17" wheel offset question
 

What is the ideal offset for a 17x7" wheel to fit in the stock wheel openings? I'm looking at a set of 17x7's with a 40mm offset- does anyone know if these will fit? I'll roll the fender lips if I have to.

Thanks,
Robert

The car will take a 4 7/8" backset with a 7" wheel to get the tire under and not rub the inside. Don't know what 40 mm is, I'm a carpenter. Why do people say I have a (inch) x (inch) wheel and then ask about 40 mm? Just teasing, don't get angry.

http://www.onlineconversion.com/length_common.htm

This link will help all who need quick conversions.
40mm=@1.57 inches

Everybody knows you can't put 17 inch wheels on a 914...

Note that offset is measured from the center of the rim width, while backspacing is measured from the inner lip of the rim. And I never remember which offset is positive and which is negative...

7" wheel, figure 7 1/4" for the lips of the rim. That's 3 5/8" backspacing with 0 offset.

Assume that positive offset moves the rim in toward the car's centerline (could be backwards here!!) about 1 1/2" (40mm), and you get 5 1/8" backspacing. You'll need a 1/4" spacer or a little more.

Assume that the positive offset moves the rim outward. 3 5/8" - 1 1/2" = 2 1/8" backspacing. No way that will fit without massive flares....

--DD

Oops, I forgt to mention that it was a + 40 offset. Looks like it might be close enough to work.

35mm is the magic number...but it'll really depend on the car.

Tire wise, you'll be limited to 205's since in the rear 225's will be too wide unless you pull the fenders, and even then, you might end up hitting on the inside of the rear trunk wall.



my 16x7's are 42mm