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1. Spacers can be tricky. And some outright dangerous. Those look decent. But, as Roger points out, the lug nuts must engage a proper number of threads, hence longer studs!!! and, I would add, that the hub be absolutely clean so that the spacer makes maximum contact around the hub and across the flat part.
2. As to legality. I would not accept A parts store guy as the word. Indeed, he might be right. But, a search for law on acceptable vehicle modifications might be wise.
Here, it would be our CVC, California Vehicle Code.
Safety is the watch word. If one can accept our governance to wisely legislate laws to that end. I can almost envisage a law making them illegal. And that law based on inadequate fact. Some spacers are fine, others, far from it. The worst being a DIY stack of washers !!! Or a small wheel hub ground away to fit a larger hub center....
I've seen each!!!!
And, not that I encourage the idea? Who is to know????
In the UK, probably a MOT inspector. In OZ, I've not the slightest...
That sure is a nice car, even as presently shod....
Department Of Transport and Main Roads
Minor Modifications
Vehicle Standards Instruction G19.6
Released March 2014
Updated February 2016
The fitting of spacers or adaptors between wheels and hubs, other than those provided by the vehicle manufacturer, is not permitted.
Tyres and Rims (Alternative Rims and Tyres)
For a passenger car ........ The overall diameter of any tyre fitted must not be more than 15mm larger or 26mm smaller than that of any tyre designated by the vehicle manufacturer for that model.
General Conditions for Alternative Rims and Tyres
The maximum tyre width for a car or car derivative must not be more than 1.3 times the vehicle manufacturer’s widest optional tyre.
The wheel track of passenger cars (or derivatives) must not be increased by more than 25mm beyond the maximum specified by the vehicle manufacturer for the particular model. This means that the rim offset must not be changed by more than 12.5mm
Hi, sounds like you have worked everything out so apologies if I am telling you what you already know. The only 8J x16 wheel fitted by the factory to the xjs models , which obviously shares the same suspension set up , was the speedline /twr wheel which had a 19 mm offset on the fronts and the 33 offset for the rears. Your 8j lattice are all 33 offset , hence the problem touching the trackrod. All factory options for the xjs on 16 inch were 7 J. Jaguar did do a 7 J lattice for the xjs le mans , then as an option on the facelift models and a few ended up on the x300 saloons , but they are rare as hens teeth.
Your coupe's suspension was set up to run a 6j wheel and a 205/70 tyre so running anything larger I would check the camber angles. Twr used to remove the driveshaft to disc spacers to give the rear a bit more negative camber, fronts are obviously a lot easier to adjust. As a personal preference I run 225/60 16's on mine. The rear arches will take a 245/55 on the 8 J , but you loose out on ride quality.
If you go down the route of a 17 inch and low profile I would strongly recommend that all the suspension bushes are A1 otherwise it will be horrible.
Great cars though, had loads of fun blasting through France in the 80's in my v12, if only I had kept it!
03-22-2017, 10:58 AM
