Understanding wheel OFFSETS [Archive] - VWGolf.net.au

Justin Fox

08-04-2010, 03:12 PM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/87/Einpresstiefe_i18n.png/600px-Einpresstiefe_i18n.png
Offset (ET) is the distance in mm from centerline (C) of rim to mounting plane (M)

From Wiki:

The offset of a wheel is the distance between the centerline of the wheel and the mounting plane of the hub-mounting surface of the wheel. It can be either positive or negative, and is measured in millimeters.

0 Offset - The plane of the hub mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel.

Positive Offset - The plane of the hub mounting surface is shifted from the centerline toward the front or outside of the wheel.

Negative Offset - The plane of the hub mounting surface is toward the back or brake side of the wheel's centerline.

Wheels are usually stamped with their offset using the German prefix "ET", meaning "Einpresstiefe" or, literally, "insertion depth". An example would be "ET45" for a 45mm offset.

GBJ-R32

08-04-2010, 03:16 PM

seems easy enough to understand

or is this the basics?

so what adv or dis adv would u have from either a neutral, positve or negative offset??

10d

08-04-2010, 03:20 PM

From what I know, a wheel with more neutral and negative offset will have nice concave look and killer lips.
:thumbsup:

GBJ-R32

08-04-2010, 03:24 PM

this thread needs pics other wise i wont understand

yes i noe im lazy not so search this for my self just no time atm

Justin Fox

08-04-2010, 03:28 PM

Going radically either way over stock offsets might put more stress on suspension parts: loads on bushings and ball joints and there could be clearance issues too (inner fender or brakes etc).

Basically most people aim for a wider track for more traction in corners and/or more of an aggressive look by pushing the wheel out to meet flush/er with your fenders or use offsets to clear bigger aftermarket brakes.

So if you look at your current wheels, and say to yourself, hmmm, I'd like these to stick out another 10mm, you simply add 10mm offset. If your stock wheels are +55 then you can safely, with the same width wheel, try a +45 which will push your new wheels out towards the guards by another 10mm.

Justin Fox

08-04-2010, 03:32 PM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwiqAr2bI-I
Crappy but clear enough video.

Tim

08-04-2010, 03:32 PM

seems easy enough to understand

or is this the basics?

so what adv or dis adv would u have from either a neutral, positve or negative offset??

Not necessarily an advantage or disadvantage. Its more a case of what will fit on a particular car. Generally VWs have quite high offset wheels as do many fwd cars.
Too low an offset you end up with the wheels hanging outside the guards. Too high an offset and the wheel ends up fouling on the strut/spring.

If you change the width of the wheel as well as the offset you need to be extra careful to calculate it properly.

Big Yellow

08-04-2010, 03:33 PM

From what I know, a wheel with more neutral and positive offset will have nice concave look and killer lips.
:thumbsup:
I think its the other way round!! Negative offset ftw lol!!!

Justin Fox

08-04-2010, 03:36 PM

From what I know, a wheel with more negative than positive offset will have a nice concave look and/or killer lips.
:thumbsup:

Fixed! :cool:

10d

08-04-2010, 03:41 PM

Sorry for the SILLY question, but what is the stock offset of the 17" Denvers on the MkV GTI?

Tim

08-04-2010, 03:42 PM

17x7 ET51

10d

08-04-2010, 03:43 PM

I think its the other way round!! Negative offset ftw lol!!!

Crap! Just realised that. Thanks T & JF

10d

08-04-2010, 03:45 PM

17x7 ET51

Thanks Tim, so offset +35 is too much?

Frenchie

08-04-2010, 04:03 PM

Do it 10d >D - just get these and you'll be rocking !

http://www.gepfeffert.com/gallery/pics/produkte/datei_1217062801.jpg

10d

08-04-2010, 04:09 PM

Do it 10d >D - just get these and you'll be rocking !

:) you are a bad bad Frenchman.

Really like the badgeless look too!

Tim

08-04-2010, 04:18 PM

Thanks Tim, so offset +35 is too much?

as i mentioned above. It depends on the width. +35 would be fine on a 7" rim but would poke 3-4mm beyond the fender on an 8" rim

Frenchie

08-04-2010, 04:19 PM

You started it !! You know what to do now Mr T
Shall I post link - alot of goodies on website >D

10d

08-04-2010, 04:21 PM

as i mentioned above. It depends on the width. +35 would be fine on a 7" rim but would poke 3-4mm beyond the fender on an 8" rim

It is 8" , Tim, but I'm more concerned about the stress put on the suspension arms than the actual scrubbing of the fender.

Tim

08-04-2010, 04:25 PM

I wouldnt be too concerned. Its not a radical change.

10d

08-04-2010, 04:38 PM

I wouldnt be too concerned. Its not a radical change.

Thanks T. I've actually did it today :)

SUGA

08-04-2010, 05:36 PM

Post the link Frenchman! Those guards are pimp!!!

∆pex

08-04-2010, 05:56 PM

17x7.5 ET51
Fixed :D

Tim

08-04-2010, 06:06 PM

correct!

Its been a couple months since selling my mkv and ive forgotten everything! :P

Shamelessly stolen from Limas pics
http://27772.smugmug.com/Cars/MY07-Mk5-Golf-GTI/Mk5-Golf-GTI-miscellaneous/IMG7785/170294569_viHDv-M.jpg

Frenchie

08-04-2010, 08:09 PM

Post the link Frenchman! Those guards are pimp!!!

Warning: I recommend reasonable precautions whilst viewing website below, I cannot accept responsibility for any loss or addictions arising from the use of this link.

English link - http://www.gepfeffert.com/home.html

08-04-2010, 08:30 PM

Do it 10d >D - just get these and you'll be rocking !

http://www.gepfeffert.com/gallery/pics/produkte/datei_1217062801.jpg

I was going to buy some of those Frenchie... Do you want some aswell?

10d

08-04-2010, 08:31 PM

Warning: I recommend reasonable precautions whilst viewing website below, I cannot accept responsibility for any loss or addictions arising from the use of this link.

English link - http://www.gepfeffert.com/home.html
The Pimp Frenchman, you are a legend!

Frenchie

08-04-2010, 09:14 PM

I was going to buy some of those Frenchie... Do you want some aswell?

Stay away from me devil man ! mods can we ban this man hahah..

How much are they Ap ?? Curious to know how much a set shipped and prices for a Group buy.
My wheels aren't aggressive enough I would have to run 19 x 10 all round with an ET30 >D to fill those sexy guards - this is straight down Justin's project :)

Last time I enquired for a badgeless front grill quote from those guys came to $1k+ ouch though they do quality work AAA all the way...

The Pimp Frenchman, you are a legend!

:) Pimping Pepe le pew ! Now fess up 10d, bet you ordered something from there >D

Byza

08-04-2010, 09:56 PM

Hehe I know someone else who does badgeless grills!!!!

Tinto

08-04-2010, 10:06 PM

Bildon also do some decent wide fenders, vented bonnet etc etc
http://www.bildon.com/catalog/SubCat/body/G5kitcar.cfm?Nav=3

http://www.bildon.com/catalog/SubCat/body/images/G5k_top.jpg

10d

08-04-2010, 10:14 PM

Stay away from me devil man ! mods can we ban this man hahah..

How much are they Ap ?? Curious to know how much a set shipped and prices for a Group buy.
My wheels aren't aggressive enough I would have to run 19 x 10 all round with an ET30 >D to fill those sexy guards - this is straight down Justin's project :)

Last time I enquired for a badgeless front grill quote from those guys came to $1k+ ouch though they do quality work AAA all the way...

The Pimp Frenchman, you are a legend!

:) Pimping Pepe le pew ! Now fess up 10d, bet you ordered something from there >D
Umm... Not interested at the fenders yet, but like the grill.
I might ask fuzion (Pierre) for his experience, plus he runs a panel and auto repair shop in Roseberry. Saw his red MKIV in the car park today. Best looking one in Sydney. Like his plates too.

Now back on topic (kinda)

Running a wider track at the front on a FWD I know the car would be harder to turn and understeer more.

Any remedies?

10d

08-04-2010, 10:16 PM

Bildon also do some decent wide fenders, vented bonnet etc etc
http://www.bildon.com/catalog/SubCat/body/G5kitcar.cfm?Nav=3

http://www.bildon.com/catalog/SubCat/body/images/G5k_top.jpg

John (illektronik) been pimping it for a while now, Mart. Not really sold as I will need their bumpers as well.

∆pex

08-04-2010, 10:18 PM

Tendy, there's quite a few places that sell badgeless grills now.

10d

08-04-2010, 10:23 PM

Tendy, there's quite a few places that sell badgeless grills now.
Ah, please do share, Steve. I remember there's a DIY as well. What about that notch on the bonnet though? I've ordered a new bonnet from Ian too. Arrgh! Damn you Frenchie! :p

∆pex

08-04-2010, 10:50 PM

Ah, please share. I remember there's a DIY as well. What about that notch on the bonnet though? I've ordered a new bonnet from Ian too. Arrgh! Damn you Frenchie! :p
Where do I begin... :D

TM Tuning (http://www.tmtuning.com/HOME/catalog/product_detail.php?default_product=2558)
Performance Cafe (http://www.performance-cafe.com/product_info.php?products_id=2331)
Black Forest Industries (http://store.blackforestindustries.com/mk5jegtiglib.html)
20 Squared (http://www.20squared.com/product_p/5.2.733.htm)
ECS Tuning (http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Golf_V--2.0T/Exterior/Body/ES1848605/)

I'm sure there were plenty more, do a google search (http://lmgtfy.com/?q=mkv+gti+badgeless+grill)... lol

As for the bonnet, well, that's the hard (and most important) part!

10d

08-04-2010, 10:53 PM

10d

08-04-2010, 10:53 PM

Now back on topic (kinda)

Running a wider track at the front on a FWD I know the car would be harder to turn and understeer more.

Any remedies?

schoona

08-04-2010, 10:55 PM

Toe the fronts out? Aid in agility but still use the full width for power down??

10d

08-04-2010, 11:00 PM

I'm really bad with the toe, Mal. So out is the V shape or ^ shape?

schoona

08-04-2010, 11:10 PM

How's about Camel??

Ah looking plan view at vehicle, point the front of the wheel out, so " V " shape?

Imm not a suspension tech, but there is going to be ways to run 9" wide and turn the nugget for sure. Justin had 10.5" on the GTR or something, just coils and sways wouldnt counter that, has to be something in the settings?

Increase castor ( "longer wheelbase" ) to increase your turning moment?

10d

08-04-2010, 11:39 PM

Hmm. I knew camel would come out :lol: cheeky munky.

I remember now. Same basic principle as the R/C cars. Unfortunately castor can't be easily adjusted on the mkV. Got the anti lift kit but that's fixed not adjustable.

I will have a chat with some of my track junkies and mechanics.

Byza

09-04-2010, 08:30 AM

Where do I begin... :D

TM Tuning (http://www.tmtuning.com/HOME/catalog/product_detail.php?default_product=2558)
Performance Cafe (http://www.performance-cafe.com/product_info.php?products_id=2331)
Black Forest Industries (http://store.blackforestindustries.com/mk5jegtiglib.html)
20 Squared (http://www.20squared.com/product_p/5.2.733.htm)
ECS Tuning (http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Golf_V--2.0T/Exterior/Body/ES1848605/)

I'm sure there were plenty more, do a google search (http://lmgtfy.com/?q=mkv+gti+badgeless+grill)... lol

As for the bonnet, well, that's the hard (and most important) part!

i just need to note that the quality of these isnt on par with making one from two OEM grills... i know this because i have made 5 grills now and also bought a manufactured one for comparsion... up until these were produced, its was a very expensive and time consuming mod....

you can buy an insert for the notch which i am just finalising now.. i made the decision that i dont want to complete the full fill of the notch because you cant revert back to standard front and would need to find a car to swap with... this was a breaker for me... the notch filler should be find until everyone gets badgeless and they arent rare anymore, then ill change back and do something different again...

Justin Fox

09-04-2010, 09:50 AM

We're going way off topic guys, maybe start a new thread for alignment settings.

trism

09-04-2010, 11:34 AM

Remember when getting new rims, you need to factor in the width as well.

so using the example given earlier, the rims are 7.5" wide, +51 offset.

if you find a set of rims that are a 40mm offset, youll be thinking ohknoes, theyre gonna stick out an extra 11mm! but then you find out that they are only 7" wide, so because of the narrower width, they will only stick out 5mm.

GBJ-R32

09-04-2010, 11:53 AM

so its works backwards then

so say factory wheels were +51 so if u went lower so 40 means that they stick out

but if it goes up to 60 it would go in under the gaurd

Tim

09-04-2010, 12:05 PM

there is a very simplistic offset calculator here http://www.1010tires.com/WheelOffsetCalculator.asp
Yes i know there are far more advanced ones on the net but the simplicity of this one makes it easy to understand the concept.

∆pex

09-04-2010, 02:24 PM

but if it goes up to 60 it would go in under the gaurd
and closer to the suspension. ;)

trism

09-04-2010, 02:25 PM

so its works backwards then

so say factory wheels were +51 so if u went lower so 40 means that they stick out

but if it goes up to 60 it would go in under the gaurd

EXACTLY!!

lol. thats pretty much how it works. providing they are the same width, the amount they are different by is the amount they change, so a +40 will stick out 11mm more, and a +60 will tuck 9mm more

M4RK0

09-04-2010, 02:44 PM