| I always run spacers. I actually think they are an awesome tool if *used* properly. Since they have been lasting the pace I'm able to put my car through at any race track, it will easily work on ANY other Z owner's car. Just make sure they are high quality, hubcentric for large thicknesses and you have long enough wheelstuds... I run a good deal of negative camber all around, so my wheel spacing will sit differently than those with other camber and ride height specs. I also have my fenders modified (especially the rears) and now have modified my lower control arms, lol! I started that mod yesterday by grinding them down in the pits.... The 18x9.5 wheel in front I use a low offset on, so with the spacer the effectice offset was +22mm. For the tire to work without rubbing against the upper control arm, overall tire diameters need to be considered for larger widths. For the rear, my modified fenders and my negative camber help me run the 10.5" wheel with a +37mm offset. So far no rubbing; only on the inner control arm under heavy suspension compression; during static idle load and 85% of driving I have no problem; I was unaware of the extent of the issue until yesterday. I plan on fitting wider wheels and tires all around on this car soon. I have so many different wheel/tire sets right now, I'm trying use some up so I can free garage space for new stuff. Ride height and fenders play a big part in rubbing, so much of this data may not be right for most lowered Zs. My car is very low, so I've easiy rubbed inside and out in the past, but I've been correcting for it by wheel/tire sizes, ride height, fender modification and suspension setup and alignments have helped out some also.... 18" vs 17": Both have their advantages, but I prefer 18" wheels and tires. Turn-in and transient response is far better (shorter, stiffer sidewalls); it offers more positive feel for those able to drive the absolute limit (have a firm understanding of vehicle dynamics under grip and slip). At this level, which is a level most experienced track drivers are *still not at, I believe the subjective attribute of feel becomes very important. And then there is also something about being able to drive/race in style too ;). Unfortunately, you have to pay more to play with this size. 17" wheels are nice because they are easier to find in lighter weight, and are cheaper to buy and tire. They are more progressive because of the taller sidewalls (I do not agree with some associating this as a higher level of grip). After experiencing formula cars, I want to rid the 17" tire turn-in slop among other things out of my equation. In the end, it really comes down to your driving. Everybody has more left for improvement in themselves than changing up the car. 10-20mm here and there is trivial unless you really know how to use it. Hope this helps.
Cheers, Salah
Aztec Red 300ZX Twin Turbo
Platinum Mist Metallic 300ZX 2+2 
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