What width wheel spacer needed for new wheels?

[TominMO]

I have a set of 14x5.5" wheels with a 40mm offset. Planning on running the 165/55r14 like is suggested on here to keep the speedo fairly accurate. My question is what width spacer did you use to keep the rear wheel from rubbing on the stock suspension? Anything else I may be overlooking please let me know. Thanks!

Those 14s are actually 0.3" smaller radius than a 155/80-12. And as narrow as they are, I can't imagine why you would need any spacer at all. But if you do, a 1/4"/6mm one should do it.

I'm running this size tire on my Festy with the DIY VW coilover setup, which drops the body about 2". No issues. The coilover spring setup is of course far smaller diameter than stock.

I've never used hub-centric spacers, and never had a problem. You will need either aftermarket, longer lug bolts, to properly grip the thicker aluminum wheel; or switch to actual screw-in studs with red Loc-tite (far better).

[Petna]

Hello. I've been wanting to take off these little 12" wheels and maybe go to an easier find 13 or 14. Would i have to do all these mods to my brake system and shocks and cambers. And if so, where should i start first

[Eviljimchicken]

Hello. I've been wanting to take off these little 12" wheels and maybe go to an easier find 13 or 14. Would i have to do all these mods to my brake system and shocks and cambers. And if so, where should i start first

I would suggest starting with the aspire brake swap. You will want the rear beam with the hubs (keep the ebrake cable with it), front knuckles/spindles, and don't forget the master and booster. It is possible to use the stock master and booster but it doesn't work as well. You will probably want to take the wheels too because the bolt pattern will change to 4x100.

You will also need aspire outer tie rods. Escort(?) tie rods are the same and are cheaper.

The aspire rear beam has a built in sway bar which can cause under steer. You can drill out the sway bar with a hole saw or re drill your stock rear beam to accept the aspire hubs. The stock beam is somewhat lighter.

Someone let me know if I'm forgetting something!

[TominMO]

Hello. I've been wanting to take off these little 12" wheels and maybe go to an easier find 13 or 14. Would i have to do all these mods to my brake system and shocks and cambers. And if so, where should i start first

If you simply switch to 13" Geo/Chevy Metro wheels with 155/80-13 tires, you won't have to change anything. Same with 165/55-14s, as long as the wheels have a good offset, like 35-38.

Early Metro wheels were 12"; later were 13", starting with 1995 IIRC.

A bonus is that you can keep your best 12" tires/rims for full-size spares.