| Author | Message | ||
| Dave (Dave)
Member Username: Dave Post Number: 630 Registered: 4-2001 |
I run my 308 without one, and as far as the weight removal I don't see a problem at all... In fact it has helped a bunch, along with the stock bumpers, muffler, and such, I have lost over 200lbs. What kind of equivalent HP gain does that translate into. | ||
| Ric Rainbolt (Ricrain)
Member Username: Ricrain Post Number: 557 Registered: 2-2002 |
FWIW, I've seen 308/328's experience extra damage in a frontal collision if you have the spare in place. The brake booster, brake master, windshield wipers, windshield, heater valves, etc. I personally run my 308 without it. | ||
| Tod Whitmore (Tod)
Junior Member Username: Tod Post Number: 81 Registered: 7-2003 |
Here is my two cents, As for accident prevention, i don't think there is any with or without a spare tire. But, i do believe it helps with added weight in the front. A few times i have noticed at speeds, a slight porpusing effect in the front of the car. I feel if there was less weight up front it would be worse. Of course, your speed, the wind, the road conditions would have a factor in that too. Plus, it doesn't hurt anything staying in the car and keeps clutter out of the garage...  | ||
| Kurt Kjelgaard (Kurtk328)
Junior Member Username: Kurtk328 Post Number: 234 Registered: 3-2001 |
Ken On the 328 (and the 308's) the sparewheel has no effect on airflow around the radiator, as it sits in its own enclosure, isolated from the surroundings when the hood is down. I agree with Paul about the accident protection or rather lack of same. Just my 2 cents. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Intermediate Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 1232 Registered: 10-2001 |
I don't have a 328, but the spare in my Europa is up front. It's important to drive with it because: 1. Protection in an accident. 2. The weight is important for the balance of the car. The front is too light without it. 3. It directs air at the radiator. | ||
| Paul Jeffery (Peajay)
Junior Member Username: Peajay Post Number: 136 Registered: 4-2002 |
Morrie In view of the way the wheel is positioned and located I can't see how it could be of structural benefit in an accident. I could imagine that it could be a negative in an accident if it were to be become loose. The wheel is surprisingly heavy to me, so leaving it at home would be a benefit in that respect. I would prefer to keep mine and not have to rely on someone to come along and help, even if I am paying them. Better the devil you know !! | ||
| Morrie (Morrie)
New member Username: Morrie Post Number: 28 Registered: 9-2003 |
On Porsche 911s they are part of the structural integrity protecting against frontal collision. It appears the same may be true for the 328. It's tempting to remove it for trunk space. I'll never use the spare anyway and would call road service instead. Can anyone advise? |