Been thinking about wheel choices for the last couple of days and wondered what people's opinions were on the best offset to run?

For example, the best I saw on the Fabia was probably the 17" Spiders from a Mk1 vRS, which were 7.5J and ET32. The std alloy was 6.5x16 and ET37. The stance was much improved, especially on a slightly lowered setup, and the arches were nicely filled.

Are 18" Zeniths an ET54 or have I made that up? For another 8x18 I was thinking perhaps of an ET45? Would be for a car running std springs, or Eibachs, but not coilovers as I know this can alter what the best-looking offset is, depending on how low the ride height is.

Just pondering at this stage, but input welcome

Steve

Are the Zenith not a 7.5" wide on a 225 section tyre?

Hi Steve

(have mentioned it in some other post. )

First:

Zeniths are 7.5 x 18 ET 51

Second:

IMHO the widest you can go, without touching the car at 8" wide wheels is ET 42. ET 35 is also a very common figure, but you can only drive this offset when the car is at normal height and you dont use the complete suspension travel. It will touch the body at the rear and you will have to modify it slightly.

And IMO ET 35 doesnt look too good at the front. The wheels will stick out. Especially if the car isnt lowered.

Agree with the above, straying down to an ET 35 makes me feel a little uneasy really. Not sure l'd go that far from the OEM spec on a car l wanted to handle well on the road.

ET45 on an 8" rim might be a decent compromise.

Thanks chaps, couldn't remember whether the Zenith was 7.5 or 8. Agreed, I wouldn't want to go as far down as 35.

Steve

mine are 45 steve and look just about right imo.

the audi wheels were 45 as well .

And they're both 8 wide Pete?

Hmmm, will have a closer gander next time :rubchin:

Yup; Zeniths are 7.5J x 18.

Skoda's B14 accessory wheels are 8J x 18 ET45 and I believe if I remember correctly the new wheels on the 'facelift' vRS are ET44. As has already been said anything wider than ET45 is hazardous.

Here is a pic of my B14s - 8J ET45;-

and this is a set of 7.5J ET45 wheels;-

Helpful?

Spot on - thanks

If I change, 8x18 ET45 it is - looks just about perfect stance and looks wise

Cheers,

Steve

Hi Guy

the newer wheels of the facelifted VRS are also 7.5 x 18 ET 51. Same as the zeniths.

Thought they would just take the passat ones in 8 x 18 ET 44, but they didnt.

@Steve

My BBS are also 8 x 18 ET 44 and even the German TÜV didnt complain, when I got them approved. (no work done at the car at all).

And they're both 8 wide Pete?

Hmmm, will have a closer gander next time :rubchin:

yes mate , wanna try a wheel on your car , have loose wheels if you want .

You not shifted those Audi ones yet?