What exactly does the offset mean?
 

I have been looking at wheel sizes and i see the offset number and it is plus something. Example I have been really looking at 5Zigen Typhoons 17X8 up front and 17X9 in the rear, but I don't know what offset is right for my car. It is a stock 86 FC non-turbo. On the offset is it the smaller the offset number the bigger the lip on the wheel? What I am looking for is a wheel with a big lip I want it to look right for my car though.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,

Mini me

offsets measures the distance of the "pad" (the part that seats against the brake rotor) to the centerline of the wheel.

It doesn't really measure the lip per say, but more how far inboard or outboard your wheels will sit. The Lower the offset number the further out it woudl sit. (assuming most wheels you are looking at are positive offset.)

A 17x7 +38 would sit two mm further out than a 17x7 +40mm

Make sense, or you want more clarification?

More please, still a little confused.

Thanks, I do appreciate it though.

Mini me

hmm....

maybe this will help?

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/offset.htm

they have a picture...