5 mm Wheel Spacers?

Kai Noeske · Post by **Kai Noeske** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 7:09 am

I recently got started with autocrossing and track days, and was hoping to run HPDEs with COMSCC in the future.

Are wheel spacers an absolute no?

I run thin 5mm spacers on my Corolla; the sole purpose is to allow my Miata alloy rims (width, offset, hub size etc are all factory spec for my car) to clear the calipers, NOT to bring the front wheels further out for changed looks/stability.

These spacers are precision-machined hub-centric Ichiba parts, not flimsy lug-centric ones; other than broad (1-4 inch wide or more) spacers that some tuners use, they do not change the axle geometry. I am running proper longer lug studs. Even with the spacers, I am within factory specs for wheel offset (+-5mm) and within stock class limits for SCCA. The car is in excellent mechanical shape (people who autocross at Devens or run track with SCDA know it - it's the Pirate Toyota) and has passed every tech inspection with flying colors.

Thanks for your help! Best, Kai

Stynger · Post by **Stynger** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 9:35 am

What class would you run in?

Kai Noeske · Post by **Kai Noeske** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 10:09 am

According to your rule book, SSC - slowest Showroom Stock. The car is bone stock.

Looking at the 2009 rule book, the spacer regulation does not show up in the initial "car requirement", i.e. safety section, only in the "showroom stock" restrictions. The way I understand this is that this spacer restriction is therefore not a safety concern, but to prohibit unfair performance advantages (broader axle) in showroom stock, which for these spacers I am using would be negligible. I would remain within the limits of wheel choice for showroom stock (+-5mm of factory offset).

If I could not run the time trial due to this regulation, could I at least run the driving school on the day before? I am more interested in that one, and I have not been signed off by a COMSCC instructor for solo driving / time trials yet anyway.

Edit: If I had to run in a higher-modified class, I would be fine with that; I have only had a few track days and am in for the fun, not for the winning.

Thanks! Kai

boltonite · Post by **boltonite** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 11:57 am

From the COMSCC rules re Showroom Stock wheels:

Any type wheel may be used provided wheel size (width and diameter) remain stock. Wheel offset may be +/- 5mm from
stock. Cars delivered with 12 inch wheels may use 13 inch wheels with a maximum width of 5 inches that fit within stock
fenders. Cars delivered with wheels greater than 17 inches in diameter may use wheels that are 17 inches or greater in
diameter, provided they are not larger than the stock diameter and width.

Kai Noeske · Post by **Kai Noeske** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 1:15 pm

Thanks. It was the "Wheel spacers are not allowed." below that got me concerned - it sounded all-inclusive.

Stynger · Post by **Stynger** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:10 pm

2. Wheel spacers are not allowed.

They are not allowed in SS or ST. Don't let that stop you from doing a time trial.
Worse case you could run SPC.
You are right, with longer studs it's not a safety issue, it's a class issue.

Kai Noeske · Post by **Kai Noeske** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 2:15 pm

Thanks! Hope to see you all soon!

Kai

boltonite · Post by **boltonite** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:11 pm

JB Weld the spacers to your wheels, rattle-can the hub/spacer, you now have a "custom" wheel w/ +5mm offset that is within the SS rules

-FF

Post by **TroyV** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:14 pm

I think Fred is still way into playing his Lemons character...

boltonite · Post by **boltonite** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 3:43 pm

Gotta maintain my street cred w/ the RFK teens.

For Lemon's I'd smear grease on the wheels or use strips of duct tape instead of spray paint ($0.15 vs $2.39), to keep the car "in character" too.

Kai Noeske · Post by **Kai Noeske** » Fri Sep 25, 2009 11:07 pm

You guys are funny !!!

Coming to think of it, I *cough* _may_ have misplaced those spacers somewhere anyway...

Anyway, my gf (Ivy) and I just signed up for the Halloween NHMS event! Looking forward!

And boltonite, should you ever be looking for a spare lemons driver, please let me know ...

!

boltonite · Post by **boltonite** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 7:32 am

Welcome to the club Kai! We try not to take ourselves (or other people, particularly new members) too seriously

In all seriousness, if you feel strongly about wheel spacers in SS to accommodate wheel offsets (and not to increase the overall track width beyond spec), now is the time to submit a rules change request, http://www.comscc.org/rules/submission-form/. The BoD will be reviewing rules changes in Oct/Nov. Fwiw I think your situation re wheel offsets and 5mm spacers is not outside the spirit and intent of Showroom Stock.

See you (and Ivy) at NHMS!

Fred F

6PAK72 · Post by **6PAK72** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 7:44 am

[/quote] Fwiw I think your situation re wheel offsets and 5mm spacers is not outside the spirit and intent of Showroom Stock.

See you (and Ivy) at NHMS!

Fred F[/quote]

So can we conceive a way to use the spirit of a 108hp TR6 in a class that does not include 320hp blown Subie's? I only piss them off....

breakaway500 · Post by **breakaway500** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 8:15 am

I still think a V-8 would be nice under that TR-6 hood. Can't beat em,join 'em! Wild Bill has a blast with his sharp looking V-8 Austin Healey...

DanDarcy · Post by **DanDarcy** » Sat Sep 26, 2009 9:35 am

I had a couple of Triumphs with V8s, a 1973 Stag with the original Triumph V8 and a 1971 into which I stuffed a Chevy 350. Both were terrible cars

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