Wheel Offset Discussion Thread... How far can we go?

[jmlenz]

Based on the feedback of many other members here with aftermarket wheel/suspension and/or spacer setups I would say you should have no issues with your intended setup. Since you say you are not lowering that def makes it easier to run a wider spacer too. Some aftermarket wheel 370z-specific fitments push the wheels out over 30mm from stock so yes running a 20/25mm spacers should be no prob.

and for the question regarding the spacers...I would always recommend going with spacer type that replaces the factory wheels studs and does NOT use the built in stud types.

Originally Posted by FoesFlyDennis

So, final question for jmlenz and Minicobra1: Can you say for sure, from your experience that there is no chance of tire to fender contact with 25mm wheel spacers on the rear and 20mm in the front? I'm now talking to Lou to place an order and just want to be sure. I don't want to put 15mm front and 20mm rear only to say afterward, "Man, I could have gone wider for an even cooler look". Put another way, Minicobra1, now that you have 20mm rear and 15mm front, do you wish you had gone up one more size? I know you also lowered your Z. I probably won't be lowering mine. I don't think that loweing these cars would provide any more cleanance; do you think it does? Did you have to modify the plastic inner fender well liner to clear the tires during full-up-travel or trim the 'sandwiched' seam on the rear inner fenders? Thank you guys for sharing all your experience. - With insight gained from some of the threads in the audio forum, I'm installing a complete DVD/Nav/Blu-tooth/backup-camera, speakers, sub and amp next week. You guys are now helping me make the best choice for this next mod. FoesFlyDennis

[FoesFlyDennis]

Thanks JMLNZ,
I'll post photos after I do it.
I also noticed that Lou doesn't list 25mm spacers on his site, only 20mm or less.
I'll look around a bit.
It may be a few weeks though.
New audio/video system is happening this week.

[nixxer]

I don't really understand what these offsets do. My basic understanding is the higher the +##, the farther the rim sticks out from the hub? I see these stock offset numbers, and these other numbers, and really am not able to put it together all too well. I dislike rolled fenders, I despise negative camber and I don't care much for rubber band looking tires or stretching them to the point where a 45 tire looks like a 25.

So, If i were interested in Forgestar F14's, what sizes should I look at since they have a certain range of max/min offsets available, assuming a slight drop on coil overs and camber adjustments/parts to zero them out? Ideally I would like 275 front and 305 rear. Is this a pipe dream? I little help would be appreciated. As a side question, how deep would the concave be? DDM's don't look too deep, but it could be the angles.

Thanks in advance.

[bullitt5897]

Originally Posted by hngonzalez

I don't really understand what these offsets do. My basic understanding is the higher the +##, the farther the rim sticks out from the hub? I see these stock offset numbers, and these other numbers, and really am not able to put it together all too well. I dislike rolled fenders, I despise negative camber and I don't care much for rubber band looking tires or stretching them to the point where a 45 tire looks like a 25.

So, If i were interested in Forgestar F14's, what sizes should I look at since they have a certain range of max/min offsets available, assuming a slight drop on coil overs and camber adjustments/parts to zero them out? Ideally I would like 275 front and 305 rear. Is this a pipe dream? I little help would be appreciated. As a side question, how deep would the concave be? DDM's don't look too deep, but it could be the angles.

Thanks in advance.

I am going to see what I can do to help you and to help explain the concept of offsets to you...

The lower the offset the closer the face of the wheel is to the center of the car. The higher the offset the further the face of the wheel is from the car. Camber is your friend and I stress camber is your friend and should be used in moderation just like anything. Camber will increase your tire's contact patch in a turn thus giving you more turn in response and grip. All of the offsets I just posted a few posts ago will work with -2.5f and -2R camber the front is fairly aggressive but the rear is tame when it comes to camber. I would not buy forgestar! Members like caravan and others have had major issues with quality and delivery times. Being quoted 4 weeks delivery and then not receiving them in 20 weeks makes you reconsider your purchase! They have major issues with colors being consistent! If you want to know what sizes fit try to stay as close to offset as the past couple posts.

[OMGWTFBBQ]

DannyGT (if I didn't butcher his username, sorry if I did!) is running 19x9.5/10.5 +22 all around on 275/305 tires.

My take on this is that we can run a lot more aggressive sizes than this. Then again, it depends on what you're willing to do to get to that point and what you're using your car for. A lot of wheel sizes fit, it just depends on if you're willing to do a mild tire stretch, or add a lot of negative camber. It also depends on your ride height as well. I mean, even in the Civic world (I know that world is definitely taboo on here ) the stock sizes were 17x7 +45, but my friends and I have been able to successfully run 18x9 +29 so it's all in the minor details.

I hope that made sense. I'm still waiting on my suspension setup to do some measurements to see where I can push the boundaries.

[OMGWTFBBQ]

For the guys with the spacers, are you guys using the spacers with the built in studs? Or did you guys knock out your stock studs and replace them with extended studs? Or still using the stock studs?

[FoesFlyDennis]

Originally Posted by OMGWTFBBQ

For the guys with the spacers, are you guys using the spacers with the built in studs? Or did you guys knock out your stock studs and replace them with extended studs? Or still using the stock studs?

I know from reading another thread that Minicobra1 used these spacers: Amplified Motorsport - AmplifiedMotorsport.com - performance audio auto accessories
They require replacing the original studs with longer ones that come with the kit. He also clarified that this is the only style that will work on the front wheels because there is no relief in the back of the wheel's mounting flange to clear the other style spacer's studs/nuts (the ones that hold the spacer to the car's hub). To me it makes more sense to stick with the same style spacers that Minicobra1 is using. You don't have to remember to check torque on a second set of lug nuts that are concealed behind your wheels. Also, they are lighter and presumably stronger (provided the new studs are very strong).

MiniC, I hope you don't mind me chiming in here. I've just been following your mods pretty closely. Dennis

[Zerafian]

Im no expert but with a little bit of negative camber, like you guys mentioned, around -2 or -2.5. I could see getting around 10 to 15 on the fron and back, depending on wheel width.

[bullitt5897]

Posting this up here but do you guys think 19 or 20 doesnt really matter in 9.5+0 F and 11+5 R will fit with say -2.5 degree camber front and -3.0 degree camber rear?

[OMGWTFBBQ]

If you're willing the stretch the tires far enough, you can make almost any wheel fit within a reasonable range of course. It's not about the wheel size, it's more about tire choice.

The front fenders will need to be rolled/shaved/whatever method you prefer. It also depends a lot on your ride height.

The best method to do is to lower your car to the height where you want it. Grab a ruler and measure your inner and outer clearance. It'd make it easier if you got your car aligned to where you wanted it too before you did some measuring. Take that info to a wheel/tire calculator and see what widths and offsets you can do.

[bullitt5897]

I would run 255's up front and probably 285's in the rear. I am waiting on coilovers at the moment but I am thinking 2-2.5in drop front and rear. We shall see

[bullitt5897]

Ok so I thought I would bring this thread back from the dead with a few updates

Ok so after tons of reading and several calculations as well as using VIP's Offsets as a guideline to what will fit at -2.5F and -2.0R camber here are some wheel widths and offsets we can run and have the same stance as VIP's Setup...
Stock:
19x9 +47
19x10 +30

VIP SETUP:
20x9.5 +20F from stock this extends out 33mm
20x9.5 +10F from stock this extends out 43mm
20x11 +21R from stock this extends out 27mm
20x12 +28R from stock this extends out 27mm

So as long as we maintain our outer extension relatively close to these numbers you can expect the same camber and tire sizes.

I am proposing a few additions to the sizing and offset club that will retain the same camber settings

Front fitments:* VIP is probably close to MAX camber in the front with their setup *
9 +4
10 +16
10.5 +23

Rear Fitments:
10 +3
10.5 +9
11 +15
12 +28

Now if you feel adventurous you can add a lil more camber to the rear and run these offsets: * this will extend your wheels in the rear 1/2" outward pushing you closer to -3 camber *
10 -9
10.5 -3
11 +3
12 +16

Discuss and let me know if you guys want more calculations or possible sizes...

[MUST]

i dunno if this helps anyone, but i'm running 19x9.5 +12 on 255's and 19x10.5 +12 on 285's with a 5mm spacer and its perfect imo. i had a 10mm spacer before but it started to rub once my coilovers settled.

[bullitt5897]

Originally Posted by MUST

i dunno if this helps anyone, but i'm running 19x9.5 +12 on 255's and 19x10.5 +12 on 285's with a 5mm spacer and its perfect imo. i had a 10mm spacer before but it started to rub once my coilovers settled.

what were your suspension settings? i.e. camber and toe?

[htt760]

Originally Posted by MUST

i dunno if this helps anyone, but i'm running 19x9.5 +12 on 255's and 19x10.5 +12 on 285's with a 5mm spacer and its perfect imo. i had a 10mm spacer before but it started to rub once my coilovers settled.

I have the same setup as must, 19x9.5 +12 offset with 245's and 19x10.5 +12 on 285's with a 5mm spacer coming soon. The stretched tires will help with the car when its dropped...

Hey MUST where from So cal you from?