Rep Power: 419

I'm not sure what to call this, but I'm talking about the width from the outside of one wheel to the other corresponding side on the ground. Sort of like wheel base, but modified since you can have wider wheels.

What I want to know is if wider is better? Does a wider track width equal better traction in the corners? Say, nothing else changes. Just the track width. Will you have better traction in the corners? Why? Less body lean?

I'm asking 'cause I will be making custom rear lower control arms that will widen my track width in back by 1/2" or more. I know that the suspension geometry will change. The Hotchkis camber kit that I'll buy will help with the camber. The stock toe bolt will be adjusted to help with the toe.

The shocks and the springs will be in a slightly different position, but I believe that there will be no problem with that since the amount of deviation from stock will be much less at the shock mounting points than 1/2". The suspension joints will be under slightly more stress as well, but again. With rubber it shouldn't be a problem. I'll confirm the amount of give it has by taking off a rear lower control arm first and testing it out.

Anyway, assuming that everything else is the same and I get 1/2" or 3/4" more track width. Er... Actually... It might be wheel base now since that's the base setting. Anyway, how will this affect handling?

P.S. - I'll probably roll my rear fenders too, so don't worry about that...

 
Rep Power: 380

Yes, Wider is better. Less weight gets transfered, so less body roll and less loss of traction in the corners. Ive been looking to get some wheel spacers my self, just for a little bit more track. Be warned though, if you do any sort of SCCA autocrossing , this will automaticaly bump you in to the modified class (DM).

Good luck, hope to hear about it soon.

 
Rep Power: 419

Wheel spacers don't though? ???