In what ways does wheel size matter?

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Sep 23, 2003 | 09:45 PM

#16

Kean

Registered User

Joined: Nov 2002

Posts: 261

From: So. Ca., CA USA

Car Info: 03 WRX / 08 Forester

Quote:

Originally posted by Derbagley
offset refers to the relation of the inside of the wheel where it contacts the hub and brake rotor, to the rim. I beleive it is to depth of the inner surface to the inner portion of the wheel.

Offset is the distance from the hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel.

Quote:

Originally posted by Derbagley
Don't worry about what the offset is, just let the shop that you buy the wheels from that it's for a WRX, they have all the measurments from the manufacturer.

I have to disagree with you on this. There are plenty of distributors/manufacturers who will provide you with a wheel with an improper or "less than ideal" offset. I've seen several posts from folks who were told that their wheel was "perfect" for their car.........only to find out it wasn't true later on.

Research is the key when making any purchase......especially on a relatively expensive purchase like wheels and tires.

Quote:

Originally posted by nick van exel
also i was talking to a friend who recently bought fn01c' for his car, and he told me to not worry too much about wheels. tires are more important. he said "wheels are like socks, tires are like shoes. get better shoes."

what do u guys think about this?

To be quite honest, I wouldn't listen to him. There are several things to consider when purchasing wheels. For example: weight (affects unsprung weight, etc), quality (mfg process, ISA/TUV/ISO rating, etc), size, offset, application (offroad/rally, street, track), etc. Wheel choice shouldn't be a whimsical decision in my opinion.

- Kean

Sep 24, 2003 | 08:35 PM

#17

Derbagley

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Posts: n/a

Kean, I agree that you should go with the correct sizes when you purchase wheels.

But most people don't know how to shop for wheels, what they are looking at, what dimensions are what. It can be confusing.

Many reputable manufacturers and distributors are very accurate with their measurments. That's why when the WRX came out there were alot of companiesselling "Subaru" specific wheels. It is more likely to buy the proper offset by what a reliable distributor sells (Tire Rack for instance) than to find a sales person who knows what all the measurements are- or a first time wheel buyer.

Please don't get me wrong, I don't disagree with you (I have been accused of this many timeson here when I don't mean to) but I'm coming at this from a different angle.

Good call on the offset measurment too- that was my bad.