What are 355 wheel spacers for?

I could not find anything in the F355 user manual. Where did you find these information about wheel spacer?

 

I have just put them on my 355 spider, all they do is put the wheels just behind the wheel arch,thus giveing it a more agressive and a little wider stance. Some say this puts strees on the bearings but i have used them on a few cars with out problems.

 

chaa, what is the thickness of the spacers you used? all four wheels?

 

Wheel spacers move the track outward but leave the suspension movement point unmodified.

At the front, this results in higher compressive forces in the steering rack, and decreases the feel of the contract patch as felt from the steering wheel.

At the rear this moves the contact patch outwards, and thereby, causes large braking forces to cause toe OUT, and accelerative forces to cause toe IN. Neighter toe change happens in 348/355 rear suspensions with original wheels and tires.

Is any of this big enough to worry about, likely not unless you are into racing. The the forces are real, nonetheless.

Widening the track, causes more weight to reamin on the inside tires in turns, and thereby increases grip (marginally), but is no substitute for lowering the center of gravity.

I supply the following picture to show the F355 suspension system:: notice how the ball joints and teh shock forces are angled to the center of the contact patch..........

 

I'm curious about the wheel spacers as well. I am considering them for the front, because the wheels don't look right as they do not sit at the edges of the fenders like the rears - hey no laughs, looks are important!

Mitch,
What are the real world (not track) implications?
Do wheel bearings noticeably wear faster for 1/2 inch spacers in front.
Does a 1/2 inch per side make the steering noticeably numb?

Would appreciate any input.
Thanks,
David

 

My guess is that 1/2" is small enough that the bearing longevity will be essentually unchanged, while the ball joints longevity may go down somewhat, steering tie rod ends longevity may also go down a little. If all these parts are supposed to go 100K miles and then show noticible wear, then the spacer car would get 85K-90K.

As to steering sensitivity, this would be similar to the difference in steering sensitivity when comparing r-compound tires to regular high performance street rubber. I suspect may will actually like deadening the steering sensitivity.