how do offsets work?

[Ryannn]

Hallow Hallow!

Looking for some wheels for the volvo, secondhand as I can't afford new... but how do I work out offsets?

For example, these
cgi.ebay.co.uk/ATS-Alloy-wheels-4x100-VW-Golf-E30-Astra_W0QQitemZ110438139383QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarParts_Acc_Wheels_tyres_Trims_Car_Rims_ET?hash=item19b6a045f7&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14
have an offset of 38 and are 15x7, my ultralites are 13x7 but have loads more depth on the outside than these! How would I know that if I bought the wheels in the link... they'd fit and not just end up touching the inner wing before reaching the studs? lol (bit dramatic)

Thannnks, Ryan ;D

[stealthstylz]

0 offset means that the mounting face of the wheel is exactly in the middle. Negative offset Means that the mounting face is further towards the inside edge of the wheel (meaning the wheels stick out more) and positive offset means that the mounting face is further towards the outer face of the wheel.

www.willtheyfit.com/ is a good visual guide of how it works.

Matt

[stealthstylz]

Oh and Volvos were designed for ET37 iirc so the wheels will be fine.

Matt

[Ryannn]

Riiiight... thanks!

SO my ultralites will be a number very close to 0 then? the ones in my sig...

Thanks stealth ;D

[rmad]

I reckon you're Ultralights wheels are -7 (that's pretty crazy!).

For the best wheel/tyre info look here:
www.carbibles.com/tire_bible_pg2.html

[Ryannn]

ha.. yeah, probably! thanks

[Knugcab]

Sept 23, 2009 21:50:45 GMT stealthstylz said:

Oh and Volvos were designed for ET37 iirc so the wheels will be fine.

Matt

That depends on what Volvo it is!

[Robinxr4i]

I'm guessing your Volvo must be a 300 or 400 series? In which case both came equiped with wheels either et37 or very close. My old 480 and my current 360 have both had various 4x100 wheels fitted and trial fitted to them, even e30 rims which has a much lower offset. I would say that these should fit a 400 or 300 easily, providing correct tyres are used. Although you might find you need spacers to gain suitable stance ;D

[Ryannn]

lol... it's a 480 yeah, just don't want to buy something... then find it doesn't fit! It's loads easier with minis! lol

Ryan