Wheel offset

psunitro · Post by **psunitro** » December 18th, 2007, 9:44 pm

OK, from looking around, it seems that the MX-3 whells are 4x100 and around a 40mm offset? Is this correct? I did a search and didnt come up with much. I ask because I have access to VW rims for snow tires, they are 4x100 but only 32mm offset I THINK. I also dont know how it will work with the hub, guess whe I finally get my MX-3 i'll break out the calipers.....

rekognize · Post by **rekognize** » December 19th, 2007, 12:14 am

Stock offset is 45mm on a GS 15" rim. 4x100 bolt pattern.

Around 40-45 should be fine but I'm guessing with 32 you would need a 5mm spacer to bring your offset within that range..

psunitro · Post by **psunitro** » December 19th, 2007, 9:14 pm

OK, how about older Miata rims? Are these a direct fit??

wytbishop · Post by **wytbishop** » December 20th, 2007, 10:31 am

Offset is measured on the backside of the rim from the mating surface where the rim meets the hub, up to the center line of the rim. The easiest way to measure offset is to measure the total backspace (lay a straightedge across the back of the rim and measure down to the hub mating surface) and then subtract the centerline distance (the width of the wheel / 2).

Adding a spacer does not increase offset, it reduces offest by moving the hub mating surface closer to the center line of the wheel. The reason for increasing offset is normally to increase backspacing because the inner flange of the larger than stock wheel contacts the suspension. If the wheel you want to use has less offset, but is not significantly wider than the stock rim, you're usually ok.

psunitro · Post by **psunitro** » December 20th, 2007, 11:11 am

Thanks for that. I a will need to get the calipers out to see how bigthe hub opening is. Is it the same on the miata? Hub-centric wise? I like the look of the older 'Panasport" looking rims.

wytbishop · Post by **wytbishop** » December 20th, 2007, 1:44 pm

This member's worklog shows the wheels I think you're talking about...

http://www.mx-3.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=62471

They seem to work pretty well for him.

solo_ryder · Post by **solo_ryder** » December 20th, 2007, 3:18 pm

Which ones? The heliums? They fit fine.

Post by **Mooneggs** » December 21st, 2007, 10:24 am

lol I thought those were escort rims??