Wheel Offset Question

F

FujiToast

Member
:
2002 Protege5, 2002 Miata SE
Hey guys, I'm sure I'll be yelled at and told to search for myself, but I did. Problem is most of the information is a little foreign to me and I'm trying to learn a little more about wheel sizing. Honestly this will be the first time I have ever even seriously looked at purchasing aftermarket wheels. So please, don't lambast the newb. Anyways!

I want to put some new wheels on my 02 P5 using stock suspension, stock tire size (195/50-16) and even stock wheel size(16x7), just want to change the look a little and the only wheels I can find that I like are of a different offset. Am I correct in saying that the 02 P5 has a stock offset of 50mm?

I REALLY like a set of Motegis but their offset is 40 and I'm afraid they'll rub.
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Whee...dClar=&target=runWheelSearch&wheelModel=MR116

I found another set of Kazeras with an offset of 45. Would they rub at all?
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Whee...odClar=&target=runWheelSearch&wheelModel=KZ-I

Honestly this 02 P5 is my daily driver and I want as little trouble as possible, I really don't want to have to do any fender rolling. Does anybody have any advice or experience with a situation like mine?

Thanks so much in advance!
 
hat1018 said:
Offset, well lets see. The lower the number the farther out the wheel lip will be. It has to do with the relationship between the wheels centerline and the mounting surface of the wheel. For example +40 (40mm from centerline) will sit out 10mm more than a +50 (50mm from centerline). So your +45 wheel is 7mm farther out than your stock wheel. At least I am pretty sure P5 wheels are +52. I know most Mazda's are.
Click to expand...
 
Holy crap I just got quoted! Like I know something. LOL!
Anyway, Like I said Up there^. Please, please, please don't put black wheels on your car. Sorry but it just seems as though everyone is going with black wheels, and it makes me crazy. Not to mention I hate black wheels.
 
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hat1018 said:
Holy crap I just got quoted! Like I know something. LOL!
Anyway, Like I said Up there^. Please, please, please don't put black wheels on your car. Sorry but it just seems as though everyone is going with black wheels, and it makes me crazy. Not to mention I hate black wheels.
Click to expand...

lol, I understand your feelings though I feel the same way about chrome wheels. Plus in central mn people tend to be about 3-5 years behind the trends so black wheels will fit perfectly with my blacked out protege5. Thanks for the feedback none-the-less!
 
Black wheels will look good, what color is the car? For the rims to be flush with the fender you want a +35 offset, anything less than that but more (numerically less) than +55 will fit fine.
 
Thanks, I think so too. ;) The car's black, so it'll be my little knight rider wagon. Taking me to work by day, fighting crime by night and hauling my kayaks on the weekend!

Here are a couple photos:




I think black or a least a dark aluminum will look great on this P5.

As far as the offset, like I said, I like flush, but I don't want the trouble of fender rolling and tire rubbing and all that. I'm trying to keep this on the cheap side. So that's why I'm looking at those 45s which will fit tires I already have. Have you had any luck or experience with a 45 offset?
 
I'm not a huge fan of black wheels... but I like the understated appeal of a darker finish in general on black wagons.

Here's mine, it's a darker silver finish -

IMG_0025-1.jpg



To answer your question, +45 is a safe bet, but +40 is only going to give you feedback if you're a 'spirited' driver.
 
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loud3 said:
I'm not a huge fan of black wheels... but I like the understated appeal of a darker finish in general on black wagons.

Here's mine, it's a darker silver finish -

IMG_0025-1.jpg


To answer your question, +45 is a safe bet, but +40 is only going to give you feedback if you're a 'spirited' driver.
Click to expand...

Oh yeah, I definitely like yours as well, Ive been keeping an eye on darker silver as well I've just had better luck with my price range and wheel design preferences in black.

What size is the wheel you have on yours?

And thanks so much for the fitment info that will help greatly. I wouldn't call myself REALLY spirited, (that's what my miata is for ;) ) but I obviously like to take a turn at a higher speed than your average camry driver. I mostly would have to worry about speed bumps and what-not with a higher offset, is that correct?
 
Not really. Speedbumps at 20+mph are one thing, but at normal speed bump appropriate speeds, you shouldn't need to worry.

My wheels are way outside the limit of what you're looking for.

17x9 +30. Lots of fender/suspension modifications to get them where they are at now.
 
Awesome! Thanks so much! On a slightly separate but related issue to making my final decision. I'm curious if anyone with a stock suspension has moved to a 17" wheel. I'm wondering how much more harsh the ride got? Obviously I like a stiff ride or I wouldn't have bought the P5 but on occasion I'll have to drive a few hundred miles at a time and it can start to hurt the neck after a while. ;) So I guess I'm asking if any one has any experience going from the stock 16s to a 17 and if the ride was noticeably harder?

And I just want to say thanks to all of you guys. Often times a newb has a hard time feeling welcome on such an established forum, but you guys have been very polite and courteous. It's not going unnoticed and is much appreciated.
 
You shouldn't notice too much of a difference going from a 16" to a 17" you might feel the smaller vibrations in the road abit more but thats about it. I had 18's on my 92' Eagle Talon, lowered on fairly stiff springs.. I could feel the smaller vibrations in the road and bumps were kinda rough but you are on stock suspension so you will be fine :). That being said you should still be on the lookout for potholes cause that could possibly dent your nice new wheels.
 
Rucai said:
You shouldn't notice too much of a difference going from a 16" to a 17" you might feel the smaller vibrations in the road abit more but thats about it. I had 18's on my 92' Eagle Talon, lowered on fairly stiff springs.. I could feel the smaller vibrations in the road and bumps were kinda rough but you are on stock suspension so you will be fine :). That being said you should still be on the lookout for potholes cause that could possibly dent your nice new wheels.
Click to expand...

thanks so much! You guys have been a huge help!
 
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