Backspace clearance?

[LS240]

I sincerely apologize if this has been covered before. I did a search but my searching skills are not too hot and I didn't turn up any clear info. So...

How much backspace clearance is there, front and rear, on both an S14 and an S13 hatch? Figure on either 17 or 18 inch wheels, and eventually I will be installing coilovers, most likely Tein. Knowing this will make picking wheels sooo much easier.

Just so you guys know, I don't own a 240 yet and I'm sitting on the fence trying to decide between an S13 hatch or Kouki S14. Whichever one I choose, I'll eventually be going widebody(most likely just blisters or pulled fenders), so fender clearance doesn't matter much, as that's variable, however; clearance to suspension does, and will make all the difference in deciding on wheels.

If someone just has a link to this info or could provide me with specs I would be extremely grateful.

Thank you!
-Layne

[OptionZero]

we use wheel offset to discuss clearance here, which is why you're probably searching with the wrong terms

On an S13, 9 inch wheel requires +20 or lower offset to clear coilovers generally

On an s14, 9 inch wheel requires +25 or lower

I'm sure u can find an offset calculator that lets you adjust for offset and wheel width and does some maths for you. If you're going widebody, you should be talking about 9 inch in front and 10 inch in back at the minimum, with offsets +10 or lower

Which car depends on your subjective opinion of each's looks, as well as your budget, and the conditions of the specific cars you're looking at in your area. We can't decide that for you.

If you're seriously going to drive it, you're probably going to be doing enough work to either that your choice won't make much of a difference unless you're really, really hardcore about it.


There are many wheel fitment threads, including one at the top of the chat section. Dig through those and you'll get an idea what various sizes look like and how much work it takes to get them to fit

tire size, camber, and ride height matter

[cdlong]

option was right, but if you're running widebody, unless you are running massively wide tires, you won't be anywhere near the suspension if they are flush with the fenders.

Originally Posted by OptionZero

I'm sure u can find an offset calculator that lets you adjust for offset and wheel width and does some maths for you.

blamo!

[LS240]

Alright, thanks for the info guys!

Originally Posted by OptionZero

On an S13, 9 inch wheel requires +20 or lower offset to clear coilovers generally

On an s14, 9 inch wheel requires +25 or lower

I assume that applies to both front and rear? So based on that info, around a 150mm/6inch backspace is the maximum you could safely go. That's pretty much all I needed to know. Thanks!

Oh and as far as my car, I wasn't really asking for advice on that, just giving a little background info to make my question more clear.

Edit: Haha cd I just noticed that link. It's ironic because I just found that same calculator earlier today while searching for this info. It's quite a handy little tool. I love the fact that it already adds the approximately 12mm per side for the width of the lip, making backspace measurements very quick and easy.

Cheers!
-Layne

[OptionZero]

there's alot more clearance in the rear, i believe you could go up to a +30 on a 9 inch wheel or even more

but again, if you have plans for a widebody...there's no need for you to touch anything +30, or anything remotely close to the coilover

dig through the wheel fitment threads to see what people are running with widebody

[nismoskyz]

check out this very informative post by SicBastard

http://zilvia.net/f/2580275-post763.html

from the Maximum TIRE(Rubber) and Wheel fitment thread

[ThatGuy]

I appreciate you spreading the good word around, but you do realize this Thread is a year old, right?

Oh well, it'll just redirect anyone who happens to find this thread via Searching. Point them in the right direction.

[nismoskyz]

hahah woops i just noticed that it's almost exactly a year old..
i came across it while searching and I saw 1/20 so I thought it was from 3 days ago, without noticing the year being 08

[ThatGuy]

Like I said, no big deal. If you found it by searching, someone else will too. You just provided an excellent link for those looking for information.