20 replies to this topic

[Renny]

I have recently bought some wheels that used to be on a NA. 

 

 

 

• Fronts are 7 ½Jx17 with 205/45/17 tyres
• Rears are 8Jx18 with 225/40/18 tyres

 

Having done a quick straight swap and using the spacers (and longer bolts) that came with them, there seems to be some rubbing on the front. I’m therefore looking at the offset to make sure this all ties up.

 

The wheels I have bought have offsets of E35 and E45. Can anyone tell me the OEM offset for a NA. I think I'm right in saying that the difference between the oem offset and the new wheel offset should equal the size of the spacer.

 

Should I also consider a different tyre sizes? The existing ones need replacing anyway.  

[CocoPops]

205s cause rubbing anyway on some cars (that handbuilt nature). So even putting standard rears on the front will have possible rubbing. As for 17/18 combos, there won't be many people running it, so not much to base it on.

[gaffer1986]

Standard wheels offset:

 

Front E26

Rear E36

 

Therefore you will need a 9mm spacer for both the the front and rear to match the OEM offset and keep the scrub radius the same and bump steer to minimum. The spigot on the standard hub is around 15mm so you will still have some spigot left to mount the wheel for ease of installation. Don't worry that you have less spigot because the spigot does not help hold the wheel on, the wheel is kept in place front the friction between the face of the brake disc and wheel. The bolts don't receive lateral force.

 

Of course this is assuming your current offset is E35 front and E45 rear. 

Edited by gaffer1986, 08 October 2015 - 12:03 PM.

[gaffer1986]

By the way, how are you finding the big front wheels? I found bigger front wheels gave me less steering feel and more tram lining.

[CocoPops]

By the way, how are you finding the big front wheels? I found bigger front wheels gave me less steering feel and more tram lining.

He doesn't drive it for sportiness or handling If you saw the LEDs, Neons, AirHorns, Spoiler... you'd know this

[Renny]

 

By the way, how are you finding the big front wheels? I found bigger front wheels gave me less steering feel and more tram lining.

He doesn't drive it for sportiness or handling If you saw the LEDs, Neons, AirHorns, Spoiler... you'd know this

 

 

Harsh but ... fair!

 

I literally only drove it around the block before putting my OEM's back on.

 

I am going to be doing about 450 motorway miles a week this winter so thought something wider would be more sturdy.

 

Once I have new tyres I'll let you know how it goes.      

[Renny]

 

 

Of course this is assuming your current offset is E35 front and E45 rear. 

 

This is what is stamped inside the wheels - is it worth double checking by measuring it (I've seen a few guides on how to)?

[CocoPops]

I am going to be doing about 450 motorway miles a week this winter so thought something wider would be more sturdy.

If the rears are 225/40/18 then they are the same width as standard rears (225/45/17). Also @ 205, the fronts are the same size as those that run "rear wheels" on the front and then use 205/45/17 tyres iirc.

[gaffer1986]

Personally I would just trust it. But it never hurts to double check

[gaffer1986]

 

By the way, how are you finding the big front wheels? I found bigger front wheels gave me less steering feel and more tram lining.

He doesn't drive it for sportiness or handling If you saw the LEDs, Neons, AirHorns, Spoiler... you'd know this  

  Harsh but ... fair!   I literally only drove it around the block before putting my OEM's back on.   I am going to be doing about 450 motorway miles a week this winter so thought something wider would be more sturdy.   Once I have new tyres I'll let you know how it goes.      

Cool, will be interesting to hear about it.

[gaffer1986]

215 45 17 on the front will have the exact diameter as standard wheels and tyres.

[Renny]

Sorry last question: Should I go for 205 or 215 on the front? Thanks

[gaffer1986]

If you want the same wheel diameter I'd go for 215, although it will probably rub on full lock. 205 wheels will have a diameter that is a couple of percent smaller. I'm not sure if 205 will rub. Someone else may know.

[Renny]

It seems logical that 205 is less likely to rub than 215. I appreciate your help.

[slindborg]

Offset will vary if you fit wider or narrower rims... Its simple maths though

[Renny]

I've now realised the new wheels are Rears ET35 Fronts ET45 So that means spacers of Rears ET36 - ET35 = um -1???? Fronts ET26 - ET45 = 19 I guess the spacers I have must have both been fitted on the fronts?

[slindborg]

How wide are the wheels? This will dictate how to get back to the right position

[davismorris717]

205 is much better than 2015. It rub  less thann 2015.

[Renny]

How wide are the wheels? This will dictate how to get back to the right position

Front 7.5j so 190mm Back 8j so 203mm

[Renny]

I put 16mm spacer on the front with 205 and it rubs on full lock - both left and right! I now have the options: 1. Narrower tyre 2. Bigger spacer 3 . Combination of 1 and 2 4. Live with the rubbing 5. Sell the rockers and get TDs