Discussion
What is the general view here regarding the fitting of spacers (20mm rear/12mm front) to a 2007 V8V, to improve the look by getting the standard 19” seven spoke wheels to fill the arches.
Does it lead to early wheel bearing failure and do they impact the overall handling of the vehicle?
Does it lead to early wheel bearing failure and do they impact the overall handling of the vehicle?
You will get two opinions, those that are mechanically/engineering oriented saying its a bad thing due to stresses being added to the car that it wasn't designed for and the other saying that it looks so much better and if it it makes the bearings expire sooner, take it on the chin. Personally I changed the original dynamics suspension for the BC Racing which dropped the ride height by 15mm by default.' Had to' put spacers on, 23mm rear 11mm front to make it look right. To me it has changed it for the better. Just did a spirited drive around Snowdonia and it behaved impeccably.
Thanks for the reply’s.
I do come from an engineering background so am slightly concerned about the increased loads/stresses but given the number of folk that I have spoken to that have not had an issue, I’m tempted to give it a go. I can alway revert to standard if it goes horribly wrong, although I understand that you have to cut the rear studs so they don’t clash with 19” seven spoke wheels.
I’m thinking about changing the dampers as mine are 16yrs old and although not leaking and seem to work okay, they must be past their best. Any recommendations on brand and ideas on cost?
I do come from an engineering background so am slightly concerned about the increased loads/stresses but given the number of folk that I have spoken to that have not had an issue, I’m tempted to give it a go. I can alway revert to standard if it goes horribly wrong, although I understand that you have to cut the rear studs so they don’t clash with 19” seven spoke wheels.
I’m thinking about changing the dampers as mine are 16yrs old and although not leaking and seem to work okay, they must be past their best. Any recommendations on brand and ideas on cost?
Gazza450 said:
Thanks for the reply’s.
I do come from an engineering background so am slightly concerned about the increased loads/stresses but given the number of folk that I have spoken to that have not had an issue, I’m tempted to give it a go. I can alway revert to standard if it goes horribly wrong, although I understand that you have to cut the rear studs so they don’t clash with 19” seven spoke wheels.
I’m thinking about changing the dampers as mine are 16yrs old and although not leaking and seem to work okay, they must be past their best. Any recommendations on brand and ideas on cost?
Even though there are pockets on the back of the 7 spokes they don't quite line up with the existing studs, so yes they do have to be cut. Quite nerve wrecking taking an angle grinder to your pride and joy!I do come from an engineering background so am slightly concerned about the increased loads/stresses but given the number of folk that I have spoken to that have not had an issue, I’m tempted to give it a go. I can alway revert to standard if it goes horribly wrong, although I understand that you have to cut the rear studs so they don’t clash with 19” seven spoke wheels.
I’m thinking about changing the dampers as mine are 16yrs old and although not leaking and seem to work okay, they must be past their best. Any recommendations on brand and ideas on cost?
The BC Racing set up is the most economical ones you'll find about £1200, if I remember rightly. The original dynamics were never great and as you say, after 16 years are probably in need of changing. Doing mine certainly transformed the ride.
I've often thought about having spacers fitted, not done it yet and doubt I will however, I do have a bearing failure on the offside rear.
Was at Phoenix last week Thursday morning to have it diagnosed. According the them, failures of a bearing on the V8V are extremely rare. Andy reckoned in his near 30 years with the brand he has change maybe 2 or 3.
Was at Phoenix last week Thursday morning to have it diagnosed. According the them, failures of a bearing on the V8V are extremely rare. Andy reckoned in his near 30 years with the brand he has change maybe 2 or 3.
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