Surprising, I know, but hard to describe, truly. I was skeptical when I read that about others feeling different. I don't have a ton of cars under me nor any racing experience to draw from to communicate well, sadly. I felt what seemed to be at first a little more resistance (though my mileage has not dropped yet after a good hard 30m run today), as though the steering was a little heavier, but once I started driving it went away: and during this 30m run and driving to church this morning, the car just feels more planted, more solid, more stable.
I have to give you credit for keeping an open mind about other possible "felt" traits. Most folks jut jump straight to touting improved stability... often emphatically stating night-n-day difference.
Unfortunately though, reality is quite the disappointment. Jason at Engineering did a couple of videos on the effects of wheel spacer on handling. The first is more comprehensive and an excellent overview. Highly recommend you spend the time to watch and understand fully.
The 2nd video is specifically on the effect of wider track on lateral stability:
So, improvement with adding 25mm spacers on a Subaru BRZ? 1-2%
Stinger's track width is a few inches wider than the BRZ, so the effect would likely be even less. If you can feel
1-2% improved lateral stability... more power to you.
At least, that's what my brain is telling me.
That's the thing, isn't it? Perception doesn't always correlate to reality. Confirmation bias has a powerful influence over "felt" perception. Most folks very much want what they just spent $$ and effort installing to manifest in tangible improvement... whether it does or not.
Then again, sometime placebo effects aren't always completely without merit. If a mod convinces a driver that there are real and tangible improvement, and if that "perception" imparts the driver with real enhanced confidence... that can - and sometimes does - produce improved driver performance and better driving enjoyment. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that sort of effect.
That is... if there are no downsides to that mod. Unfortunately, too much deviation from factory offset means the scrub radius would be way off. That can produce some negative handing traits (see Jason's video for explanation). In a straight line over dry smooth pavement, you probably won't feel any difference. However, next time you get caught in a rainstorm, try driving 1 front wheel over a large puddle. If you feel brave enough, try that while in a turn... and see what your car does.
Also, notice what happens when you hit a bump while in a turn - especially a long tight sweeper - with some speed. Experience enough of these things, and I can just about guarantee you will begin to appreciate why thick wheel spacers on stock rims are not such a hot idea.
