Hey guys, so I'd like some help with figuring out some offset numbers for some potential wheels for my car, but more importantly if those wheels will even clear my front end safely.


My car is an 87 FC S4 (4x114.3)


Wheels in question are:
Bolt pattern: 5x114.3
Centerbore: 56.1mm
Wheel size: 18 x 8.5
Offset: +55mm


I'm very new to offset calculations so I know the basics of how it works and how to calculate it, but I'd really like some professional opinions before I start to invest money into this.
The wheels are my brother in laws and I'm getting them for free, which is why I'm looking specifically into these wheels and no other wheels at the moment so if this doesn't work, I'm not doing other wheels just yet.


Another factor is the difference in bolt pattern, my car is a 4 lug and the wheels are 5 lug, so I guess I need to get a converter that is equal in thickness to the amount of offset I need?


And finally, will the front wheel have enough clearance on the front? I read on other posts of people running 18x8.5 front ET 35 Plus 25mm spacers so I suppose the wheel clearance on the front should be fine?


Thanks for your time.

 

Someone with more experience than I will comment on the offset you need, but the adapter you will need for the wheel pattern will be very thick.

For example, these ones will be a 50mm increase in offset

Which may mean that if you decide to go this route and get adapters, you might need a fender pull or something to make them physically fit. It's a sizeable increase in offset.

I'm pretty sure thinner adapters are available, but if I recall correctly they are still at least 25mm in thickness and require replacing the lug nuts.

 

These are the factory base, 4 lug wheels and the offset is a 40et. if you go to a 50 it is going to bring the wheel in closer to the vehicle. Most of the time when going to a wider wheel you need a smaller number like a 30 offset (thats just an example) just to clear the suspension and brakes. You should really check out the wheel and tire thread. You could gain a lot of fitment knowledge there. Plus your car being a 4 lug and the wheels you want being a 5 lug you will need an adapter. So the thickness of the adapter will need to calculated in. so for example if the wheels you want are a 50et offset and the adapters and 20mm thick then that would turn that 50et into a 30 et offset so to speak.

 

You basically repeated what I posted above, haha. Yeah. I'm familiar with the offset and know the conversion will have to compensate for the difference in offset, I just want some help calculating it all so I know that it will actually work with an XYZ thick conversion (spacer) and be able to clear the suspension.

I've checked out the suspension section of the forum too, I understand the basics of offset and can do that math, just looking for a human to consult with to make sure it's not just about the offset numbers, maybe there are other concerns I need to look at?

thanks

 

It looks like from your original post you have it figured out
Knowing what adapter you are going to run would be a good start, So I would pick that first and let us know what the thickness is.
Then we can start talking about clearance. just remember 18 is a tall wheel and if your car is lowered that may cause some fitment issues, but it seems that you have already been in the wheel and tire fitment thread, so my suggestion is if you already have the wheels start test fitting and measuring, spinning the wheel etc. May be a trial and error until you get the perfect fit.