I'm thinking of replacing the chromoly fork on my Raleigh with the carbon fork from my State. I know both are 1 1/8", but the offset will increase from 40mm to 45mm (will that make any real difference?) Head tube length on Raleigh is 127mm to State's 105mm - is it likely that the fork won't be long enough?

I don't currently have my Raleigh to eye it, as it's still in the police station property room awaiting release. (It was stolen and then found, been sitting at police station for a ****ing year, but I should be getting it soon.)

Is there anything else I need to consider (besides aesthetics) when replacing the fork?

Here are some of the other deets for each:
Raleigh Bicycles Back Alley - 2011 Steel Road

State Bicycle Co. - Carbon Fiber Fork | State Bicycle Co.

Thanks

40mm to 45mm is a pretty significant change, you're likely to notice a difference in handling. It'll feel more sluggish but more stable as your trail has increased.

You've got it backwards. More rake = less trail.

You're right. I actually changed it at first; should've followed my gut.

watch out. i`m having just now some issues because the fork rake of my new bike. when i corner the bike dives down a little, giving me a unstable handling. i havend measured the rake yet, but from a glance i`d say about 30mm when i think it should be over 40 to have a neutral streering.

not really a problem, but its uncomfortable, since my other bike is neutral with its 45mm fork rake.