Sorry guys...i did a search and couldnt find anything conclusive enuff for me.
I dont understand the whole wheel/offset etc thing. Im mechanical when it comes to engines and suspension but when it comes to rims and electrical....my brain fizzles....Ive only purchased one set of aftermarket rims for one of my cars before and i bought them used....and they came off of the same model so i never had to learn what all this stuff means.

1. What is the Stock STi offset?
2. What does offset mean exactly?
3. Whats a good offset to run on a 17" rim and 18" rim ...

bascially....if i were to buy rims for the sti....i would like to know what size i need to shop for....i saw ranges from +38 to +48 with 48 being most common.

4. Is it wise to run staggered wheels like RWD?

any kinda of help understand this would be great TIA!!!

Nat

 

1.+53 I believe
2. Offset is how far the inside of the hub is relative to the center line. The higher the offset (subarus require very high effsets), the more the rim will be pushed in relative to the fender
3. +44-+50 should be good for either size, you want to just make sure your tire size is the same as stock (in terms of OD)
4. No, you dont want to stagger your wheels.

Essentially, the lower the offset, the more the wheel is going to stick out (which results in a wider track), the more it sticks out, the more likely your tires will rub on the fender lip (especially in the rear) or possible stick out past the fender. If you are not lowered at all, you may not have any issues.

I know someone with 17x9 +38 rims (basically an evofitment), and he had to heavily roll his rear fenders with 245/45s to keep them from rubbing

Running extremely low offsets can also fubar your wheel bearings since the wheel is pushed out farther from the hub. For the most part, low offset wheels are for RWD applications since its usually easier to clear rear brake calipers. Thats another thing you gotta watch out for (brake clearance)

pretty pictures

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/brochure/info/tmpInfoWheelOffsets.jsp;jsessionid=GD1vyzyRdhZZT57 j219fKbhVw4TJzknJXJ4Jyp131QqShC2wnhhv!297449208!NO NE

 

More on #2 (from Discount Tire and what ucbsti linked to);



"The offset of a wheel is what locates the tire and wheel assembly in relation to the suspension. More specifically, it is the measured distance between the hub mounting surface and the center line of the rim. Below is an explanation of the various types of offsets which are pictured in the above graphic.

Positive Offset
A positive offset occurs when the hub mounting surface is on the street side (the side you see) of the center line of the rim. Most factory rims will have this type of offset.

Zero Offset
When the hub mounting surface is centered within the rim, it is known as a zero offset.

Negative Offset
If the hub mounting surface is on the brake side of the center line of the rim, it is considered a negative offset or “deep dish”.

Note that extensive negative offset can potentially cause increased steering wheel kick-back and place additional stresses on the vehicle's entire suspension."

-Mike-

 

thanks Kyle and Mike...this helped me understand this a lot better!

you guys rock!

 

np

I still have those i-club stickers if you wanna pick em up!

 

haha ill let you know....ive been over there in the morning lately...i dont think you want me waking you up at 4 in the morning

 

The most important thing you need to know when picking the correct offset is the width of the wheel. http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335263

6.5" ....... +53 to +55
7.0" ....... +50 to +53
7.5" ....... +47 to +50
8.0" ....... +43 to +47

 

the wider the tire the higher the offset. i have 18x7.5 with +35 and i had to roll my fenders and +45 i didnt.
ei 18x7 +35 ,18x7.5 +45, 18x8 +50 or 52 you get.
the offset also moves the outer rim in and out from the inner fender not just thespokes in the rim. hope it helps.

 

Wrong

You ran an offset that is way too low.

Your #'s are off (18X7.5 is close to right). If you don't know what you're talking about keep it to yourself before you make someone spend their hard earned money on something that wont work. If the original poster listened to you he or she would end up with wheels that would rub.

 

I know my offset is too low thats what im trying to tell you. I have 18x7.5 +35 with a higher offset+45 for example i would not have to roll my fenders. my numbers were an example of the wider the rim the higher the offset u need so your tires dont hit the fenders. whats wrong with that .


i ll speak to morex in private

 

You're totally wrong about the offset you need to run with a wider wheel. When you run a wider wheel the offset needs to be lower. If you don't believe me do some research here http://wac.addr.com/auto/obs/wheels.html Notice that as the wheels get wider the offset gets lower.

Maybe I came off a bit rude and if I did I apologise but I get frustrated when people post misinformation. Misinformation is bad for the community and because of it people waste money on parts that won't work on their vehicles.

BTW, I received your PM and I have to admit I'm scared. Please don't drive to St' Louis and kick my a$$.

 

so with a wider wheel i need a 25 or 15 offset? who has that? ive never seen offsets that low. so a 18x8.5 would need like a 25 offset or something like that?

 

I've never looked into a wheel wider than 8" for my car but I'd guess a 8.5" rim would need around a 40-43. Your 7.5" rims need to be around 47-50.

I'll reply to your PM tomorrow and take some time to give you a better explanation. It's getting late here in the Midwest and I have to get some sleep for work tomorrow.

 

i think there is abig range from which you can choose but with 7.5 and 35 offset they stick out almost to far so 45, 47, 50 would all take the rim toward the center.
ucsbsti above says the same thing the lower the offset themore they stick out.

 

good info i never really got the meaning of ofset now i do!