Wheel Offset for a noob

[Sinister67]

Hello gents!

Question...

I never really understood offset. But I want 18" wheels for my 1967 Camaro. I found the wheels that will work for the rear but my options for the front are questionable in the wheels. I'm looking at the Vision Torque 143 wheels.

Anyone know which of these will fit AND look nice?? Id hate to buy into some problems by buying the wrong offset. Below are the two options:


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18x8.5 (http://www.performanceplustire.com/products/wheels/productID/13989/wheelDataID/164654)
Bolt Pattern [?] (http://www.performanceplustire.com/buy-wheels-online/vision-wheels/torque-143-rwd-gunmetal-rim-with-machined-lip-button-cap): 5x120.7mm (5x4.75")
Backspace : 4.50
Offset [?] (http://www.performanceplustire.com/buy-wheels-online/vision-wheels/torque-143-rwd-gunmetal-rim-with-machined-lip-button-cap): -6mm

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or...


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18x8.5 (http://www.performanceplustire.com/products/wheels/productID/13989/wheelDataID/164658)
Bolt Pattern [?] (http://www.performanceplustire.com/buy-wheels-online/vision-wheels/torque-143-rwd-gunmetal-rim-with-machined-lip-button-cap): 5x114.3mm (5x4.5")
Backspace : 5.125
Offset [?] (http://www.performanceplustire.com/buy-wheels-online/vision-wheels/torque-143-rwd-gunmetal-rim-with-machined-lip-button-cap): +10mm

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Thanks for any help you can give!!!!

-Sinister67

[CliffsBlueCamaro]

The top ones with the 4.5" backspacing would be very close to sticking out too far because you'd be at 5" of "front spacing" which seems to be on the ragged edge of what is OK for a first gen. The suspension/frame side would have plenty of room. If you went conservative with the tires size, like a 235/45/18, and aren't lowered too much they *might* be OK. (You'd definitely need to take some measurements first.

The second option would be better IMO because you could use a small spacer to push them out to exactly where you want them. They *might* even be OK as they are. BUT - they are showing that they are a 5x4.5 bolt pattern, which would blow the whole deal for you. IF they do make them in a 5x4.75 bolt pattern, I would go with them.

You can always take away backspacing with a small spacer, but the only way to add backspacing to a wheel is to mill down the mounting pad or some other involved machining process. Just a something to keep in mind.

Play around with this website a little, and you can get a good idea of how small changes in backspacing/offset can change how a wheel and tire combo will fit. --> https://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp

A known good combination for the first gen is 18x8 with between 4.5 and 4.75 backspacing, with a 245/40/18 or 245/45/18 tire. Remember that the wheels you are looking at are 18x8.5. That extra 0.5" might not seem like much, but it can be the difference in whether or not they will rub. But if you get the backspacing right, an 8.5" wide wheel should fit fine.

I hope this helps! :-)