Wheel alignment question
 

Ok guys, I know this has probably been asked but I can't find the answer.

2004 350Z Roadster Touring. Stock everything (I know it's boring), 18" rims. I decided to threat myself with new 18x8 inch wheels, but the drawback is those wheels only came with +42 offset with 73.1mm center bore. No problem for the center bore as they installed adaptor rings. Then I got the car aligned.

My question is, if I put 12-15mm wheels spacers to bring back the flush looks that I had with the oem wheels, will I have to get the car re-aligned?

Thanks for your input

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....1d46756768.jpg

When I installed aftermarket wheels that had a significantly different offset than the OEM wheels, I did do an alignment, but the alignment was right on and did not require an adjustment.

The case requiring an alignment is when you install aftermarket springs or coil-overs and drop your 350z more than about 3/4 inch.

BTW: Like your wheels

Thanks for your input and comment Spike

Spike is correct re alignment. You gained roughly 9mm of negative/inward offset from original wheels so a 10mm spacer set would put you about where you were. You will not need new lug bolts for 10mm, if you go higher you will. Clean car!

Thanks JHC.
So would you say that spacers simiar to this one in the 10-12mm size should be okay without longer lug bolts ?
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....ed1360d61a.jpg

You are at the limit, and probably need longer bolts

I striped a set of lug nuts just test fitting a set of 10mm spacers without longer studs

Where do you get your longer studs?

Z1Motorsports.com

All they do is Zs and Gs, GTRs

Just buy a kit that comes complete. I recomend Z1, then I would probably just get 20mm bolt on spacers in your case

Cool site fellows. This is gonna hurt my wallet, thanks
Ok, from the information I gave before and after reading the sticky on Back to Basics-Wheel offset; if going with the 15mm hub centric wheel spacers & extended studs, I should not have any issues for rubbing or clearing with my stock suspension, right?

Thanks for your inputs guys.

Since you put narrower wheels with high offsets on the car (at least the rear), you need to play with the spacing to get them sitting right. Try this for kicks: https://my350z.com/forum/tire_rim_calculator.php

Although I can tell you off top of head that in order to bring it out to stock and a few mm's closer to the lip, go with 20mm hub-centric, bolt-on spacers (or go the "longer studs with slip on spacers" route using ARP, the best out there). 20mm spacers = +22 effective offset. You could even go with 25mm but I never recommend anything over 20mm so there's my bias showing.

Depending on tires, there will be zero clearance issues. What size tires F&R? (I ask that because with only 8" of wheel width, I'd hope you're not running like 285s or something.)

I have stock size tires, 225/45-18 front, 245/45-18 rear.
Wheels are not narrower, they are the same size as OEM 18x8

True for Touring 1s... My point of reference is Track V1 or Anniversary stocks with 8.5 rears or Nismo 9/10s..

No matter, those +42 offsets need larger spacers to bring them out closer to the guards. Again, with stock size tires, no interference at.

Ok then. If I go with bolt-on spacers, Z1 Motorsports offers 20mm, 25mm and 30mm.
I'm safe with any of them?

I don't run spacers for a variety of reasons - cost, hassle, maintenance. No one is going to say you're "safe" however if you invest in a torque wrench and check each spacer and wheel for the recommended torque periodically you should be fine. (usually about 80 foot lbs).
If I were going to run spacers I'd use blue Loctite on them, others may their own opinion.

As for your sizing question, you will be fine with 20 or 25, and you may notice a very slight decrease in acceleration and braking due to the added rotating mass.

I would honestly get 30rear 25 front. Normally people run 25/20 stock and you are 12mm indented from stock.

Thanks for all your inputs.
Well, I went with 20mm bolt-on spacers (with blue loctite), really like the looks.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....3608545732.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/my350z....d350cf329a.jpg