Front spacers suitable for track use

[2Damnsly Andy]

Hi All,

I am looking for some front spacers 20/25mm and have looked at the MAD offering but I am slightly concerned about them being aluminium rather than steel. So who are recommended for steel spacers for better durability of swapping wheels (trackday car so two sets of wheels) etc. I tried the FK site but am having issues viewing from work. All suggestions are welcome.

Cheers Andy

 

[Dan@M.A.D]

Hi Andy,

If you are changing your wheels alot have you not looked at a stud conversion kit form somewhere like Pure motorsport?

We can always make steel spacers if you require but they are very very heavy in comparison, I think the best option would be to run a stud conversion, That way you are not wearing the aluminium threads down and it's a hell of alot easier to change a wheel when you have studs anyway!

I think there is 1 company out there doing steel spacers, They're normally gold plated.

 

[2Damnsly Andy]

I'll look into a stud conversion kit then Dan. Just wasn't sure on the durability of aluminium but I am not paying silly money for a steel kit in comparison. What's the turnaround on your 20mm offering?

Would this stud kit do the job and what length do you need?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-C...Wheels_tyres_Trim_Nuts_ET&hash=item41562f745f

 

[Chip-mk1]

I will use ally providing its with studs, as like you say the ally threads can wear out if you use normal bolts and keep putting them on and off.

In fact thats what I have on my turbo at the moment,.

 

[2Damnsly Andy]

I will use ally providing its with studs, as like you say the ally threads can wear out if you use normal bolts and keep putting them on and off.

In fact thats what I have on my turbo at the moment,.

I was waiting for you to make an appearance. Is the stud kit I have linked to any good Chip? Makes the Pure kit look very costly in comparisson.

 

[Dan@M.A.D]

I was waiting for you to make an appearance. Is the stud kit I have linked to any good Chip? Makes the Pure kit look very costly in comparisson.

I think the kit you linked has the studs that demon tweeks sell, IIRC iv'e heard a few people say they are fairly soft, I think with the PM kit you get a socket drive in the end too which is a good addition plus iv'e heard they are hard wearing.

 

[Chip-mk1]

Would this stud kit do the job and what length do you need?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-Cl...item41562f745f

No mate its not any good, I tried using them once and they just kept stretching so much when they go hot that they undid, damn near lost a wheel because of it in fact.

Now dont get me wrong, the pure ones need to be tightened after your first session to allow for heat, but these seem to just keep getting worse and worse.

I would assume they are probably 8.8 grade steel TBH rather than 10.9 like the pure ones.


I will only use the pure ones or hockley ones now (pure being the far cheaper option)

 

[2Damnsly Andy]

Thanks for the details gents. I guess the pure ones it is then.

 

[GeorgeH]

H&R do ally spacers with steel inserts btw.

 

[Chip-mk1]

H&R do ally spacers with steel inserts btw.

Thats the best of both worlds, light but steel where it matters most on the threads

 

[GeorgeH]

Indeed, thats why i have them, they are awsome. Why would you comprimise something that your wheel is attached to?

Im not saying dan's spacers aren't good, i expect they are as good as fk/eibach but I wanted the best.

 

[2Damnsly Andy]

How much were they George?

 

[Ph1 Tom]

Hubcentic spacers with longer bolts no good?

 

[Chip-mk1]

Hubcentic spacers with longer bolts no good?

Not for bigger spacers, too much exposed thread on the bolts greatly increases the amount of stretch that it has when it gets hotter.

 

[GeorgeH]

How much were they George?

Not 100% sure but roughly £100-£110 delivered from venommotorsport.com , check them out they have a good range and decent prices conpared to ebay/demontweeks.

 

[Tigger]

If you don't remove the wheels too often are the aluminium ones ok? :S

 

[Chip-mk1]

If you don't remove the wheels too often are the aluminium ones ok? :S

Should be, although obviously be very careful not to over tighten them and strip the threads, or its bye bye wheel!

 

[Tigger]

Well if torqued to 105nm all-round - all good?

I'd say my wheels be off, AT MOST twice a year lol

 

[Chip-mk1]

Well if torqued to 105nm all-round - all good?

I'd say my wheels be off, AT MOST twice a year lol

Talk to whoever makes the spacers. But personally I would say that should be fine if they are a decent grade of ally.

 

[Tigger]

The MAD ones seem to be good - won't be getting a set for a while though as I'm saving for belts & getting few things sorted first

 

[3i_gaz]

Speak to Simon at venom motorsport a top guy will always sort you out a deal too!

 

[Alex Conway]

Helicoil! We heliocoil all of hour aluminium that gets undone on a regular basis. Works are a treat on things on the threads inside the engine block, diff mounts etc.

 

[Chip-mk1]

Helicoil! We heliocoil all of hour aluminium that gets undone on a regular basis. Works are a treat on things on the threads inside the engine block, diff mounts etc.

More hassle than just fitting studs though?

 

[Alex Conway]

Maybe, but it depends if you want studs or not. I'd say the only reason it's less hassle is that studs are easier to use when changing a wheel. Otherwise a couple of hours for a pair is hardly a big ask. In particular the positive retention ones are something I love.

What stud kit do you use Chip, tempted by them for the track car.

 

[Chip-mk1]

I use pure motorsport ones on our clios mate, no problems at all so far, same for porkies car which gets more hammering than any other clio I know (including far more than any of the race cars)

Only thing to remember is that you need to retorque them after your first session once they are nice and warm.

 

[rdoxenham]

So can I put the stud kit INTO the spacer itself and just have the spacer bolted to the hub?

Also, is it possible to have the stud kit into the hub and run say, 15mm spacers that sit on the studs?

Potentially stupid questions above ;-)

 

[Chip-mk1]

So can I put the stud kit INTO the spacer itself and just have the spacer bolted to the hub?

Also, is it possible to have the stud kit into the hub and run say, 15mm spacers that sit on the studs?

Potentially stupid questions above ;-)

Yes to both of the above perfectly sensible questions mate.