New rims - do I need to increase ET?

[Brick]

I am currently considering changing my rims to something in matte black. I want to stay with 18" diameter, and there seems to be plenty of options regarding manufacturers. My question is, if I change from 7.5" width (OEM) to 8" width, do I need to increase the offset, and if so by how much?

Thanks

[dev17a]

for mk6 it's safest to go with offset 50, but the options in 18x8 +50 are limited compared to +45.
in mk5 according to whitejames offset 45 can rub on hard cornering.

in 18x8 +50 option in matte black is BBS
http://www.tirerack.com/images/wheels/bbs/swap/bbs_ch_bpsl_ci3_l.jpg

oz racing in black two models in +45
http://www.tirerack.com/images/wheels/oz/swap/oz_ultraleggera_mblk_ci3_l.jpg
and +48
http://www.tirerack.com/images/wheels/oz/swap/oz_allerghlt_mgs_ci3_l.jpg

wedssport matte black machining +45 (but only 80 pieces (20 sets) being manufactured for 5x112 this month, only 2 sets may come into Aust and Wedssport will only make them again for 5x112 if another big custom order is received)
http://ll.speedhunters.com/u/f/eagames/NFS/speedhunters.com/Images/Dino%20Dalle%20Carbonare/2010/June%202010/D1-RD3-P3/IMG_0111.jpg

and depends on how much you want to spend too :)

[RD415]

I am currently considering changing my rims to something in matte black. I want to stay with 18" diameter, and there seems to be plenty of options regarding manufacturers. My question is, if I change from 7.5" width (OEM) to 8" width, do I need to increase the offset, and if so by how much?

Thanks

If you retain 50 mm offset you will get an extra 6mm deeper and 6mm wider - will have no effect otherwise - will not foul or rub

50 mm offset aftermarket rims are not common - more expensive brands make 48 mm offset which will fit nicely.

I have on order a set of Work Emotion rims - 14 weeks to be made with correct offset.

A lot will try to convince you to use a smaller offset from +40mm up but be aware of the RTA rules - available from the RTA site - eg. tyres do not touch at any point with a LOADED (laden 65kg per seat) vehicle, no wider track than 25mm, tyre or rim must not protude past mudguard

[Brick]

Thanks guys for your responses. Gives me an idea of what i need to consider when looking. Natanael, you are right, finding something close to the original offset does keep you in the more expensive range of products. Thanks again.

Cheers

[schoona]

standard is 7.5" wide ET51

all aftermarket wheel options that are 8" wide (ill say all..doubt there are options that dont) will have a reduced offset being +50 (1mm woooooooo) or depending on what sort of wheel 0.

Use a wheel fitment calculator (google is your friend) and a rule to work out what your desired wheel choice will fit like.

The other thing to consider, perhaps more important, is tyre selection. Aggressive wheel fitment with a bit of htough in tyre choice can save a lot of headaches and dramas. Also depends on how low you go, its not an easy "this will fit" or "no it wont"

there are people on this forum running 8" wide with ET lower than 45, and people with 8.5 running 45. The chart that gets thrown around is a good basis for working out what fits, but there is plenty of options outside that that will still work.

[dev17a]

or you can get any 18x8 +45 and get the hub professionaly shaved 5mm off, making it +50. but not sure if this would affect the rim's structural strength although for normal street use this should be ok.

or get your OEM R rims professionally sandblasted and powdercoated satin black :)

[schoona]

or you can get any 18x8 +45 and get the hub professionaly shaved 5mm off, making it +50. but not sure if this would affect the rim's structural strength although for normal street use this should be ok.

considering there is a solid amount of people that badger on about the legality of adapters and spacers.....this shouldnt be happening.

[schoona]

plus you end up with worse fitment anyway on your 8s

gay!

[Frenchie]

Good points.

Are you planning on lowering your stance ? Stick with a setup of 18x8 et45 - et50 if you intend to play it safe.

Here's some more info http://www.vwgolf.net.au/showthread.php?672-Official-Wheel-and-Suspension-Thread-info-rules-and-offsets

[Brick]

Frenchie,

I am planning on retaining standard height and suspension for the time being. May change to coilovers at a later date but have some other projects to progress. I looked at the offset calculators but i couldn't see what clearance to the body there was and as i am not at home at the moment i coildn't pop out and measure them.

Cheers

[Pharkus]

I have the OZ Allegerita's 18 x 8 ET 48. The wheels sit very nicely, though I reckon if I lower I will be having issues with rubbing. Love my wheels.

[elisiX]

ET45-50 in 8" wide will be fine.

Hell I am running 43F and 37R and i'm doing ok. :)

[Jig]

I agree with Jay here. 18x8 is going to be fine even with lowering. Stay with 225/40 if you want it to work with no issues in case you want to lower the car. There is a BUT however...

If you want to put aftermarket BBK's later down the track, the offset 50 is not going to clear. You will need minimum ET 42. Some have put in ET 48 but that is too close to the wheels for my liking. You also need to find out if your BBK will clear 18x8. I find that 18x8.5 with ET 42 will clear 6-Piston BBKs.

[Footguy]

i'm running BBS CK's 18x8 with an offset of +44 on 225/40 rubber. The car is lowered on Eibach pro-kit (1-2cm) and I have not had any rubbing at all.

[dev17a]

I reckon the BBS wheels are pretty good value at:

http://www.awesome-gti.co.uk/

Tom, can you post side pictures of the car? To show how flush or tucked in 18x8 in the offset +44 is :)

[Footguy]

Sure, I'll take some pics on Fridee...

[Footguy]

Right, didn't get round to any shots, but finally got to go for a proper drive through the national park early this morning (Was just leaving the park as the cruise started after a surf at Garie beach...Had to be home by 10:30am) Unfortunately I can confirm that my ET 44 does rub. Not much and only under very hard driving and a big mid corner bump. It's definitely catching the fender screw on both front wheels.

Sorry for the misinformation...

[schoona]

Hardly misinformation!

Lower + camber + screw mod, you'll be right :)