Hi folks,
Total noob here with just about my first post and third P car in 40 years. I picked up an '09 997.2 C4S several months back and have been looking for something different from the stock wheels. One of the options always seems to be to use spacers on the rear for wheels coming from a NB car. My question is this: what is the downside of using spacers that are this thick (15-20mm), other than cost? Does it stress out components? My manual calls for an 11.5 x 19 ET 50 in the rear. Most of the NB wheels I see have offsets in the 62-67 range. Is it a simple matter of subtracting the difference to get the spacer size? Thanks.

 

Many use spacers to get the look you want...but I've always been hesitant to use a 17mm spacer although Porsche sells them. Better to find the correct offset for your car.

 

Better quality spacers that thick usually bolt onto the hub and then the wheel bolts onto the spacer. They also have a hub centric ring to keep the wheel centered. Buy quality and you'll be fine, especially for a non-track car.

Thin spacers in the 5-10mm range usually just install with longer lug bolts/nuts, just like installing a washer onto a machined screw. Hub centric versions are rare so be certain the longer replacement bolts seat properly in the wheel and make certain the wheels are installed centered to avoid balance and vibration issues.