Curious to see if anyone is running 18x9.5 45 offset

[Willens]

Looking to see if anyone else is running the same parameters for a wheel on the 1G VR-4/TT so I can get an idea. I am not the most keen with wheel offset/back-spacing, curious to see how it would work and look.

7.125" backspacing
45 mm offset
18" x 9.5" wide

I have mocked the wheel up, it clears the calipers with no issues, but it would be neat to see it in relation to the fender with the suspension loaded. Anyone?

[Willens]

These wheels were free, and I hate what is on there now in case you might ask.

[2fnloud]

pictures would help

[IPD]

too much inboard to fit stock suspension. you'll need spacers & longer studs up front wouldn't be a bad idea. back might fit ok though.

[Willens]

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a238/willensmcshred/vr500.jpg

It had an issue clearing the shock mount, but the sidewall on the 18" is too tall to begin with (a 45 at least, can't remember this pic is older.)
I have been searching countless threads to find a picture, and it is certainly off of the beaten path to say the least. It isn't impossible, my mock-up already eliminated any concerns with the brake assembly. I wish the profile were a bit shorter, as it barely comes in contact with the mount. Finally a use for my parts car...

Yes, the SVT caps would be removed... I am buying an adaptor plate that Lataille made for his setup using the GT500 brakes. I also have a set of those sitting in the garage. All parts have 1000 miles. The backspacing seems to make the inboard concern not noticeable.

Thanks for the input, looking forward to finding out more of the dimensions on a 3/S without buying tires to rule it out 100%

[JasonY]

I have 9.5 and 35mm up front and dont see how these could possible clear. I have 3-4mm clearance. BUT a 5mm spacer might do the trick if you run a 265/35 instead of the normal 275 wide on a 9.5" wheel.

*might*

Jason

[Willens]

I had it bolted up to the hub, spins freely without any caliper issues, I'm just not enough of a whell guru to confirm/deny without tossing on a proper profile tire and getting it on the ground, lock-to-lock and see it out, you know?

[wingnut]

how much poke is there, can you take a pic from the fender DOWN?

worst case, like mentioned, throw a 5mm spacer on there and run em :D

[Willens]

I can Winger, the problem is it won't be able to come off of the jack, the wheel will impact the spring perch. I will have to get it out and mock it all back up, I'll get it as low as I can. This pic is from last year, I just put brand new tires on those horrid SN-95 Cobra R wheels the car came with, I'll have to start looking for deals on tires for these If it all does pan out. I'll post up something tomorrow, and thanks all again for the input.

[IPD]

yeah, 45 profile on 18" will not clear the stock perch--at least not with a tire that will properly fit on a 9.5" wide rim.

[Jimvr4]

I have 9.5 and 35mm up front and dont see how these could possible clear. I have 3-4mm clearance. BUT a 5mm spacer might do the trick if you run a 265/35 instead of the normal 275 wide on a 9.5" wheel.

*might*

Jason
I agree with you. Stock clearance is about 6mm to the strut. Your setup has about 2mm less than stock to the strut but a 45 offset would have 12mm LESS clearance than stock so it will take a 10mm spacer for Willens to get this to fit in front. Then it will stick out 24mm more than stock. Mine stick out 18mm more than stock and there's really no poke. So I'll say that a 45 offset will poke out 6mm when a 10mm spacer is used.

[Willens]

All of this being case in point with the aforementioned spring perch/housing? That's where my issue lies, with the car jacked up I had no rubbing/fitment issues otherwise. just want to clarify. Thanks again for your insight. I didn't get a chance to mock it up but I know I will this weekend, a lot of things to fix.

[TurboSinceBirth]

I had 18x9.5 +35 that fit on a 1st or 2nd gen. 275 tires rubbed the front spring perch on the 1st gen though.

[MR2]

you could always reduce the rolling diameter? would that help if not then try some adjustable top mounts on the stock struts (I'm told such a thing exists)

[Jimvr4]

All of this being case in point with the aforementioned spring perch/housing? That's where my issue lies, with the car jacked up I had no rubbing/fitment issues otherwise. just want to clarify. Thanks again for your insight. I didn't get a chance to mock it up but I know I will this weekend, a lot of things to fix.

Something doesn't add up here. Do you have stock struts? Did you say what rolling diameter you are using? The options that are nearly the same size as stock (25.68 inches diameter) are:
255/40/18 26.03 inches
265/35/18 25.30 inches
275/35/18 25.57 inches

If you had a 255/45/18 it would be 27.03 inches which is way too tall to fit.

Also if you really have a 9.5 inch wide rim with a 45mm offset it should bind up on a stock strut when you tighten the lugs. So maybe your offset isn't what you think it is or maybe you have a 9 inch rim?

The spring perch is a fixed distance from the hub so I don't understand why you say you can mount it up on jacks but can't lower it on the ground without hitting the perch??

[IPD]

Something doesn't add up here. Do you have stock struts? Did you say what rolling diameter you are using? The options that are nearly the same size as stock (25.68 inches diameter) are:
255/40/18 26.03 inches
265/35/18 25.30 inches
275/35/18 25.57 inches

If you had a 255/45/18 it would be 27.03 inches which is way too tall to fit.

Also if you really have a 9.5 inch wide rim with a 45mm offset it should bind up on a stock strut when you tighten the lugs. So maybe your offset isn't what you think it is or maybe you have a 9 inch rim?

The spring perch is a fixed distance from the hub so I don't understand why you say you can mount it up on jacks but can't lower it on the ground without hitting the perch??

agreed. perch clearance has nothing to do with the car being in the air.

+45 isn't necessarily a bad offset in theory. it should fit without spacers in the rear, and using the same size on all 4 means that you can rotate without remounting--which is a good thing.

255/265 aren't going to be as close to stock diameter. i'm showing 26.00" for 255/40r18's. stock is 25.7" for 245/45r17 and 245/40r18. 285/35r18's are actually a closer fit at 25.9"--which is closer to stock diameter than either 255's or 265's.

[Willens]

Sorry for no update, I've been working back and forth with Robert (RLataille) to buy one of the brackets he had made to run the stock GT500 Brembos (since I have a pair, why not for a free BBK.) He had great success with them, but I'm waiting to hear how this might have had an impact in the general offset of whatever wheel he ran. Anything is potentially a moot point in my quest until I hear back on how this affected his offset. for $150 for the brackets, wheels and brakes/calipers are already mine it's a bit silly to not pursue. I look forward to sharing results.