When it comes to the appearance of your Tesla Model 3, achieving the right stance can make all the difference. Not only does it give your car a more aggressive and sporty look, but it can also improve performance and handling.
In this article, I’ll briefly cover the different ways to achieve the perfect stance for your Tesla Model 3. I’ll talk about wheel spacers, aftermarket wheels, wheel adapters, and suspension upgrades.
Hopefully, by the end, you’ll have all the info you need to get started and end up with the modifications that meet your preferences, budget, and expectations. Let’s get into it.
Wheel Spacers
Wheel spacers are essentially small, circular metal disks that are installed between the wheel hub and the rim of your car’s wheels. This is the most simple and affordable mod to improve your Tesla Model 3 appearance while keeping your stock wheels.
The Purpose of Wheel Spacers
Spacers are designed to push the wheels further out from the car’s body, effectively widening the track of your vehicle. Basically, you change the offset and achieve a more sporty look without spending a couple of thousands on new rims. Some manufacturers claim that spacers also improve handling, but in my opinion, that’s just marketing.
Factors to Consider Before Installing Spacers
Wheel spacers come in various thicknesses. When it comes to Tesla Model 3, the most common is between 10 and 25mm. You can use the same thickness on all four corners or go with 15mm up front and 20mm at the rear, just to give you an example. That’s something only you can decide. Here is a good guide on Model 3 spacers.
Recommended Wheel Spacer Brands
To avoid any fitment issues and vibrations after the installation, you should choose spacers from reputable brands. Their products are made of lightweight and durable materials. The purpose of this article isn’t to advertise any brands. From what I’ve seen on forums, Model 3 owners are happy with KSP Performance, H&R, and Bonoss (former Bloxsport).
Aftermarket Wheels
Getting a set of new rims for your Tesla will cost you 10x more than a set of spacers but will drastically change its looks. I’ve never driven a car on stock wheels, and this will be the first upgrade I’ll do on my Model 3.
How to Choose the Right Wheels
As Model 3 becomes more popular each year, there are so many aftermarket wheels available for it. Having more options in terms of size, style, material, and finish is a good thing, but it’s also a challenge.
Normally, if a wheel is advertised as designed for Model 3, it should have the same bolt pattern (5×114.3). If the center bore is different than 64.1, you’ll need hub rings. These are super light and won’t cause any issues.
However, the weight of the wheel can have an impact on your Tesla range. There are a lot of Chinese wheels on the market that look great but are heavy. To maintain your range or potentially improve it, look for wheels in the low 20lbs range.
Finally, I must mention the width and offset. To ensure proper fitment, I think it’s best to stick with wheels close to the OEM specs. If you’re not happy with the way they look on your Tesla, you can always add a set of thin spacers for around $100.
Wheel Adapters
I see a lot of folks on the internet that think spacers and adapters are the same thing. Well, that’s not quite the case.
What’s the Difference?
Unlike wheel spacers, which simply push the wheels further out from the car’s body, wheel adapters are also designed to change the bolt pattern. In other words, adapters allow you to use wheels that would otherwise not fit.
For example, let’s say you really love the wheels you saw on someone’s BMW at the mall. Installing those on your Tesla Model 3 won’t be possible without adapters. BMW wheels have a 5×120 bolt pattern, and Model 3 wheels are 5×114.3.
Suspension Upgrades
Now this is the upgrade that will not only enhance your Tesla’s appearance but can potentially improve your car’s overall performance. The stock suspension on the Model 3 is designed to provide a balance between comfort and performance, but it may not be suitable for all driving conditions or styles.
Lowering Springs
Lowering springs are designed to lower your car’s ride height. Some people say springs improve handling by reducing body roll, but I don’t think you’ll notice it. I’m not sure about Teslas yet, but from my experience modifying dozens of vehicles during the last two decades, springs are just for looks.
Coilover Kits
Coilover kits are similar to lowering springs but offer more adjustability and customization, which comes at a higher cost. While good quality springs are in the $400 range, you’ll need to add another zero for coilovers from reputable brands. Trust me; you don’t want to buy cheap coilovers. Those will cost you more down the road. More on the topic here.
Sway & Strut Bars
Those mods, as well as coilover kits, are for Tesla owners who really like to test the Model 3 full potential at the track. Sway bars, also called anti-roll bars, are intended to reduce body roll. Those are needed when you start taking your entire drivetrain to the next level. If that’s the case, the bigger, the better.
Strut bars will stiffen the chassis and improve your Tesla handling and responsiveness. If you push your vehicle into a turn with the stock suspension, it will often behave unpredictably. By installing strut bars, you basically unify the suspension. Again, if you only use your Model 3 as a daily driver, you’ll be happy with a set of springs.
Final Tips
No matter which way you decide to go, make sure you buy high-quality parts from reputable brands. Having those installed by professionals is also recommended. If you don’t follow these simple guidelines, you may face a number of challenges, such as increased stress on suspension components and potential clearance issues with your car’s fenders and brakes.
