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View Full Version : What is Rim Offset


Steve-B
30-08-2007, 12:41 PM
Yeah i know, im a noob. But i understand camber, rim size and depth/track. But what is rim offset, and does it matter if its 0 or 40, what is the difference and why do they differ. A basic or extensive write up would be much appreciated.
27AME
30-08-2007, 03:29 PM
I drew a shitty diagram because i find it hard too explain...

The wheels are as if you were looking at them from the side so you see the width of them... The line down the middle is the "centre" (where the studs enter the wheel).

The rest is pretty self explanatory... Normally less offset = more dish. higher positive offset is normally used on FWD vehicles. Negative offset and low positive offsets are popular amongst the Jap RWD crowd. Obviously the diagram is drawn to the extreme - normally it doesn't differ from the centre that greatly. Hope it helps a bit.
Steve-B
30-08-2007, 03:47 PM
ah, offset of the centre of the rim where it sits on the hub.
Nice, i get it now...Mu ha ha.
so what would be the lowest offset we could go on the colt ?
27AME
30-08-2007, 08:36 PM
ah, offset of the centre of the rim where it sits on the hub.
Nice, i get it now...Mu ha ha.
so what would be the lowest offset we could go on the colt ?

Honestly, they say not to deviate too far from the stock offset (if at all), just for fitment sake. I think you could squeeze a little more if you wanted it to sit flush / out of the guards a bit. Lets just say offset is the rich mans spacer :p it's the proper way to do it!
ShortShift
30-08-2007, 11:48 PM
You can't stuff around with your offset as you will change the wheel track on the car (and the amount you can do this buy legally is very limited) two other good reasons not to do it are it will completely change the handling characteristics of the car and also can also render your vehicle defectable.
Macca
31-08-2007, 01:42 PM
also, you may have a problems with wheels hitting brake and suspention part if you go too low.

but yes deep dish is HOT

and spacers are generally illegal
27AME
31-08-2007, 02:52 PM
Yes spacers are illegal, that's why offset is the way to go :)

A lot of the drifters run very low positive offset and a lot of them even use negative offsets. my mate has 19 x 12's on his drifter, running -12 offset. They're very nice.