Different size Wheels; OK?

[Bobster66]

I found a beautiful set of 4 used rims at a good price.

The problem is that one pair are 17x7 +47 and the other pair are 17x8 + 42.

Is there any problem with using different sizes with a FWD? I figure the 8 inch wheels could go on the front of the car with larger tires.

Am I wrong?

 

[DSMSpyder99]

well the offset isn't in you favor. Our car comes with 46mm offset and its 16x6. So pushing it 1mm closer and adding a inch of width isn't idle for putting larger tires on. You MIGHT be able to get away with 225/45 in the rear. As for the front 17x8 you can probably get away with 235/40 (MAYBE 235/45). Your best bet is to find a tire shop and test and fit tires IMO or you can go on the safe side and get 215/50/17 in the rear and 225/45/17 in the front thats pretty much a guarantee fit but if you want to go wider you need to go a tire shop

 

[Sotarts]

Tire/wheel width differences on FWD car might affect handling/grip characteristics, other than that, I don't see a problem.

+47mm offset is a bad idea though. Even 17x8 with +42mm offset is asking for trouble. Like DSMSpyder99 pointed out, stock wheels are 6" wide and offset is +46mm. With +42mm offset wheels you're clearancing inside of the car by 4mm, yet you're adding 2" more, which is 50.8mm (25.4mm on each side). 1" = 25.4mm. Do the math.

 

[Catbox_95]

To answer your question, different sized wheels ARE ok on a fwd car. I run 18's in the rear and 17's in the front. However, I don't think those offsets are a good idea.

 

[wret]

IMO

I am finding there is little use for this expression in this forum. When I've caught myself using it in the past, it's usually when I really don't know what I'm talking about. Yes, it's tempting to treat all DSM's as being equal, but when it comes to suspension questions, they are far from it.

 

[jim97gst]

I have 17X8.5 with a 40 offset and I can fit 245/40s. The fronts do just barely rub on the inside if I turn the wheel all the way. I've never actually heard it, but the weatherproofing stuff inside the wheel well is slightly rubbed from this happening. I think 17X8 with a 42 offset should fit 235/45 pretty easily.

You could always use a small spacer if needed as well.

 

[jtmcinder]

The thread-starter has a 1G. People with 2Gs should not be posting what works on their cars.

- Jtoby

 

[Zero Bar]

I just bought a Laser with 16x8 wheels and I was told I will have clearance issues with the tires on anymore than a 225mm tire on a rim that wide. Spacers would be the simplest way to fix the problem. Eibach makes a spacer kit that comes with new longer studs and spacers of various sizes, that's the route I'm going.