Subaru Wheel Offset

[330xi]

I am shopping for new wheels for our 99 Outback
it came equiped with stock 15" x 6" mags and i believe the OEM offset is
55mm - we are using these for winter tires now.

i am looking for 17" x 7" for summer wheels but different sources seem to
have different opinions on correct offset.

my conversion chart says changing from 6" at 55 offset to 7" - should be
approx. 42mm offset

some suppliers say 50's should be used and some say 35's would work but i
think they are just trying to sell me what they have.

anyone gone thru this?

spiegs

 

[2 Stroke]

I think the proper offset would be closer to 53mm, but I'm not a wheel
expert.

I would suggest a little research at Tirerack.com:

https://www.tirerack.com/index.jsp

At Tirerack, note the make and model of the 17 x 7 wheels suggested,
then look up the offset for the wheels offered. Here's a handy page
for that:

http://wac.addr.com/auto/obs/wheels.html

This should give a good idea of what the proper number is, since
they're willing to sell you oversize wheels/tires and guarantee that
they won't rub, affect torque steer, etc.


Here's a bunch of tech stuff on wheel offset:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=322573

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=335263

http://spdusa.com/wheels_and_tires.htm

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[Greg]

I would also suggest NOT using such a low profile tire as it will really
screw up your ride and handling.