if you are going to stud it then you need the protectors or it will shred the tunnel. if the tunnel is like my viper it will fit fine. my lugs slightly rub the tunnel protectors (would never know except a couple black marks on the protectors), but it fits fine with no changes other than 8 tooth drivers for front exchanger clearance. with all these varied opinions though, it looks like a 9830 with 96 or 144 down the middle is a much safer bet.