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18"x9.5"+ Wheels-What Offset And Why?

12K views 46 replies 18 participants last post by  STi 2010  
#1 ·
I want to run 18"x9.5" wheels probably CE28s or GC10Es with a 265/35 tire. I realize tire widths vary from brand to brand and there are other considerations as well. Fender rolling isn't a problem.

I want to get a general idea of what offset and why you chose that offset e.g. looks, fender clearance, strut clearance etc. I'll probably end up on KW T2s or the Bilstein PSS10s if they ever come out...

I've been looking at a lot of the Member journals and noticed a lot of low offsets as in under +40. So...

Thanks in advance for your replies!
 
#15 ·
Rota DPT's 18x9.5 +44 with 265/35/18
fit like a glove, not flush but close enough
Im rocking those, same size tires as well..Fitment is AMAZING. Flush, but not too flush for dumb fitment issues and rubbing. Wheel dude custom ordered them in that size and offset just for the GR STi


I also have 18x9.5 +40 enkei nt03's those dont clear the front calipers unless you run a 10mm or larger spacer. You need the +27 to avoice getting spacers
 
#9 ·
The very first thing you need to ask yourself is what plans you have with your car in regards to the wheel that you are looking at. Are you gonna do this set up for the track? DD? Both? Looks? Functionality?

Usually though it really comes down to looks vs funtionality and how far you want to deviate from one another.

Suby's generally are meant to run on higher offsets then EVOs for example. I use the EVO as a comparison since its the one other car that the STi is generally compared to and also that I personally own and are very familiar with. EVOs though can run lower offsets alot easier though.

For this size of wheel... I would say an offset of no lower than +38 is probably where you want to be to be as close to functional as possible although most people think low 40s is too low of an offset..:lol:

If its for looks that you are going than all bets are off and you can go as low as +22 or even +18 which I have seen on NASIOC. Again.... these guys are not concerned with functionality. One of the main reasons though people choose such a low offset for looks is simply put... JDM wheels in this size at lower offsets change greatly in looks as in the face of the wheel. The TE37 for example.. you have to go down to +22 to get the concave face... same with the CE28N. Other wheels in lower offsets that look greatly different are Gramlights and Enkei.

One other thing is also tire size... but since you said fender rolling is not an issue than it doesn't really matter.

If I was to own a Suby again, I would probably stay in the mid to high 30s for offset. Sorry for the rant but I hope that helps a bit.:lol:
 
#11 ·
Usually though it really comes down to looks vs funtionality and how far you want to deviate from one another.

For this size of wheel... I would say an offset of no lower than +38 is probably where you want to be to be as close to functional as possible although most people think low 40s is too low of an offset..:lol:

TE37 for example.. you have to go down to +22 to get the concave face... same with the CE28N.
It's a D.D. but I'll probably do a few trackdays/Auto-Xs every year.

Though wheel bearing wear may not be an issue with the 5x114 I'm mostly concerned with the changes to the steering geometry. I love the look of the TE37 with a lip.

im gettin the limited edition black enkei nto3m
18 x 9.5 offset 27
Always liked the NT03 but I thought my GC10Es were a ***** to clean.
 
#10 ·
im gettin the limited edition black enkei nto3m
18 x 9.5 offset 27
It looks really nice on my WRB 08 sti and Im only debating on three wheels and number one choice is the enkei so far. 27 offset clears brembo and definately rolling fenders in the rear.
Tires- would either be stock size or 265's if fits.
 
#13 ·
Aggressive STI fitment version 9.5″ t3h_Clap's Wheel33tist Blog

nice list of 9.5" wheels that clear brembos. :)

there are a few Volk wheels that are +40 and +47mm in 9.5 and they both clear the brakes.

if you're looking for ultimate performance you want as wide, as light, and as close to stock offset as you can get. your suspension setup will dictate if you can run the +47mm, if you're going coilovers a +40mm is a better choice as you'll need the added inboard clearance.

:)
 
#16 ·
it's the total spring length that matters.

so removing the helper spring will shorten the overall length. most setups you can go to a shorter main spring and keep the helper and be at the same height depending how much room you have on the threaded perch. :)
 
#17 ·
I'm running 18x9.5 +45 offset with 275/35-18 tires. I'm on the stock struts with the RCE Regular Guy springs. I only had to roll the rear fenders very gently for everything to fit. Fronts are fine. If I had a +47 wheel, I may not have had to roll at all, that is how close it is in the rear on my car.
 
#18 ·
when going that wide, its on a car by car basis how much roll is needed.

some need a slight roll, some need a flat roll.

I love GR's with 275s and 9.5s
 
#19 ·
I love GR's with 275s and 9.5s
This is a closer match to the stock diameter by .4 in. compared to the 265/35 as well.

it's the total spring length that matters.
It's been my experience that the helper spring is always coil bound except at full or close to full extension.

I want to stay as close to the stock offset as possible though I will go lower if it doesn't cause any ill effects to the steering geometry.
 
#20 ·
yes, but at droop/compression it doesn't matter it is where the spring perch sits that matters.

so it depends when you're measuring.
 
#27 ·
My car is still in the engine shop having the stroker motor built, so we haven't fitted the new wheels yet. They are Axis Halo's, 18x9.5's and weigh 20.3lbs. The car is sitting on SSR type-c's, 18x8.5 shod with 275/35/18's, which fit without rolling the fenders. The car has bc remote reservoir coilovers. I think the offset is 38, but I can't remember for sure and the Axis website didn't give that info. I wanted more tire so I went to the 275's, but they look pinched on the 8.5" wheels. I should have the car over to the tire shop in 2-3 weeks and will let you know how they fit if you are still interested then.
 
#29 ·
285/30/18 is too short for an GR honestly.

why do you want a 285?
 
#31 ·
The only reason I needed was AutoX!
 
#34 ·
what are you asking? :lol:

6 different 9.5" wheels that will fit a 285/30/18 and clear brembos and not require fender rolling on stock suspension?
 
#41 ·
I have Axis 18x9.5's running Sumitomo 275x35's on my 08 sti. The offset is either 40 or 45. The fenders are rolled and we had to raise the front end up about 1/2" to eliminate rubbing on the street. The car is lowered and rides on BC remote reservoir coilovers with lots of chassis braces. It drives fine, by my expectations for a streetable highly modified car.
 
#44 ·
VolksRacing RE-30 and CE-28N have the best wheels offset set-up for our car on big rubber's 275/35/18 w/o fender rolling, but the cost of those wheels is very expesive... :mad:

Anyway for those of you who are rich peoples... :D

RE-30 -18x9.5 / 5x114.3 / Offset +47
RE-30 -18x9 / 5x114.3 / Offset +50
or
CE-28N -18x9.5 / 5x114.3 / Offset +47
CE-28N -18x9 / 5x114.3 / Offset +50

;)