What Offset Dimension for 18" Wheels?

[ldusseau]

I'm going to buy a dedicated set of winter wheels (18") and tires for my GT2 (came with 19" staggered) for southeast Michigan and I'm wondering what wheel offset I need to clear the Brembos? Searched the threads and I want to use 225 Blizzaks all around instead of staggered. I have them for my old BMW and I was pretty happy with them in the snow. Now it's just a question of what wheels to buy.

 

[RogueIV]

I run 18x8 +35 sparco terras in winter. Note that some wheel's spoke design can still prove to be troublesome with our brembos.

 

[ldusseau]

Do you think these would cause a problem? Not trying to break the bank on winter wheels but I still want something that looks sharp.

 

[JSolo]

When I got winter wheels/tires for the G, I wanted the cheapest nonsteel 18" wheel that would fit the akebonos (4 piston brakes). Discount tire set me up with something dirt cheap, barely cleared the brakes, but did work. It was an 18x8 et40. Stock wheels in the front were 18x7.5 et45, rear 18x8.5 et50. 1/4" offset didn't make much difference, it still cleared everything.

Maybe there's a canadian equivalent. You tell 'em what you want and they'll try to find something that works and in your budget. I just didn't see a need to be spending big bucks on winter wheels.

 

[Grump]

I went with these rims; Fast Wheels FC04 ... you'll need hub centric rings and lugs.

 

[ldusseau]

When I got winter wheels/tires for the G, I wanted the cheapest nonsteel 18" wheel that would fit the akebonos (4 piston brakes). Discount tire set me up with something dirt cheap, barely cleared the brakes, but did work. It was an 18x8 et40. Stock wheels in the front were 18x7.5 et45, rear 18x8.5 et50. 1/4" offset didn't make much difference, it still cleared everything.

Maybe there's a canadian equivalent. You tell 'em what you want and they'll try to find something that works and in your budget. I just didn't see a need to be spending big bucks on winter wheels.

I've always used Tire Rack going all the way back to my 1994 Probe GT. I will confirm with them before I buy.

 

[JSolo]

I used tirerack in the late 90's. I was away at school and needed tires asap. DT was about 45 miles away and had the best prices installed. School was in the middle of nowhere, cornfields. Sure there were local shops, but DT had the free balance/rotation/repair for the life of the tire, also many shops all over the area.

That's how I got started with 'em. After I moved back to civilization (if chicago suburbs count as such), I've been using them ever since. They'll match/beat TR prices, are relatively local, have always done a reasonable job, pay for stuff they break/lose (like lug nut covers).

I don't have a problem with TR, other than the fact that it's a 2 part deal when ordering just tires. Many places don't want to install someone else's tire.

ymmv

 

[RM7]

I'm going to buy a dedicated set of winter wheels (18") and tires for my GT2 (came with 19" staggered) for southeast Michigan and I'm wondering what wheel offset I need to clear the Brembos? Searched the threads and I want to use 225 Blizzaks all around instead of staggered. I have them for my old BMW and I was pretty happy with them in the snow. Now it's just a question of what wheels to buy.

Most aftermarket wheels clear...but not all. I don't know of a good way to do verify, except for known wheels, but availability is so poor that good luck getting the exact same ones someone else is. As far as offset, the front is very limiting. With 8.5x35mm offset, I have very little clearance. I do not recommend going closer than this. Stock is 34, on 8" rims. This is probably less of an issue wit 19s, since the wheel is higher up on the strut and it angles towards the car, so that would buy you a few more mm.

 

[ldusseau]

I used tirerack in the late 90's. I was away at school and needed tires asap. DT was about 45 miles away and had the best prices installed. School was in the middle of nowhere, cornfields. Sure there were local shops, but DT had the free balance/rotation/repair for the life of the tire, also many shops all over the area.

That's how I got started with 'em. After I moved back to civilization (if chicago suburbs count as such), I've been using them ever since. They'll match/beat TR prices, are relatively local, have always done a reasonable job, pay for stuff they break/lose (like lug nut covers).

I don't have a problem with TR, other than the fact that it's a 2 part deal when ordering just tires. Many places don't want to install someone else's tire.

ymmv

My BMW independent shop works on Asian cars too. I simply have TR (or any aftermarket toys) send stuff there and they install for me. They also will store the tires/wheels for a nominal charge, it's worth it to keep them out of my garage.

 

[RogueIV]

Do you think these would cause a problem? Not trying to break the bank on winter wheels but I still want something that looks sharp.
View attachment 63956

Those will likely fit fine.

Most wheels with a somewhat flat face are good since they just add or subtract offset via the mounting surface thickness. It's wheels that have a lot of lip or are very concave you have to worry about since the spokes will likely hit the calipers up front.