So I put my 17s back one for winter and I realize just how narrow they are compared to my ASA AR1 18s 18X8s with 235/45 rubber. Is it possible to fit 15mm spacers with the OEM Sport 17s without replacing with shorter studs? I looked at the back of the 17s and it just doesn't look like there's enough room for the OEM studs to fit back there with the typical Ichiba 15mm studded spacer.

 

With shorter studs? You mean the shorter studs? I'd think you'd want longer studs with spacers.

Spacers larger than 3mm require extended studs. Yes, even 5mm spacers should be used with extended studs. So to answer your question, it may be possible, but it is heavily discouraged as you will not be able to get enough turns.

Any name brand spacers (Ichiba, H&R, Project Kics) will come with extended studs (separate or built in).

 

I understand that. My question is regarding built-in stud spacers like those from Ichiba. With the 15mm spacer mounted, the hub-mounted studs are going to protrude thru the spacer and touch the rim and I doesn't appear to me that there's enough recess in the hub to clear the stud. It appears to me that I can't use built-in stud type spacers with the OEM Sport 17s therefore I'd have to go about using more typical spacers and use longer studs.

 

Ah, I misunderstood your original post. You said "typical" Ichiba spacer. Ichiba version 1 spacers came with separate studs. Those, to me, are "typical Ichiba spacers." Ichiba version 2 spacers are bolt on.

That is probably the case.