know that I have less bodyroll and more sensitive steering when I have the wider wheels on. I run stock through winter so I have plenty of time driving both setups. Also, you would need maybe 40mm-45mm spacers to clear the studs. I can't use the spacers with my stock wheels because of this. One final note is don't underestimate the importance of offset. Some wheel websites don't even list the offset, but it is the most important measurement in achieving a great looking stance. For more info on tire width/offset and a great offset calculator, check out http://www.1010tires.com/tech.asp

[Cliff8928]

Originally Posted by [ion] C2

You really think 0.3 millimeters of diameter difference is going to matter? 5x114.3 and 5x115 are completely interchangeable without worry.

[[ion] C2]

Hahahaha, I realized it when I re-read it, but AleroB888 quoted it so editing it to 0.7 wouldn't matter. I was thinking 0.03" because 5x115 is 4.53" and 5x114.3 is 4.5" lol too many numbers/units switching back and forth

[[ion] C2]

Just ordered 27mm (1.06") ones. Can't wait. I hate how it looks right now as the body kit makes it look like the wheels are tucked in too far. This should make it look much, much nicer.

[kwhauck]

too bad you can't just buy the right wheels.....

[[ion] C2]

Send me money and I'll go buy a whole new set of wheels.

[jhubbz]

Just put a set of 1.25" adapters on the rears. Definitely gives a wider-looking stance, altho I may have been happier with 1". Will get a pic in the daytime here soon. I unfortunately did not get the hubcentric adapters, but I took my time and lined them up well, so hopefully they will be fine in the future. I did apply some threadlock to the stock studs for extra assurance

[jhubbz]

The spacer:


Before:


After:




Overall, I'm happy with it. I will definitely invest in some hub-centric ones once I am able to lower it.

[mrmike]

It looks good and all, but I would be scared to drive it. Hubcentric wheels are supposed to have the hub support the weight. Without the hub center there, the studs are taking both the vertical and rotational load, as well as the added handicap of not even being bolted through the hub. Even on my hubcentric ones, the wheel can rotate relative to the spacer, so I need to constantly retorque them.

[spc2125]

man i just love how clean jhubbz ho is

[kwhauck]

The look is great but I prefer to do it the right way with the right offset, wider rims, and wider tires....

[mrmike]

^ Do you have a staggered set of rims? Pics please.

[Papa Rad17]

Originally Posted by spc2125

man i just love how clean jhubbz ho is

I know, its quite beautiful. I need to give mine a good wash and wax.

[kwhauck]

Originally Posted by mrmike

^ Do you have a staggered set of rims? Pics please.

No I don't. I have a correct set of rims for the front that fit perfectly. The rear sit in. I don't think staggered rims belong on a FWD vehicle. Make the front flush and let the rears sit in. If you make a bigger rim on the rear you are just adding more weight which is unnecessary. I actually run a smaller tire in the rear than in the front.

[jhubbz]

Thanks guys for the compliments. And yea I agree it is kinda scary not having them hubcentric. I will get some decent ones soon. Maybe not til summer tho