Rim offset... 38 or 45?

[Bakerboard]

Should i go with a 38 offset or 45 offset for my rims? Im thinking 38 but not sure which would look better. I have an 07 sentra 2.0S

[macnut]

Maybe no responses yet because ...
you haven't said what width of rim you are considering.

The factory rims on a 2.0S are 6.5" wide with a 45 mm. offset.

If you are staying with the same width rim, best to try and stay within about +/- 3 mm. of the stock offset.

If you are going with a wider rim, the required offset must be calculated. See:
Wheel Offset Calculator

It's not a case of what offset looks better, or what the manufacturer offers in that style of rim.
It's what offset allows the rim/tire combination to fit and keeps the contact patch centered as close as possible to stock.

Of course, fit is not limited to "does the rim mount on the hub O.K.?"
It means, "will there be no rubbing or contact at all under every imaginable driving situation?"

It's not a simple exercise, but definitely worth getting your head around it to do it right.

[SPEC G]

Well man I have 37 offset on my car and she looks like a beute...It lines up with the fenders greatly cause it doesn't stick out but it is in line. But i do have a SPEC V tho but i don't think the fenders will be any different.

Hope this helps.

[Bakerboard]

Ok, well I plan on geting 17 x 7 inch rims. It's a little bigger rim size and width than factory. Here is the link.

Enkei EV5 Wheels - Wheel Size & Price Details - 1010tires.com

[macnut]

Nice choice of rim - looks easy to clean, and you will be able to monitor your front brake pad wear easily.

According to that calculator link, the 38 mm. offset 17 x 7's would be 13 mm. closer to the fender (and 1 mm. further away from the brake and suspension components, etc.).

However, that calculator is not entirely accurate.
For the 45 mm. offset 17 x 7's, it tells you the extra width of the rim will be spread evenly between the fender and the inside.
That ignores the fact that for a positive offset wheel, by definition, the wheel is positioned with a bias toward the inside.

(I have seen other discussion in forums warning that particular calculator needs to be used with a bit of caution. Maybe there is a better one somewhere.)

So the 17x 7, 45 mm. offset will more accurately be something like 7 or 8 mm. closer to the inside and 5 or 4 mm. closer to the fender than your stock rims.

Therefore, I would say the 45 offset would be your best choice.
If it had been in a 42 or 43 offset, that might have been the perfect fit.

Anyone can give you a different opinion, but unless they appear to using some sound automotive chassis engineering knowledge, don't assume that it is good advice.

[SPEC G]

oh well i put on 17 x 7.5 with 37 offset to be exact and i looks sexy to me...

[SPEC G]

i would go all out and get the 18 x 7.5 with a 45 offset i think that would look absolutely awesome and yes those rims look good and even on most colors of cars. (but yes the 17 would look good as well)

[macnut]

Originally Posted by SPEC G

oh well i put on 17 x 7.5 with 37 offset to be exact and i looks sexy to me...

Unlike the Op, you started off with 17 x 7 wheels in a Spec-V, with a 48 mm. offset.

To clear those fat Brembo 4 caliper pistons, you might well have had to go with the 37 offset anyway with a 7.5" wide rim - I don't know.
(I think just the brakes that are different, not the suspension.)
It means you have a slightly wider track that stock.
If you don't notice any loss of steering response, but feel the benefit of the extra width in high speed cornering, that's great.

[SPEC G]

i don't think they are brembo but at higher speeds it handles excellent...

[Bakerboard]

Originally Posted by macnut

Nice choice of rim - looks easy to clean, and you will be able to monitor your front brake pad wear easily.

According to that calculator link, the 38 mm. offset 17 x 7's would be 13 mm. closer to the fender (and 1 mm. further away from the brake and suspension components, etc.).

However, that calculator is not entirely accurate.
For the 45 mm. offset 17 x 7's, it tells you the extra width of the rim will be spread evenly between the fender and the inside.
That ignores the fact that for a positive offset wheel, by definition, the wheel is positioned with a bias toward the inside.

(I have seen other discussion in forums warning that particular calculator needs to be used with a bit of caution. Maybe there is a better one somewhere.)

So the 17x 7, 45 mm. offset will more accurately be something like 7 or 8 mm. closer to the inside and 5 or 4 mm. closer to the fender than your stock rims.

Therefore, I would say the 45 offset would be your best choice.
If it had been in a 42 or 43 offset, that might have been the perfect fit.

Anyone can give you a different opinion, but unless they appear to using some sound automotive chassis engineering knowledge, don't assume that it is good advice.

Ok, thanks for the advice, it really helped. I just dont want the tires to stick out because then when i go through puddles i dont want dirty water going on the door cause then when it dries you can see it. Also, to me, i think it looks a little funky when cars have their tires sticking out.

[SPEC G]

To be honest just go to a tire place who cares about the style of rim just find a rim with those measurements and try it on your car thats what I did cause if your ordering off the internet I would recommend figuring out your spacing first before you place the order.