Anyone notice on the 2012 configurator that Porsche is now offering 17mm rear spacers as an option. Wonder how much of a difference this will make in handling. 17mm sounds like a pretty big spacer. Only problem is that they require the wheel arch extensions. Wonder if this is really necessary or if its just Porsche trying to be extra careful. Thoughts?

A great package for suncoast to offer would be the spacers and wheel arch extensions

Any aftermarket options, maybe slightly less agressive, that wouldn't need the extensions?

 

The 17mm spacers were an option on the 2011's w/o the arch extensions, I think you are right about them being extra careful.

I didnt order my Cayenne so I added the OEM's from Suncoast for a wider track. The rear wheels are almost flush with the wheel arch, I dont see any rocks being throw up, but then again I'm not the expert or an engineer.

When I do my 2012/2013, I will do the same, that being without the extensions and probably reusing my currents.

 

What are the pros and cons of these wheel spacers? I saw them as options but didn't get it. I understand that it pushes the wheels out a bit so they look more flush with the wheel well, but any negatives about it?

 

the spacers def weren't on the configurator for the 2011's. I would have ordered them! Are you sure they were available?

 

It was LATE 2011 when I configured (late May, early June) and they were available, thats how I knew about them and asked Suncoast. I actually had them in my build, but found an arriving car a few states away so I bought that instead. Back then, you didnt need to add the wheel arch extensions, they were a stand-alone option.

 

Pro's-better looking IMO, potential better handling?
Con's-unknown.

Suncoast doesnt have them in the 958 section, here is the link though http://www.suncoastparts.com/product//HubCentric.html

For install, you remove the wheels and use the original lug bolts to secure the spacers in place. Then, you reinstall the wheel onto the spacer and secure with the new lug nuts supplied in the kit.

 

sounds pretty simple. If so, got any pics with them installed? Did you notice an improvement in handling after install?

 

Install was simple, do you mean pics of them installed before the wheel was put back on? If so, no I dont.

Attached are some pics I just took, its bad lighting and conditions, just think of your rear wheels 3/4" further out on each side.

No noticeable difference in handling, although I installed right after delivery.

Sport exhaust installed tomorrow, get on it GBXSport!

 

Those pics are exactly what i wanted to see. Thanks! Spacers and sport exhaust, here i come

 

I used 13mm front and rear with HRE wheels

 

Just had the 17mm Techart spacers installed on rear. Looks good with the OEM 19" wheels, no arch extension necessary! Plan is to fit these wheels with slightly narrower winter tires and the spacers will definitively give it a "cool" winter look. PS: you can buy cheaper 15mm spacers from H&R and save a few bucks. Porsche recommends those as well (German made).

 

How would these look with the 21 inch Turbo II wheels, and are you guys just running them on the rear?

 

I'm using them only in the rear, it gives the car a nice staggered look without being radical. Not sure how they would look with 21" wheels.... Here is a website to calculate the offset - it will give you an idea about available space.

http://www.1010tires.com/wheeloffsetcalculator.asp

 

I think the OEM 21" wheels have the offset pushed out to the wells already, hence the option is not avil when you build w/ 21's. Wheel arch extentions are required for 2012 21" wheels.

When I 1st built the CS for the Mrs., I selected the 20" rs spyders for $3120. Got the colored caps as well ($185). After considering getting the spacer option ($430) which forces you to add the wheel arch extentions ($990), the price for the RS Spyder wheels w/ caps and 17mm spacers came out to $4725.

The 21" Cayenne SportEdition wheel is $4875 and comes with caps, arch extentions, and a proper offset on the rim (no spacers needed). Difference is only $150. Needless to say, I went with the 21" (she isn't going off roading and we have no snow here, so no chains)

As our CS is still on order, I don't know if Cayenne's use lug nuts or lug bolts. But from my experience, especially for a 17mm spacer, there will be more stress on the lug bolts / studs as the wheel is stressing the entire hub more because it sits further away from the hub than usual. Also, spacers tend to reduce the "thread bite" when either nuts or lug bolts is being screwed in. Probably quite a few revolutions less when tightening.

For the M5, I got 10.9 grade extended lug bolts to compensate and therefore got the same amount of "turns" to tighten the bolt. (I was running 12mm spacers).

If the Cayenne comes with lug nuts, that most likely means that the lug bolts (attached to the hub) will be the same length as usual. Perhaps the nuts they give you have a deeper sleeve so they will have more bite.

 

V10M: your observations are absolutely correct. The Techart 17mm spacers (the Porsche solution) come with lug nuts. That means the spacer itself is attached to the car using the OEM bolts and then the wheel is attached to the spacer using lug nuts. This is not the case if you choose H&R spacers (only available in 15mm for Cayenne), they use longer bolts that are sold with the spacer.