Does anybody know what sort of limitations we have on the AWD's for rim width and corresponding offset? I'm looking at a few new types of rims for the VR-X and the majority seem to be 8.5" wide with a +44 offset, which is going to sit 3mm further in from the guard, but also reduce the inner clearance by 15mm over the 18x8" +35 rims on there now, which I'm really not sure is going to happen.

Help appreciated :)

legally, 8" wide is the max rim width allowed without having it certified by an engineer, and then I think only 8.5" is the max.

Your tyre size will play a big part too, so keep that in mind.

hope this helps a little bit at least.
Cheers, Graham.

Having test fitted a few recently, I doubt that the +44 offset wheel will have much clearance - but I think it should just fit. I've found a +38 offset wheel that fits with the size tyre that you're going to run just fine, with a 'fingers' width of space to spare, which should leave more than enough to go in a further 6mm (These are 8.5" wide rims too).

As for the legalities of it, an 8.5" rim can be engineered, regardless of what some people seem to think - if you're prepared to engineer it? There are members here who've already gone down this path with no issues.

I have one 8.5" wide wheel, +38 offset currently fitted with a 235/40/18 tyre sitting here, that you can test fit to see for yourself how much clearance you'll have?

BTW: Weren't you selling up?

I'm running 18x9 on the rear with a +30 offset (245/40/18 tyres), and it JUST clears on the inside. And it's pretty flush with the guard, but i'm running flares, so had to trim them back.

+44 offset seems a bit high... I'd be aiming for low-mid 30's.

+44 in a rim that wide would most definately foul on the suspension components at the rear

Oggy,
I'm aware of this, I'll look into engineering costs if it's really necessary, it's the last thing I'd expect to get done for though. Tyres are 235/40R18, they shouldn't present an issue.

Al,
The issue I have is the place I'm looking at getting these wheels through is interstate, so I can't get them to test fit or anything like that, I need to ensure I get it right prior to ordering. My concerns are with fouling in the rear, and fouling on full lock up front. I'll engineer it if it's not going to cost an arm and a leg to do so.

I might take you up on the test fit to see how the +38 offset fits and ask them if they can custom make them with the differing offset to suit. That said I'm pretty sure Grelise runs 19x8.5 with a +38 offset on his KL AWD so maybe that'd be a better way to go if it's possible.

Sam,
Will your rear wheels fit in the guard without the flares? If my maths are correct your rear wheel sits out 1.8cm further than my current wheels do, I really don't think mine sit that far in to begin with!

Dave,
What makes you certain of this, is there something you know that you could possibly share that'll help me work out what offset I do need if that's the case?

Well not only is 44 past the stock rims, but the tyre is wider. My old 235/45 17s on stock 7 inch wide rims pretty much scrubbed on the rear upper control arms with certain tyres.

And also ih8hsv ran RX8 rims in a +50 offset and they scrubbed on the inside

Well not only is 44 past the stock rims, but the tyre is wider. My old 235/45 17s on stock 7 inch wide rims pretty much scrubbed on the rear upper control arms with certain tyres.
My stock rims are +46 I'm 99% sure. The 18's on there now are +35 which are 8" wide and clear with ease.


And also ih8hsv ran RX8 rims in a +50 offset and they scrubbed on the inside
This is interesting because RX8 rims are 8" wide so at +50 offset they provide identical inner clearance to an 8.5" wheel with +44 offset. When you say they scrubbed on the inside, was that constantly in the front/rear, or on full lock turning?