Randolph

Ok, from reading this forum, and SJM it seems to me that I can install 17x7 5x12 wheels with a 38mm offset. (stock wheel offset is 45mm) My only concern is SJM mentions that you can run into clearance problems in the back if you use a 35-38mm offset, but that comment applies to a wheel with a 7.5-8 width. The wheels I want are only 7 width which is the same as the factory Fuchs. I currently have the "aero" wheels and I want these ugly things off my car by summer. I like the more wheel less tire look and also the handling improvements. So, just to be clear, I wouldn't be going any wider than the stock Fuchs that were available just larger in diameter and a slightly different offset. Seems to be a vague subject that nobody has a clear answer for. Any advice would be great. TIA.
Randolph

CNizzy

I have read pretty much the same stuff as you have and from what I understand, a 38mm offset will probably require rolling of the rear fender.

IIRC there are several people who are running the A8 16x7" that have 37mm offset and they had to roll the rear fenders to make them fit.

As SJM talks about, you can do some adjustment of the camber in order to give you wheels a little more room, but that doesn't seem like it is really the best answer due to tire wear considerations. Also, I don't imagine you can get more that a half inch or so using this method anyway.

I plan to go to a 16x7" wheel on my car at some point and I will probably go with some wheels off the A6 that have the stock 45mm offset. This will probably require spacers up front to keep the tires from rubbing on the steering arm but the rears should fit in there just fine.

In terms of 17s, I would say you might have some luck trying the 2000-2002 S4 Avus wheels which are also the stock 45mm offset. They are however 7.5" width so they may need more room. I know I've seen a picture of a 5k running these and I don't think they had the fender rolled.

So, in trying to be of some help here, or at least going with the theory that two brains may be better than one, I would say that the rears need to be as close as possible to the stock 45mm as you go up in wheel size... maybe 42 or 40 would fit too. As for the fronts, they will probably need some spacers (5 or 10mm) in order to clear the steering arm.

Well hopefully this is of some use.

Cheers,
Colin

Randolph

ok, thanks for the response. I'll eventually post what I end up doing.

nb::

Gives you changes in both inside and outside clearances...

If you plug in 7" et 45 as a start, and 7" et 38, it spits out that the outside edge of the wheel is pushed out an extra 7mm. A 7.5" et 45 wheel pushes it 6mm.

late :: nick<ul><li><a href="http://toy4two.home.mindspring.com/offset.html">http://toy4two.home.mindspring.com/offset.html</a</li></ul>

CNizzy

Sweetness! that is a great site to know about... can you say *bookmark*?

Audi200tq

..on my 200tq with stock suspension. With 225/45/17 there was very slight rubbing inside the fender, right side only. I put on 215s and it was all good. Offset was 35mm.