How Important Is Offset?
29 May 2002, 10:27 AM
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Contemplating getting some new shoes for my MY01 WRX and have been looking at various 18" alloys.
However I keep reading that the 'Offset' is important.
So could someone explain exactly what it is and does it mean that not all alloy wheels will fit (I understand about the 5x100 bolt pattern and the bore).
However I keep reading that the 'Offset' is important.
So could someone explain exactly what it is and does it mean that not all alloy wheels will fit (I understand about the 5x100 bolt pattern and the bore).
29 May 2002, 11:47 AM
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The offset is the measurement from the centre line of the wheel to the hub face.
The lower the number, the more the wheel sticks out of the arch.
Too low and it will foul the arch, too high and it will hit the damper.
Offset is also important as it affects the steering feedback. A high offset has very little feedback and the steering feels light and un-communicative. A low offset gives more weight to the steering, so you can feel when slip angles are being reached/exceeded.
My personal preference is ET48.
The lower the number, the more the wheel sticks out of the arch.
Too low and it will foul the arch, too high and it will hit the damper.
Offset is also important as it affects the steering feedback. A high offset has very little feedback and the steering feels light and un-communicative. A low offset gives more weight to the steering, so you can feel when slip angles are being reached/exceeded.
My personal preference is ET48.
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30 May 2002, 12:18 AM
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Bruiser, you are stating inches when you mean mm, hence the 
Pete is right about the effect offset has on steering feel etc but the problem with old shape Scoobs is anything less than 50mm risks rubbing the rear arches, depending on your tyres - some are wider than others (regardless of their marked size). And Adam is taking the pi$$ as he has a 22B
The new shape has more room for change but for the record standard WRX wheels are ET55mm. Also, new-shape owners have the added delight of needing massive spoke clearance to get around those huge Brembo calipers.
Cheers,
Richard.
Pete is right about the effect offset has on steering feel etc but the problem with old shape Scoobs is anything less than 50mm risks rubbing the rear arches, depending on your tyres - some are wider than others (regardless of their marked size). And Adam is taking the pi$$ as he has a 22B
The new shape has more room for change but for the record standard WRX wheels are ET55mm. Also, new-shape owners have the added delight of needing massive spoke clearance to get around those huge Brembo calipers.
Cheers,
Richard.
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