What's the difference between wheel adapter and spacer

[VetteNoob]

Is one better than the other? Is one safer than the other? Is there really a reason the spacers are 1/5 the cost of adapters? TIA

[86Coupe]

A wheel spacer is generally a smaller, universal single piece of steel/aluminum, designed to work on a variety of cars and to give minimum spacing, usually less than 1/2". They fit directly onto the studs, and are sandwiched by the wheel and the hub. Wheel adapters are usually heavier, and thicker pieces that are machined, are designed for specific applications, and generally have their own studs. The adapters bolt to the stock studs, then the wheel is bolted to the studs on the adapter. Adapters are usually used to provide spacing greater than 1/2" (I've seen adapters that are 2+ inches thick), and they can also be used to alter a bolt pattern, like if you ever want to put Vette rims on a mustang to try to make it look sorta cool :)

Spacer:


Adapter:


Spacers are generally only used to give a slight stance improvement, but if they get too thick then they will lower the amount of available threads on the studs, and may pose a safety risk. Adapters are much better for larger spacing, but physics tells you that you should only push the wheels out so far before they become hazardous due to downward force and the weight bearing on the suspension, that's why you sometime see the ricers with the wide wide wheels tracts and the back wheels look like this /-==-\


[Modified by 86Coupe, 11:21 AM 4/4/2002]

[VetteNoob]

Thanks 86Coupe.

Question Part 2:

So basically if the adapters for early C4s are 3/4 in and a spacer is 1/2 in, the difference is 1/4 in (not much), but there may be a safety issue with how much thread is available for the lug nuts? Is this typically why everyone here went with the adapters as opposed to the 1/2 spacers? Would replacing the studs with longer studs and using spacers be safer than using using an adapter?


[Modified by VetteNoob, 11:35 AM 4/4/2002]

[86Coupe]

I got the adapters for my '86 for putting wheels off of a '99 on it. The adapters are 18mm, which is the exact offset difference between the two years. I spent the money on the adapters to get a perfect fit, and I also worried about the stress on the studs. I could have gotten away with 5/16" or 1/2" spacers, and put longer studs on, but I figured with the car I had, it was best to do it the right way, and spend the money. I feel very safe with the vehicle the way it is set up now. I would have felt unsure if I put on longer studs, but for only 1/2" or so, they probably would have been fine. I say you can go with what feels safest for you budget, and just use some common sense :) The adapters I got were from Ecklers, and were $199 for a set of 4, and they are very high quality, and the 18s on the back set out just perfect....


[Modified by 86Coupe, 11:48 AM 4/4/2002]

[vader86]

if you have to use some type of adapter or spacer, be sure to get the one from VetteBrakes & Products

[86Coupe]

Shameless plug I detect lol

[VetteNoob]

Thanks for the info guys. Of course price is important, but saving myself some money wont mean squat if the wheels shoot off because the studs snapped.

[BiZ]

Those ones in the parts for sale section from Vette Brakes are a great deal at $150.

[VetteNoob]

Yeah, but he hasnt replied yet, so Im still looking for some. Im getting wheels from a 90 vette on tomorrow so I may have to go spacers until I can get ahold of the adapters.