Wheel Fitment Considerations: F vs R Offset (when does this become significant)?

[ABPDE5]

I'm considering a couple different wheel / tire setups, as I've pretty much worn through the stock PS4Ss.

One of the options on the table right now is the HRC Titan7 TS-5 (18x10 et55). From a functional standpoint, I think this is probably the best choice. In addition to tire compatibility, it does an excellent job of adhering as closely as possible to the stock scrub radius while adding width. It's also an attractive value proposition at just over $500 / wheel for a forged option from a reputable manufacturer. But, from a purely aesthetic standpoint, I'd prefer a more aggressive fitment with more poke (I really like how the 10" et 40 and 10.5" et 45-47 options look with approx. ~ 25mm). In general, I'd prefer not to run spacers -- especially if I'm buying wheels and have the option of desired fitment -- but the following thought did cross my mind...

I could run the wheels stock up front, preserving the scrub radius, and with spacers in the rear, filling out the wider rear fenders and giving the car more of an aggressive look. I don't love this idea (in fact I mostly hate it), but I figured I'd ask those with more experience than myself:

How significant would the impact to handling be if I was to run 15mm spacers in the rear (meaning rear track is 30mm wider than front)?

I understand this leads to increased understeer, which is not desirable on FWD cars and really fights what the engineers have tried to achieve with this platform. But, I am curious if I am just being resistant to this idea "in principle" and if the reality of a 15mm / side variance in offset is likely to be materially significant in real world scenarios.

Any feedback from those with lots of seat time, etc.? Thanks!

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[slowcountry]

Just speaking to spacers experience / not ITS offset - I have 20mm spacers all around on an Aspec. It's the perfect fitment/stance to me, but I actually hate the feel of them. Mostly referring to grooves in the road that feel like they pull you a little bit with the wheels offset.

I'll eventually switch to aftermarket wheels with the right offset / no spacers, but will have to replace the lugs since I cut them to clear the 20mm spacers.

 

[optronix]

I was reticent to mess with the OEM engineering too. But after about almost 2 years driving with aftermarket wheels, I can honestly say the fuss over preserving the OEM scrub radius is overblown.

Especially if you move to a stickier tire, steering feel will actually be improved. Torque steer is still not noticeable unless you actively look for it, and to be honest is probably placebo. Functionally, it's no different from stock. To put it in perspective, I have the OEM wheels on right now with DWS06+ on them, and I can't wait to get real rubber back on. I could give a shit about the scrub radius.

Add camber and it is 100% better than stock.

Don't overthink it, get what you like and don't look back.

edit- 200 tw is noisier though. I think I recall you're kinda sensitive to that. Maybe consider sticking with PS4S if that's the case, they're a great tire for the street.

 

[ABPDE5]

I was reticent to mess with the OEM engineering too. But after about almost 2 years driving with aftermarket wheels, I can honestly say the fuss over preserving the OEM scrub radius is overblown.

Especially if you move to a stickier tire, steering feel will actually be improved. Torque steer is still not noticeable unless you actively look for it, and to be honest is probably placebo. Functionally, it's no different from stock. To put it in perspective, I have the OEM wheels on right now with DWS06+ on them, and I can't wait to get real rubber back on. I could give a shit about the scrub radius.

Add camber and it is 100% better than stock.

Don't overthink it, get what you like and don't look back.

edit- 200 tw is noisier though. I think I recall you're kinda sensitive to that. Maybe consider sticking with PS4S if that's the case, they're a great tire for the street.

This was the advice I needed -- thank you!

 

[stan23]

My car came with 15mm front and 20mm rear spacers and I was not a fan at all. I had a FL5 prior with no spacers and OEM forged wheels so that was my reference point. I removed the spacers and the car steered the way I like. I think spacers and driving feel will differ from person to person.

 

[Tw1stedlog1k]

Do you plan to lower and also are you dead set on 18"? I agree with Optronix that the scrub radius concern is fairly negligible in day to day driving.

FWIW if you're looking to run a square setup, 10" +40 is juuuuust about dead flush as far as the wheel goes, as is 9.5" +35. The rears *might* need a couple mm less than the fronts to be REALLY flush but you run the risk of rubbing once you go less than +40 and +35, respectively.

A 275/285 tire will give you the slight poke you desire.

19x9.5 +35 275/30 PS4S for reference, lowered on H&R. A 19", 35 profile tire would not work if lowered, not without some aggressive camber.

 

[ABPDE5]

Do you plan to lower and also are you dead set on 18"? I agree with Optronix that the scrub radius concern is fairly negligible in day to day driving.

FWIW if you're looking to run a square setup, 10" +40 is juuuuust about dead flush as far as the wheel goes, as is 9.5" +35. The rears *might* need a couple mm less than the fronts to be REALLY flush but you run the risk of rubbing once you go less than +40 and +35, respectively.

A 275/285 tire will give you the slight poke you desire.

19x9.5 +35 275/30 PS4S for reference, lowered on H&R. A 19", 35 profile tire would not work if lowered, not without some aggressive camber.

I much prefer the appearance of 19s, but I'm a little hesitant to invest in expensive wheels and then run a 30 profile tire with the roads around here.

I don't think I'll lower. It looks fantastic, but I don't know that the headaches re: alignment, etc. would be worth it to me unless I was running a nice set of coils.

Did you try running a 35 profile tire on 19s with that offset? I can't remember. (If so, was it pre / post lowering?) I know it works on stock wheels, but I'm worried it would rub, even on stock suspension, if running a 10.5" +45 / 10" +40 / 9.5" +35, etc.

(Hondata, etc. can correct for the speedo error, yeah?)

 

[Tw1stedlog1k]

Very valid concerns, I initially had the similar concerns but I took the plunge anyway, because YOLO. I know our region isn't known for glass-smooth roads but overall I haven't had many issues and generally avoid steep inclines and steep parking lot entrances.

I did run a 275/35 initially (pictures below) but ran into some slight issues with rubbing. I feel that a 37 to 40 offset would have worked out great though, if sticking with 9.5" wide. Admittedly, I found that a 35 profile was a bit too dull for my tastes in terms of sharpness and response. Nothing major but just enough. I've been on 275/30 ever since and haven't looked back. So now I have practically brand new tires sitting in my shed. It might be time for us to have another meet over a couple of brews!

I believe @lumper runs a 25mm spacer setup on stock height, stock wheels and a 275/35 tire with no issues. @lumper would you have some pictures you could share?

Also, yes you can correct the speedometer reading with Hondata.

 

[optronix]

To me it looks SOOOO much better with the 30s vs 35s on a 19" wheel. If sidewall is a concern it makes so much more sense to go with 18s. I agree that aesthetically you have to be far more selective with wheel design and it helps to find a "reference car" that you genuinely like before pulling the trigger.

On a side note, these images make me appreciate the sight of grass. It's easily taken for granted.

 

[Lumenix]

Do you plan to lower and also are you dead set on 18"? I agree with Optronix that the scrub radius concern is fairly negligible in day to day driving.

FWIW if you're looking to run a square setup, 10" +40 is juuuuust about dead flush as far as the wheel goes, as is 9.5" +35. The rears *might* need a couple mm less than the fronts to be REALLY flush but you run the risk of rubbing once you go less than +40 and +35, respectively.

A 275/285 tire will give you the slight poke you desire.

19x9.5 +35 275/30 PS4S for reference, lowered on H&R. A 19", 35 profile tire would not work if lowered, not without some aggressive camber.

Which wheels are these? Currently looking for a set of 19x9.5 but everything that I find online needs spacers/wont clear the brakes. Unless of course I spend big bucks on forged and I’m just looking for some winter wheels.

 

[ashmostro]

Hmmm. Me likey that 275/30 look a LOT. Like a lot, a lot.

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