Wheel Options for Big Brake Clearance?

[FJ1000]

Hi Guys

So, finally got round to getting some brembo 18z calipers and 350mm discs fitted to the GTi up front - however, don't you know it, my wheels won't clear.

They're BBS CH-R's 18x8.5, ET47. The garage think they might clear with 12 to 15mm spacers (they're going to try). However, I reckon I'll smash the arches to bits! That'd be an effective offset of ET32 to ET35. Not sure if I can get away with that, even if I roll arches.

So, I'm thinking about changing up the wheels. What wheels are good for brake clearance? I know the TD 1.2 are considered good for brake clearance, but if you guys have any other recommendations it'd be good to know.

Thanks!!

[colesey]

Check out Shoduchi's car as I believe he has the same brakes as you

[flashp]

Have a look at this video, 6 mins 40s in he talks about wheel spacers. He has a strong engineering understanding.
See what you think after watching 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_JlpS_QDgM

[flashp]

Hi Guys

So, finally got round to getting some brembo 18z calipers and 350mm discs fitted to the GTi up front - however, don't you know it, my wheels won't clear.

They're BBS CH-R's 18x8.5, ET47. The garage think they might clear with 12 to 15mm spacers (they're going to try). However, I reckon I'll smash the arches to bits! That'd be an effective offset of ET32 to ET35. Not sure if I can get away with that, even if I roll arches.

So, I'm thinking about changing up the wheels. What wheels are good for brake clearance? I know the TD 1.2 are considered good for brake clearance, but if you guys have any other recommendations it'd be good to know.

Thanks!!

OZ Alleggeritas have good clearance, one of the only wheels that would work with mine.

[xjay1337]

Many people run spacers without any issues.

Certainly I noticed no problems running spacers when I did a trackday a while ago on TD1.2 with 12mm all round.

Many OZ wheels have good clearance, and team dynamics wheels do as well.

[FJ1000]

I don't have a problem with spacers - I've done trackdays in a car that had spacers on, and know that there are plenty of examples of race cars that have spacers with no problems.

The issue is that if I go that route, I end up at ET32 or 35 - with 225/40 tyres, with a 25mm drop, which is probably going to end up with lots of rubbing!

I'd rather stay at ET40+ if possible, by switching wheels.

Anyone know if it's just the TD 1.2 that has good clearance, or other wheels in their range too?

I'll have a look at OZ too, thanks for the tip.

Any other suggestions would be gratefully received!


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[pudding]

Have a look at this video, 6 mins 40s in he talks about wheel spacers. He has a strong engineering understanding.
See what you think after watching 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_JlpS_QDgM

It's only an issue if the spacers are thick enough to severely change the SAI (Steering Angle Inclination) and therefore the scrub radius.  You can normally feel it as increased steering weight and twitchiness if you go too thick with them.

Don't forget an ET35 wheels is effectively a 10mm spacer   

If people don't notice any change in how the car feels to drive, then they haven't fecked the SAI up too much and all is good in the world.  I would never use them myself.  I would push the wheels out with longer wishbones instead, so proper widetrack with the correct SAI 

[FJ1000]

Garage just called - 12mm spacers did the trick, so effective ET35. On the way down there now, let's see how it looks, and how much it rubs!


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[Wolf Burger]

Pics??? 

[AJP]

SRS wide wings might be an option, but I think you'll be fine with a bit of arch rolling.

And yeah, some pics please ☺

[leebes]

Garage just called - 12mm spacers did the trick, so effective ET35. On the way down there now, let's see how it looks, and how much it rubs!

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Guess the rubbing will depend on how much you are lowered. I'm on 30mm H&R springs, I have ET35 Pro Race 1.2's, I had rubbing and catching everytime I hit anything which ressembled a bump...which is why I'm running ET45 now!

Good luck though....and lets see these pics 

[FJ1000]

So, first off - happy with the brakes!!

However, I definitely need to do something as the rubbing is a problem! Barely there when I was driving solo, but then 4 up was a different story!

So, I have to decide now. I really like these wheels, so would be a shame to have to sell. Might try max negative camber (anyone know what that is?) and rolling the arches.

Anyway, pics!












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[AJP]

You'll need adjustable strut top mounts (or adjustable ball joints) to dial in any negative camber on the front. You can't adjust it with factory bits.

I'd do one or the other. Doing camber as well as rolling the arches will undoubtedly solve it, but the £££ will soon add up. And I think it's something that can be sorted with one or the other - I doubt you'd need both. But maybe a subtle amount of both is the way to go. A bit of rolling... and a bit of camber!

Get some advice on camber - ie how much is too much.

And if you haven't already, have a look at the 'arch screw mod' as the first job.

Car looks lovely by the way.

[FJ1000]

Thanks @AJP !

I think the arch screw mod may well take away most of the rubbing. Had a feel under the arch and was surprised how far it protrudes!

So I'll probably do that, and forget rolling the arches.

If it's still an issue, I'll look into camber - but looks like the adjustable top mounts aren't cheap!

A bit of GCSE trigonometry tells me that an extra degree of negative camber would give the top of the tyre 5.5mm extra clearance. I need to check the last alignment, but I have it in my head that the camber is currently -1.0 to -1.3. So going to -2.0 to -2.3; which I don't expect would cause too much of an issue with inside tyre wear.

Then there's the labour of fitting the top mounts, and having to get the car aligned!

It might end up easier/cheaper to sell the BBS wheels and buy some OZ Ultralegerras if the screw mod doesn't do the trick!!

Why is nothing car related straightforward!? All 3 cars at home causing me some kind of problem at the moment!!!



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[rich83]

They are sticking too much tbh. Even the screw mod won't help in this case. Looks like youve got 1 inch of travel before you start hitting the Arch which isn't enoigh