Need some wheel clearance...
 

Hey guys,

I'm running a '85 GS in autocross, using stock rims (+ style) and 215/50/13 Sumitomo tires. I have the Respeed coilovers and camber plates.

The issue is, I can't lower the car to the desired level because the sidewall of the tire hits the adjusting collar and the spring. I need a little more clearance, maybe 1/8 of an inch, not very much. I even tried using my old 205/60/13 tires, but ran into the same issue.

What would be the easiest way to get a hair more clearance? Will I have to go with spacers, or can I rig up something simple? I know the easiest way would be to get the proper wheels with the correct spacing, but hey, I've got a wife and three kids to provide for. lol.

I was hoping that since I don't need much clearance, there might be a simple way to get this done. Thanks for your thoughts. :)

There are two easy options:
1) Run a spacer - I raced in a spec class and 90% of the people just ran a spacer. There were no issues.

2) Get a shorter spring. This moves the collar up, giving you the clearance you need.

after that it gets harder:
3) new rim

4) raise upper suspension mounting point. (I had my camber plates bolted on top of the suspension mounting location, with a 1" spacer thrown in to drop it further.)

cheers,
-Trent

Well, Bruceman helped me out with this issue for racing by selling me his wheels and tires (thanks Bruce!!!). But I'll have to get some spacers for my stock wheels to cover the role of daily driver. :)

This just hit me while reading the thread. It did not come to mind when we were talking before.

The lower adjusting collar is larger than the spring OD. If you have the collar machined flat on one side then you can always make sure to rotate it with the flat out to give you the clearance needed. Take the flat all the way to the spring diameter.

Any shop can do it. If not, send them to me, I will do it.
This image is what I mean. The red area is a machined flat down to the spring OD.

-billy

Thanks for the info Billy. However, I even tried adjusting them down so that the collar was below the point of interference, and the tire ended up rubbing on the spring itself anyway. It looks like I'll only need about 1/8 inch more clearance and I'll be alright with my street wheels/tires.

I'm all set for racing now though. The new Diamond racing wheels came with Hoosier 224/45/13s on them, and due to the difference in backspacing will give me an extra 3/4" of clearance, so it'll be nice and roomy with those on.

In the mean time, I'll just have to have the car a little bit higher than I would like in order to run my street wheels/tires. But it's not bad at all, still a lot lower than stock. Thanks again Billy...