Originally posted by NVMYSVT:
my 18's are 45mm offset (7.5 width and 225 series tires) and I have no rubbing issues at all.

my 19's are 40mm offset (8.0 widith and 235 series) and require spacers.. as there was meer millimeters between the wheel and my Koni's and there was rubbing. These are also on the Cougar but is should be the same dealio for the Contour. I have not yet attempted to put these on one of my CSVT's as I'm sure that there will be some rubbing issues.

I hope my information helps.


You know the 40mm offset already puts it further out than a higher offset. I think it was your wide 235 and the fact it's on a tall 19" wheel and possibly because of the konis. Lowering always is more prone to rubbing (assuming you had lowering springs) and I think konis possibly are a bit closer to the wheel for some reason than stock struts.


Anyways, to answer the original poster and agreeing with the previous posts, 45mm offset with a 8" wheel SHOULD be just about right. But it can come down to your specific car, suspension, and tire.


I rub a bit (even after lots of cutting the fenders) with 17 x 7 roush wheels (offset?) and 16 x 7 rotas (40mm offset). Both have 225 wide tires, 45 series on 17"s and 50 series on 16"s. If I wasn't lowered, they wouldn't rub. And they don't come close to the strut, they rub the fender.

98.5 SVT 91 Escort GT (almost sold) 96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve) FS: SVT rear sway bar WTB: Very cheap beater CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15