What Do Wheel Offsets Mean? - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

wpayne · 11-16-2002, 11:07 PM

I'm just looking around and I just want to make sure what the offset is. Why should I take it into consideration when buying rims and what is a good offset for the 240 S13 4 lug? What ranges can I go with or what is acceptable or optimal?

uiuc240 · 11-16-2002, 11:20 PM

there is a LOT of info out there on this subject.  SEARCH.  both here and google.

basically, the offset is an indication of how far away from the centerline of the wheel the back of the mounting pad is.  imagine slicing the wheel in half.  however much space is between that halfway point, and the part that actually touches the hub is the offset.

stock S13 wheels are 15x6 +40mm

type in "wheel offset calculator" in google and figure out some good combos for you (after measuring how far away you are from "flush" with the setup you have now).

Eric

adey · 11-16-2002, 11:27 PM

Keep in mind that the offset that looks "best" on our cars is also highly subjective.
Some people like the "flush-with-fender" (there's a japanese term for this that slips my mind) look, some people like their wheels completely tucked inside the body, and others like the wheels to stick out of the body...  
For me, "best" offset for a 15x7 wheel is between +5 to +15 in the rear, and about +20 in front.
As the wheel's width increases, offset should move down as well, if you want to retain space between coilovers/suspension and the tire/rim (so that you don't rub).

wpayne · 11-18-2002, 12:20 AM

Ok, the reason why I'm asking is because I found a set of used rims that are 17x7.5 with a +42mm offset. These are the results of the Wheel Offset Calculator:

"The clearance from stut housing to the inside of the wheel will be 21mm LESS
The outside edge of the wheel will EXTEND an extra 17mm"

This means there will be less space if I were to get an adjustable coilover setup right? What if I were to upgrade my breaks. How would this come into play?

uiuc240 · 11-18-2002, 09:06 AM

yes, you will have less room for coilovers.  and i can almost guarantee that Z brakes won't fit with that offset.  however, offset is NOT the issue with Z brakes....you need to be checking the spoke design.  each wheel will fit differently.  for instance, a 15x7 +5mm SSR Reverse Mesh won't fit with Z brakes either...  does that make sense at all?

Eric

11-16-2002, 11:07 PM	#1
wpayne Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Okinawa, Japan + Azusa, CA Posts: 563 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I'm just looking around and I just want to make sure what the offset is. Why should I take it into consideration when buying rims and what is a good offset for the 240 S13 4 lug? What ranges can I go with or what is acceptable or optimal? __________________ Too many people use cars as an extension of their PENIS and they make me sick. A car is to get you from point A to point B or for motorsports. Not revving around town at stop lights. Check out my mods!: 50,000watt super amp and JDM lights!! Yeah right... S13 Silvia K's I got for free (I'm in japan now)!! Woot woot! '99 25GT-T Skyline (I don't want to list all the parts) http://welcome.to/skylinegtr '92 240sx HB

11-16-2002, 11:20 PM	#2
uiuc240 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Naperville, IL Age: 46 Posts: 2,093 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	there is a LOT of info out there on this subject.  SEARCH.  both here and google. basically, the offset is an indication of how far away from the centerline of the wheel the back of the mounting pad is.  imagine slicing the wheel in half.  however much space is between that halfway point, and the part that actually touches the hub is the offset. stock S13 wheels are 15x6 +40mm type in "wheel offset calculator" in google and figure out some good combos for you (after measuring how far away you are from "flush" with the setup you have now). Eric __________________ 2002 Mazda Protege5 1989 S13 w/SR20DET (sold)

11-16-2002, 11:27 PM	#3
adey Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 3,072 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Keep in mind that the offset that looks "best" on our cars is also highly subjective. Some people like the "flush-with-fender" (there's a japanese term for this that slips my mind) look, some people like their wheels completely tucked inside the body, and others like the wheels to stick out of the body...   For me, "best" offset for a 15x7 wheel is between +5 to +15 in the rear, and about +20 in front. As the wheel's width increases, offset should move down as well, if you want to retain space between coilovers/suspension and the tire/rim (so that you don't rub). __________________ Instagram: @SX180HKG

11-18-2002, 12:20 AM	#4
wpayne Zilvia Junkie Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Okinawa, Japan + Azusa, CA Posts: 563 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Ok, the reason why I'm asking is because I found a set of used rims that are 17x7.5 with a +42mm offset. These are the results of the Wheel Offset Calculator: "The clearance from stut housing to the inside of the wheel will be 21mm LESS The outside edge of the wheel will EXTEND an extra 17mm" This means there will be less space if I were to get an adjustable coilover setup right? What if I were to upgrade my breaks. How would this come into play? __________________ Too many people use cars as an extension of their PENIS and they make me sick. A car is to get you from point A to point B or for motorsports. Not revving around town at stop lights. Check out my mods!: 50,000watt super amp and JDM lights!! Yeah right... S13 Silvia K's I got for free (I'm in japan now)!! Woot woot! '99 25GT-T Skyline (I don't want to list all the parts) http://welcome.to/skylinegtr '92 240sx HB

11-18-2002, 09:06 AM	#5
uiuc240 Nissanaholic! Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Naperville, IL Age: 46 Posts: 2,093 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	yes, you will have less room for coilovers.  and i can almost guarantee that Z brakes won't fit with that offset.  however, offset is NOT the issue with Z brakes....you need to be checking the spoke design.  each wheel will fit differently.  for instance, a 15x7 +5mm SSR Reverse Mesh won't fit with Z brakes either...  does that make sense at all? Eric __________________ 2002 Mazda Protege5 1989 S13 w/SR20DET (sold)