[quote name='Tom in Austin' post='36506' date='Jun 6 2007, 07:44 AM']Right, typically newer wheels require 5 - 7 MM front spacers to clear the hubs on a 968. Standard studs are long enough to still provide minimum full turns of the nuts with up to a 7 MM spacer.
Rears go on just fine as they are.
Offsets aren't that much different. There are different measuring methods, but the simplest is the "ET" number cast into the wheel. This is indicative of how 'centered' the wheel is relative to the hub. For example, IIRC, the front 17 x 7.5 inch wheels that were optional on 968s were ET = 55 mm. If you put on a 996 17 x 7 inch wheel like I did, with a 7 mm spacer, then your ET is 50 mm (marked on the 996 wheel) plus 7 mm = 57 mm. End result is the centerline of the 996 wheel is now 2 mm different that than the OE wheel, not a large difference.[/quote]
Actually, you have subtract the spacer thickness from the ET to get the updated offset. 50 minus 7 would be 43ET on that rim. The higher the number, the more "pushed in" the wheel will be, the lower, the more "pushed out" it will be.
Quote:while everyone knows i hate spacers with a passion, and feel they are dangerous, if you have to use them, and don't change the studs to longer ones to make up for the lost threads, i do highly recommend that at least you use steel lugnuts
As long as the threads get full engagement, then there is no more you can ask for. With a 7mm spacer, all the threads should still be used in the lug nuts. All they have to do is count the threads nut vs. stud.
One more note is that not ALL newer porshe wheels require spacers in the front. If you are lucky enough to find an 8" front wheel (off of a C4 or GT3), then no spacer is required. My Sport Classic II's fit on the front without spacers.