Ok here's a slightly complicated question:

I am going to buy a set of rims but i am worried the Evo calipers are going to keep them from fitting. Here is my question:

Am i better off buying a:

1. Narrower rim with a lower offset (e.g. 18x8.5 +23)

or

2. Wider rims with higher offset (e.g. 18x9 +40)

I anticipate running spacers in both cases. (obviously a narrow rim with a high offset is the safest option but I'm trying for a more aggressive look)

So the questions comes down to: does a lower offset move the face further from the caliper? Or does that difference remain the same and a lower offset moves the hub and the face together?

Also, i get the feeling this question is different for each rim (and this is why rims have different "face" options).

Lastly, if i get a 18x9 +40, how far off is your average rim (in mm) from fitting evo brakes? (i.e. should i look for a 18x9+35 and run a 5mm spacer, or shoot for a 18x9 +45 and run a 15mm spacer etc. (i know this depends on the the rim but I'm saying ball park average).

Sorry if this question is a little messy. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

A lower offset moves the center line of the rim away from your suspension.

The offset may or may not tell you if the rim will clear the brakes, the design of the rim will affect whether it clear or not. That being said, a rim with a lower offset will have a tendency to clear the brakes better as a general rule.

The only way to know what will work FOR SURE, is to try it, or get info from others who have tried it.

The other thing, besides brakes to worry about, is whether there will be rubbing, low offset/ 9" plus wheels tend to rub on the inner fender lining screw to the back of the wheel, and I've seen some rubbing on the front as well. You also ahve to make sure your wheels clear the shock and springs.

lastly, especially if your car is lowered, you may have rubbing issues on your fender.

Hope this helps, browse the tons of wheels threads here to get more info.

 

Factory wheels are +38. Most after market wheels that fit are +29 - +35. You can run 8" - 9.5" without rolling the fenders. Personally If I was going to buy new wheels I would buy 18 x 9.5's with a +30 offset and run a 265/35-18's tire; or if it's 17's, I would run 17x9's and run 255/45 or 40-17's depending on what you are using the tires for. I.e. DD, Drag, Road Race, or Auto Cross.

Keep in mind, just because the offset is a 29-35 don't mean it will clear the caliper.

 

So it would be safer going with the wider rim with a higher offset bc I could just add a spacer large enough to make the wheel clear the caliper properly? For example, 18x9 +49. with a 19mm spacer. The only problem I could have is a 19mm spacer still not being enough to clear the calipers, and then I'd need a bigger spacer and then I may start to rub on the outter fender?? What are the chances 19mm won't be enough?

 

That's the whole point of my thread, I am worried a set of rims i like with hit the calipber. So i'm going to anticipate needing a spacer to clear the calipers and get a 18x9 +49+ offset.

 

+49 will NOT FIT. The lower the offset number is the more it sticks out. The stock wheel is 17 x 8 +35. If you are going wider, you will need to go lower than 35.

What's the wheel you like? Maybe someone has already tried it.

 

I know but if I run +49, I can run 20mm spacers so I can clear the calipers :-0... If I run a +35 and then a big spacer to clear the caliper, my rim will rub the fender! I think I may just buy a safe rim and if it works, get another more aggressive set later down the road.