Wheel Spacers on the SE

Another alternative might be PPF film along the side - hopefully that might help prevent nicks in the paint.

 

I decided to jump on the bandwagon and install the same spacers today. I was skeptical but I really love the change. I'm qualified to describe it properly but the steering has changed for the better.

 

I meant to say that I'm NOT qualified to properly describe the steering difference ... but subjectively I like the steering better now.

As I said, I was skeptical but I really love the change in both appearance and ride.

And it sets the stage for my switch to 215/50/17 tires, probably next year. This will give me 16% more sidewall for crappy Tennessee roads.

 

Wouldn’t that alter the tire diameter rather significantly? Going up a size in width means you should go down a ratio number.

 

It's an increase of 5% in diameter and has been tested by other forum members:

https://www.insideevsforum.com/community/index.php?threads/12-mm-spacers-and-new-tires.11992/

https://tiresize.com/comparison/

 

I’m no expert, but 5% seems like a fairly big hit in terms of gearing, especially in a car with less than 200 lbf⋅ft, weighing over 3100 lbs. Going to a final drive ratio 5% taller in a muscle car has a profound effect on acceleration and drivability, like replacing 4.10 gears with 3.89s. I suppose if all you’re doing is cruising on the freeway at 65, no biggie, but in stop and go urban and suburban traffic, I think it might be an issue. Just my 2¢.