Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Wheels & Tires Question on Offset

Looking through pages and pages of online wheel sites I have come to the conclusion no wheel is the same.

Offset ranges from 35 to 45 in the 17x7 size and these are all wheels the websites say fit our car!

I am looking at a wheel that is 17x7 and 38 offset.

Currently running 225/45/17 on 17x7 42 offset and I rub like a biatch. Breaking out the Dremel this week!


Can I run 225/45/17 on a 38 offset wheel or should I stick with 215/45/17 or will it just not fit and rub!


Someone drop some knowledge!

i think u rub cuz of the 225 tire. 17x7 42 offset sounds fine. have u tried 215/45 on your current wheel? i think the 17x7 38 offset will give u problems. i have 17x7 40 offset w/ 215/45 and havent noticed rubbing but it looks close. i feel i'd rub w/ 225/45. 40 offset seems to be the lowest offset for 17x7

I have 18's with a 47 offset and no rub. I have 225/40/18. The higher the offset you can find the better.

Okay,

First of all, and you guys can correct me if I am wrong,

Offset is measured in Millimeters, so 25 millimeters is about an inch.

ZERO offset is dead center in the wheel from outside to inside of the rim.

POSITIVE Offset moves the center of the wheel AWAY from your car,
but it brings the rim CLOSER to the car.

NEGATIVE Offset moves the center of the wheel CLOSER to your car,
and moves the RIM of the wheel AWAY from the car.

Tell us where you are rubbing and we can try to figure this out.
Are you rubbing the strut or the fender ?

What's the correct offset for 17 x 7.5"? I really, REALLY need to run some quality 235's and I won't move up to 18's.

Rubbing in the same place all of us rub. Rear fender lip, I know the issue and I need to trim em down a bit.

But I need to know if a 38 offset is acceptable?

Okay, I got a new set of 17 x 7 wheels with 215/45/ZR17
tires.
I only rub on the Left Hand Rear Inner Fender.

What Gives ???

My car is at my dealership getting new tranny mounts,
and I should be getting it back tomorrow.
If I get a chance between tomorrow and the weekend.
I'll pull a wheel and tell you the offset.
Then we can figure out what the offset should be for 17 x 7.5 wheel.

Funny how wheel width is measured in inches
and the offset measured in millimeters...

I have come to the conclusion that each and every Contour will be different. What works for some people, won't for others, regardless of tire size, wheel size, offset, etc.

Here's what I am currently running, as in, I just mounted these tires today and will have pictures up as soon as I can. Maybe tomorrow or the day after.

17 x 7.5 with 45mm offset. Tires are Yokohama AVS ES100 235/40 17. I drove the car around the neighborhood for about 10 minutes and experienced NO rub. (Thanks to Qbert on the tire selection, including size). My SVT is a 99 and I have HR springs and Konis. chknhwk: I'd say 45mm is correct for a 7.5 rim, but only because it works for me. There are more selections for a 225/45 tire than a 235/40 tire (from what I found). You say you really want quality 235's? Well, it's too early for me to tell you anything on the Yoks. Especially since I've heard that these tires need about 500 miles before they're broken in. The F1 GS-3 is available in 235, as well as the SO-3 and Pirelli's.

My rear tire is really, really close to the Koni strut, but it clears. I can't even fit my pinky in between the two. I'd guess I have the clearance equal to the thickness of a Ritz cracker (Damn, now I have to find a Ritz and see if it'll fit). If I had a way to measure it, I would. I don't "think" it'll be a problem being so close, but I'll have to wait and see if it rubs when I drive it harder.

Ex. ssmumich00 has the same exact wheels that I do. He's running 225/45 17 SO-3's and rubs in the rear with Koni shocks and stock springs. His is a 2000. (Suneil, correct me if I'm wrong. And BTW, you're tires won't be so "meaty" next to mine anymore ).

Fmr12B: If you're breaking out the Dremel, I'm assuming you're rubbing the fender lip, right? If so, going with a 38 offset will bring your wheel that much further out. What year do you have? What brand tire are you running? All 225's are not created equal, and I'm curious at to what you have.

your 17x7.5 doesnt rub i think cuz of the 45 offset. i do get this confused but here's what i've come to understand (this is what I understand). the lower the offset number the closer to the fender edge it'll be. so a 17x7 can get away w/ 40 offset (i run this), 17x7.5 should run 42-45 min and 17x8 at least 45. when researching my wheels and tires, i read all the post and who rubbed and who didnt. people that seriously rubbed ended up having too low of an offset for too wide a wheel/tire like 38 offset on 17x8. i think 17x7.5 38 offset will cuz problems. how much i dont know. maybe rolling the fenders and cutting the liner will solve it or get rid of most of the rubbing. i know some will disagree w/ me. this is based on what u guys have said previously and thats where i got my info. short of taking a class on offsets, this is the method i used. i did wait to do my suspension before putting my wheels on. i still wait to roll my fenders to lower some more, maybe i would get some rubbing then and also why i'm waiting to roll them.

Also, like I said above, ssmumich00 has the same wheels as I (17x7.5) and he rubs with 225's. Hopefully he'll chime in hear also, but I think he rubbed slightly with his 215's, also.

OK- I have a '98CSVT, so my fenders suck already.
Rubbing drove me nutz, I had to get my fenders professionally trimmed and ROLLED to help, (got the car repainted to match the repainted fenders, so a couple grand later), I have my car back. And guess what. The right rear rubs only when I take a left turn hard, it must push out the camber and cause the rubbing, because the right hand turns don't cause any rubbing. . .

I had 17X7 215/45 lowered on Eibach's and Koni's, and I rubbed EVERYWHERE, front, back, left, right.

I raised it back up using stock springs and Konis's and kept the 17X7 215/45 and guess what, no more rubbing AT ALL. Under ANY CONDITIONS.

So, 1314 and I get on a GB to get some 17X7.5's.. . .I put the 215/45's on and guess what, NO RUBBING AT ALL. YEAH!

But, by then, which is like 3 months ago, the tires are worn and I replace them with 225/45 SO3's. . .and like 1314 said, RUBBING in the RIGHT REAR ONLY. Why??? So I all the fenders rolled and trimmed, and of course, the morning after I get the car back, it rubs. So I give up.

Here's the answer: if you're supersizing past 215 on a 17 or 18 in rim, TRIM DOWN the sidewall. 1314 is cool with 235/40's because 40's should prevent the rub, but I wanted something meaty to protect my rims and mistakenly got the 225/45's. . .and that's why it rubs only on the right rear.

So, I'll rotate them, wear them out (220UTOQ), and either get the 235/40's he got or get 215/45's. . .what to do. Oh yeah, in case you got lost, 1314 and I have the SAME wheel's with the same offset, only difference in suspension setup is that he's slammed with HR's and I'm running stock springs, both of us have Koni's. . .

Suneil, nice website! (I sense much rice in you...)

Anyway, I have two questions. You said you have the '98 SVT so the fenders suck; is there a difference in our design b/c I too have a '98.
Two: have you thought it might be something other than your suspension? Maybe the wheel bearing isn't tight enough or something? Something to look at anyway...
Actually, three: I have Eibach springs with BAT struts and I NEVER rub and I push my car HARD. I lit my pads on fire following my buddy on his Aprilia to give you an example. Maybe that's worth a try?
(I can't wait to see that CF IMRC cover on your car!)

Once again my setup

99 SVT Konis/Eibachs 17x7 42mm Offset 225/45 ContiSportContacts (BMW takeoff's) For trunk weight, I have my donut/jack and one 12" with a small amp (about 45lbs)


Drivers side rear is HORRID! Rubs bad enough that I swear I've lost a good chunk of my sidewall now. I only weigh 190lbs and even driving alone my car will rub on BIG dips or if taking a left hand turn. Right hand turn, no rub, or very little. Car rubs over little dips and expansion joints if I add 275lbs of passengers.

Passenger side, will rub on larger dips but nothing really else and its not half as bad as my driver side rear.

Hell I've gotten my KDW's on EI's to rub once, I had about 1000lbs in passenger and gear in the car on my suspension setup.

Since my 225's are shot (20%) and I have a bent wheel... I am going to go to 215/45's with some Z rated All Seasons (Conti or Pirelli) with a treadwear of 400. Found a nice wheel that is 17x7 38mm offset that I like and is cheap. $650 mounted/balanced to my door!

I hate the rub so much and it drives the whole family crazy, she constantly thinks I'm gonna have a blowout!

Yes a Dremel will certainly take care of a good chunk of my problem as I am rubbing on the metal lip.

some say the 98 and 99 liner is different.

Oh well. Everyone is doomed to have to guess, what with all the differences .

Suneil, it's really weird that you rubbed with 215/45. 17x7, so I'll assume those were the RS5's? I had the exact setup (RS5 with 215/45 Ecsta 712) and I never rubbed anywhere. I even had the car loaded with friends before and never had a problem. Same thing with the 215/45 on the Rota's. With three passengers, still no rub. Also, the difference between my current 40's and my old 45's is very minimal.

Fmr, good luck with the combo you're going with. I hope you don't encounter any other rubbing problems. IF/when you do get them, let us know how they fit with the 38mm offset, and post pics.

I'm running 17x7.5 (35 offset) and 215/45-17.

I rolled my rear fender lips and I have no rub problems. It's a '99 on H&R's over stock struts.

It has a very wide stance, which I like.

Low offset rims = wide stance

Not all tires are created equal. 215/45-17 from one manufacturer does not have the same exact dimensions as another.

As an answer to the original question, my opinion is to run with 215. The amount of grip gained would not exceed the headach factor that comes with rubbing.

Mark

I didn't think you could fit BBS rims on there. . .35mm offset, sounds like a rub a dub dub, but I think the 7.5 inch stretches the 215 nice and thin, prevents the rubbing. . .

You actually think there isn't much difference in traction between 215 and 225??

Suneil

What about from 215 to 235 - cuz I definitely need more traction.

Well, the comment was that the traction difference would not exceed the headache that rubbing would cause. I totally agree, because no matter how wide I wanted my tires, I would switch back if I had rubbing.

chknhwk, it's also going to come down to what tire you get, when it comes to traction. I'm sure there are cheap 235's with less traction than a good 215 or 225.

I'm going to try to keep the same tires I have now: T1-S's. But I really want/need wider tires.

BASTARD!!!!!

Man, you're wider than me. . .

Well, according to my calculations, that's like nearly 5-6mm.

That's MORE than enough clearance. Well, looks like I'll get 235/40's next time around. The SO3's have stopped rubbing thus far, as long as I don't turn like a nut case on bumpy roads with lots of people in my car.

Life is good.

Okay,

Here is what I tried and I got rubbing on the Left Rear Fender.

I got a set of Wheel Max Exel V8 Gunmetal wheels.
17 x 7.0 with a 39 offset, with a set of Wanli S-1099 215/45ZR17.

It rubs only on the outer edge of the tire, and it is cutting into the tread.
I've got to do something about this fender before it cuts the tire down.

Man, sorry to hear that. I guess you'll be rolling your fenders. I wonder why rubbing usually only occurs on one side of the car.

39mm offset? with 7 inch wide wheels, the 45 series is too fat. I've figured it out finally.

17X7 will rub with 215's unless your offset is 42mm or greater. Don't try 215/40, that's stupid. 215/45 is min.

17X7.5 will rub if you're 225/45's, BUT WON't with 235/40's, nor with 215/45's with ANY offset (since the extra .5inches stretches the tire out).

I haven't compiled my 18incher list yet. This should be part of the FAQ.

Isneo, write us a code: Will I rub with ___________
(Run fancy ssmumich00 algorithm) , and you stand good chance or probably not (like a magic 8 ball). . .

STICKY, PLEASE!!!!!

Thanks for stickying!! Excellent information - I can't wait to get my 17x7.5's!!

I doubt anyone carries Toyo Proxes T1S's or RA1's with the 7.5" wheels. Plus the ones I get will most likely end up being custom so I'm on my own. But these are very good suggestions!!

EDIT: 1300 BEEEYOTCH!

I can probably get away without having to roll the fenders.
The problem is the little part of the fender that sticks out
on the inside of where the bumper meets the wheel well
and mounts to the fender.
I may just cut off the extra metal inside and see what happens.

here's mine:

stock svt suspension on an E0

225r45-17 dunlop sp9090s (great tire BTW)
on 17x7 ET45 Mille Miglia Evo5 and i NEVER EVER EVER rub.

i want to go to 18s since this isn't my "performance" setup, but i'm so happy with not rubbing and running 225s.
oh, and i didn't roll the fenders at all even though i do have that huge lip sticking out where the rear bumper meets the fender.

So is this coming to a wrap yet. Will it or someone answer the question... "Can I put on a set of 18x7.5 with 42mm offset and not rub, if so what size tires should i get to make it happen?"

I would def go with a 40 series tire for sure. 225 or 215/40.

215 would be the safest bet. Yeah, do that, 215/40. Tirerack has 2-4 tires that meet that criteria as well.

Suneil

so to sum it up, i want to put some 17's on mine. what offset would bring the tire out to the edge of the fender like a BMW. i am looking at 17x7's or 17x7 1/2. thanks

well a 42 offset should look good. 45 might give u some rub cuz it'll put it really close to the fender edge. this is for a 7" wide wheel. 7.5 just makes it easier to rub so maybe avoid 45 offset and use 42 or 40

thanks for the info. are the REV wheels any good? i have been looking at getting those model 10(40mm offset) or model 1(42 mm offset). but they come with 205/40/17. i would like a 215/45/17. any suggestions. thanks

reach between the top of your rear tire and the strut. that is the problem. the larger the offset number the further you get from the strut. the original wheels on the svt are 35 or close to that. i had 215/45/17 tires with an offset of 40mm. had no problems at all, but tire rack and discount tire said they would rub. i had to argue with them to sell me the set. i also had 235/45/17 with a 52mm offset, yes 52mm. they would rub a little if i had big people in the back seat and on bumpy roads, only on the passenger side rubbed. check these two sites out answer a lot of your questions and pass them on to others!!!
www.victorylibrary.com/mopar/car-tire.html
www.sstire.com/tireheights.html
the rubbing was on the inside rubbing against the strut, no rubbing at all on the fender and these were 17/8" wheels 52mm offset and 235/45/17 tires. try to get the biggest offset posible