You can buy spacers as small as 1mm, but they're the cheap eBay ones. Unless there's some out there that I haven't seen...

H&R is what I recommend. KICS and Ichiba are also pretty good. PM me if you're interested in a quote. You can do the job at home easily if you've ever changed your own brake pads or swapped shocks. I'd imagine even someone who's only done an oil change would be able to get the job done.

I'd strongly suggest going with a slip-on spacer and extended studs. The spacers with the studs built in are great, if you're going for a 25mm or bigger. Any smaller, and you may have to shorten your stock studs which you probably don't want to do.

 

Yep, I agree. I ordered Eibach spacers today. Should come in next week.

 

wheel spoke and brake caliper clearance should be at a minimum 3mm to accommodate for heat expansion of both the caliper and wheel with wheel flex in mind. imho the thickness of a single sheet of paper is too close.

 

Interestingly enough I was stopped at a red light next to some fancy porche just yesterday and I was staring at the guys wheels and his calipers were almost as close to the spoke as mine. Hard to tell if it was as close but it was very close. It was a beautiful car and a beautiful setup. Sadly i was in my minivan and the guy peeled out when the light turned green and i didn't get to see what model it was. it looked like a totally factory setup.

regardless, I have my spacers ordered. I'll be going from 5mm to 10mm so that should give me the clearance i need.

 

Mercedes and the R32 skyline come from the from the factory with only 2 to 3 mm of clearance on the wheels. Many other cars are like that too. It is all you need.

 

a fancy car does not necessarily mean it's got proper equipment/fitment.

good job on ordering spacers. if you get the 5mm or longer, may i suggest longer wheel studs (nismo or ARP) to ensure you have proper thread contact/turns with the lug nut.. also if its a 10mm, make sure they are hubcentric spacers.

 

I don't think you caught the OEM part, plenty of cars with stock wheels and brakes have minimal clearance.

 

Unless the car is tracked, 5mm shouldn't be a problem with stock studs. I've done it as well as countless others.

 

So I got some 10mm Eiback spacers with extended studs installed yesterday. I have a bit more clearance in the front now. Feel much better about it. I have my 5mm left over in case anyone wants them. They aren't fancy looking or anything but they get the job done. Thanks everyone for your input.

 

Glad someone took good advice.