Originally posted by hmouta:
no i think your getting everything mixed up. the lower the offset # the more it'll stick out. so these r the minimum offset numbers i've found from everyone on ceg. 7inch wide=40 offset 7.5 wide=42 offset 8inch wide=45 offset. the stock wheels are 6.5 inch wide w/ a 49 offset. IF they were 37 offset they would be pushed out more looking better. remember these numbers r to get the wheel out to the fender edge to look tight. IF ford wanted the same thing, they would've gone w/ a 37 offset which agrees with the sequencing i listed.



I disagree with your logic. I'm going to do this by talking backspacing, it will make it much easier. Backspacing, if you don't know, is measured from the inner most part of the wheel to the portion of the wheel which makes contact with the hub. If you are confussed you can go here for offset information or here for backspace information.

Ok now for the math. The E1 SVT 16x6.5 wheel has a 49.5mm offset so this translates into 1.95" of offset so 5.2" of backspacing, therefore 1.3" is on the outside of the hub. Now, if you've ever noticed, if you try and put a 225/50/16 tire on the rear, it has VERY little clearance between the strut and the tire. Also, with my race tires, under hard cornering it rubs the radius arm.

Ok, so a 17x7" wheel with an offset of 42mm gives you a 5.15" backspace.

42mm / 25.4mm/inch = 1.65"
7" / 2 = 3.5"
3.5" + 1.65" = 5.15" (backspace)

Therefore 1.65" is on the outside of the hub, this is what gives the wide stance look. It also gives you a little more clearance on the inside then stock to get those 225's on there.

Lets do one more wheel that we know fits before we go on and prove that your 8" wheel probably won't fit without issues. So we all know that the SVT Focus wheels will fit. They are pretty extreme 17x7 with 49mm offset.

49mm / 25.4mm/inch = 1.93"
7" / 2 = 3.5"
3.5" + 1.93" = 5.43" (backspace)

Now I'd hazard to guess that these just barely squeeze on our cars and that 225's depending on profile and actual width probably wouldn't fit with these wheels.

So what you're saying is that an 8" wheel should have a 45mm offset? Lets do the math to see if it will fit.

45mm / 25.4mm/inch = 1.77"
8" / 2 = 4"
4" + 1.77" = 5.77" (backspace)

Hmmm, something seems a little off. That is over .5" further in then the stock wheels and .35" further in then the SVTF's 17"s! I'm almost positive that won't fit on the rear of the car.

Now I believe 37mm came up in an earlier post as possibly the correct offset for an 8" wheel, lets run those numbers.

37mm / 25.4mm/inch = 1.45"
8" / 2 = 4"
4" + 1.45" = 5.45" (backspace)

Now it is kinda strange that the backspace with this combination is incredibly close to the SVTF's backsapce. I believe 5.5" is probably the largest backspace that the Contour can handle. Now the problem is figuring out how much wheel can you put on the outside before rubbing the fenders (though I believe most people with 8" wheels roll the fenders).

Feel free to check the numbers and ask around for the offset that people are using with 8" wheels, but I think you'll find it is not 45mm!

My best advise is to talk to someone who has put 8" or 7.5" wheels on their car and ask them what their offset is...then do some research yourself!

2004 Focus PZEV 2.3L - KW sport suspension, SP camber plates, Eibach front swaybar, FS intake, FS Stealth exhaust, 3.82 Final, Torsen ATB, Prothane MM insert, E1 CSVT wheels 1/4 mile - 15.201@89.4mph