Meshie spacers for z brakes

[JaeTea]

I've decided (based on money and car use) to stick with 15" wheels for my S13.

However there's no way in hell any of my mesh wheels will clear my z brakes, regardless of offset. The flat face just won't compensate for the size of the calipers.

What size spacers would I need and would I need new longer studs? :confused:

[drift into a curb]

Hmm wouldn't it help if you measure how big of a spacer you need? You can fit up to a 6mm spacer safely and 8mm is pushing it ( I've seen a wheel almost fall off from not properly checking the torque on the wheels). Your best bet is www.wheelspacers.com.

[JaeTea]

Hmm wouldn't it help if you measure how big of a spacer you need? You can fit up to a 6mm spacer safely and 8mm is pushing it ( I've seen a wheel almost fall off from not properly checking the torque on the wheels). Your best bet is www.wheelspacers.com.

This is gonna sound REAL stupid but whats the easiest way to measure how big of a spacer I would need?

I'm thinking I'm going to need a 20 - 30 mm spacer for any of my mesh rims to clear the z brakes.

So as far as longer studs go what brands do people recommend?

[drift into a curb]

Test fit it? Put the rims on the car? That's the best way, if it don't fit, stick a ruler in there and figure out how much space you do need. If you don't have your brakes on yet, you can try assembling the caliper and rotor together and put it on the inside of your mesh rim. This will help you to figure out how much more space you'll need to clear your caliper.

After looking at my 30mm z brake set up and approximating with a measuring tape, it'll need about a 32-35mm wheel spacer considering the face of mesh rim is pretty flat on the mounting side. Depends on your set up, you should really look at your car.

[JaeTea]

After looking at my 30mm z brake set up and approximating with a measuring tape, it'll need about a 32-35mm wheel spacer considering the face of mesh rim is pretty flat on the mounting side. Depends on your set up, you should really look at your car.

Well after measuring them I realized that this isn't gonna work unless I get new rims. :smash:

With the offset of the rims plus running such a large ass spacer the rim is gonna be sticking out the fenderwall.

Anyone have any insight on running 15s with z brakes? Or could Q45 brakes fit under meshies? :confused:

[misnomer]

Q45 brakes are twin pot, with no pistons on the outside-- you should have no trouble fitting them under a 15

[cdlong]

i guess i'll throw in the obligatory "wheel size doesn't matter, it's the spoke design that makes a difference" but you already knew that. lots of people run Z brakes under stock wheels.

[HaLo]

Yup... Q45 brakes will fit and offer very good braking. That's what I have under my SSR Formula Mesh track wheels. :)

[jonnnny23]

Anyone have any insight on running 15s with z brakes? Or could Q45 brakes fit under meshies?


i have 15x8 +12 kosei k1s they should clear with a 3mm spacer.

Jon

[kazuo]

IIRC Kosei K1's clear w/o spacers -- ask Dousan, I think he used to have those wheels.

Anyways are you SURE they wont clear with 20mm spacers? From the looks of it, a 20mm spacer will clear damn near anything...

[TheTimanator]

IIRC Kosei K1's clear w/o spacers -- ask Dousan, I think he used to have those wheels.

Anyways are you SURE they wont clear with 20mm spacers? From the looks of it, a 20mm spacer will clear damn near anything...
the kosei's will clear w/o spacers.

hmmm, I'm gonna have to research the Q45 brakes cuz I love the old school wheels!

[drift into a curb]

Anyways are you SURE they wont clear with 20mm spacers? From the looks of it, a 20mm spacer will clear damn near anything...

Nah, that's not even an inch yet. I was looking at my 30mm z brakes and with those, a 20mm spacer wouldn't do. If you went with a 26mm set up, a 20mm spacer may work, but the mesh face is usually pretty flat with no raised mounting surface (ie. take a look at kosei k1's mounting surface and it gives plenty of clearance due to the spoke design).