Need everyones help !! I just sold a set of 17 x7's with 205/45/17 to get a set of 18's. Well I'm thinking of maybe going with a 17" again. I found there is a much better selection & big price difference on the 17's. I plan on dropping the xB 2"s.

My questions are what is to be gained or lost between a 17" or an 18"?
What is the best offset to bring the rims to the fenders? or as close as possible
If the offset doesn't bring them to the fenders what size spacer for what offset?
What is the best tire size to run on both & why? ie. looks , handeling, rubbing
Which will look the best with a 2" drop? Looking to fill the gap

Any more info you guys could give me including pics & in depth details would be much appreciated !!!

Thank you all for your time & experience . :D

Regarding the difference between 17" and 18" wheels, you're going to lose about a ½" in tire sidewall if you keep the overall diameter the same. It will most likely ride a little rougher. As far as offsets to make it flush with the fenders, it all depends on how wide the wheels are. I'm pretty sure there are a ton of pics and info on this in the forum.

More sidewall cushion w/ 17s, plus less weight than 18 inch wheel wise.

... but 18" looks SO much better! :D

... but 18" looks SO much better! :D

True that!

I have the option to get either 17" or 18" just don't want to make a bad decision.

Probably be either a 17 x 7 or 7.5 or an 18 x 8. I am kind of stuck on the whole offset thing though, I just don't understand it at all.

Thanks everyone for the good knowlage. Please reply on if you have any more info or any new people want to join in, please do so.

Check out this link, I think it might help you out regarding offsets!

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

Here is what I came up with so far. The line of wheels I am looking at offers a +40 offset for the 17" & a +42 for the 18". What is the result of this? Will I need spacers to acheive the flush look I am after? If so what size spacers for each? Or should I put out a little extra $ & go with something with a different offset than stated above?

Roger thanks for the link, was very helpful. I at least understand the concept now :D

Lemme see what i cant do to help you out.

I have the BSA 259 series in a 17X7.5 with a 40 MM offset. The tire size i went with is the largest size possible, a 215/45R17. I have a universal 3MM spacer on the front, as i was told by another Scion owner that has the same set up that the wheels wouldnt clear the front caliper. In the rear, i have the 10MM shims, which sit behind the wheel assembly. If i wanted a flush look in the rear, i would install a 3MM universal spacer on the drivers side, and a 5MM universal on the passenger side. Im not sure why, but for some reason, the rear isnt set exactly center, so one wheel sits further out then the other side. But for now, im not going to bother with it. With this i also have the Tein H Tech springs, which have dropped the box about an inch and a half. Minimal gap around the tires, and i have a lot more side wall to cushion the ride, and save the wheel. Here in the Northeast, this is a must, as many a pothole will eat 18 & 19" tires and wheels on a regular basis.

Just so you know, i also made my purchase at www.victoriatire.com where i had tires mounted, balanced ( with tape weights ) chrome valves, lug nuts, lug wrench, hub centric rings, and shipped across the country for $776.

Pics can be seen through my sig @ the bottom

CB Thanks alot for the reply & the pics, your box looks great! Big Big help, I am probably going back to a 17" being that I am also no stranger to the northeast pothole problem & I can't complain about the ride I had previously with the 17". Now the only other question I have for you is would I need shims & spacers to acheive flush apperance or just spacers?

PS. Thanks for the victoria link, allot of nice wheels at great prices ! :wink:

Once again thank you to all who have posted & helped me.

you could use either shims (for rear) or spacers where ever you need....
just don't use anything over a 5mm spacer without getting longer studs...

With a 5mm. like the situation CB was saying I could keep my original studs. You are saying if I go past the 5mm get longer studs correct. Something else I never considered. There is obviously alot that goes into getting the look you are after.

I am glad I have all of you to guide me to the light LOL !

Spacers are used between the wheel hub and the wheel. Shims are used BEHIND the wheels, and are only availible for the rears. If you use a spacer any wider then a 5MM, then you are cutting your torque on the factory lugs, which will result in the wheels coming off while your driving. If you need a bigger spacer, then you have to get longer lug installed.

Forget 17' and 18' go for 19's...:)...Roll with the big boys....LOL...no just kidding...if i were you i would go with 18's....i used to have 18's on mine and i really liked it for a while...but then i just needed to go bigger...:D

CB should I start with the spacers or the shims. What should I start with first ? Do I need front spacers too or no? I am not trying to sound like an idiot but I come from rear wheel drive background. CB you are the man, you are a fist full of knowlage & I appreciate all your help.

Yoshii LOL- I am not worthy of being at baller status yet!

As of now I am looking at a 17" due to price & the land of potholes. Sucks to be B-R-O-K-E ! Could afford a 18" but I think its more sensible now to go with the 17". Your probably right a year from now I'll be posting 18" or 19" please help :D

I would guess that 5MM all around would get you started. You will probably end up adding the shims to the rear too. But to get you started, try the 5MM spacers. Try looking on Ebay. I paid about 28$ for mine, shipped and all.

Thanks CB & Everyone else you all put me off to a very good start. Now to order the rims probably Monday, or next paycheck. Then I will go from there. I am getting every thing I need & putting it all on in spring so I'll put up pics when all finished.

Thanks again everyone :D

I just has a thought, ask the guys over at Victoria if they can work a deal with you on a universal set of wheel spacers. Check Ebay first, then ask the guys over at Victoria. Couldnt hurt.

Good Idea ! Will do thanks for everything CB. I will be sure & show you the end results from all of your help. Either a pic or at a meet maybe.

17x7 with a 25 offset.oh and don't use universal spacers. that will be all bad if you are going to run wheel spacers get the bolt on h&r's they are worth the extra money.

I am sittin on some velox 18s wrapped in toyos 215/35/18. And I have a 2 inch drop. :D No rub at all, feels great. But yeah, you do have to watch for that side wall. :sad:

Hey man! Glad you were able to sell your rims...and sorry I didn't get back to you regarding my friend that wanted them...

Regarding the 18's VS 17'S, I can give you my personal story... :D

When I got my rims (Enkei RSV 18X7.5 running 215/35/18's) I loved the way they look. The gap was still there, but thats somenthing that was soon fixed with the addition of my Hotchkis springs (1 /38) drop. With this setup the car rides fine...the only problem is that is bumpy as hell and you REALLY have to watch out for potholes....

During this winter I was going to go back to the OEM steelies but I was going to wrap them on a nice set of Winter Blizzaks tires...But then it happened...hahah...Only afternoon about 2 weeks ago My front passenger tire hit a metal plate and it made a nice tear on the sidewall..luckily I was not going that fast and the tire lost all of its air in a few seconds....FINE I said...one tire..ill just by a new one....THEN a week after that...my passenger back tire got a nice Nail that went in and out the sidewall (lucky me) so thats now TWO tires that I have to buy brand new.

Then this past wednesday, I was driving (keep in mind that at this point I was running 2 OEM steelies on the front two wheels and my 18's with the rims on the back) and all of a sudden I hit a pothole and GUESS what??? Bent rim.....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v388/ikhonlord/DSCF0008Small.jpg

So nowwww!! after riding with the OEM tires for about 2 weeks, one donut and one 18' tire with rim...I have decided that I will buy myself a new set of 17's for the spring and wrap them with a 215/45/17 tire...Which believe me...it will make a difference....

So now..after reading my long post....dont pay attention to me..Im just benting...hahahah :wink: :D

Omar my man I feel soooo bad for you :cry: . I love your Enkei's. That really sucks, talk about bad luck, it doesn't get much worse than that ! You & CB have me covinced, back to 17's for me. As much as I love the bigger rim look, I have heard one to many northeast disaster stories. And your pic just locked me in to 17's. I can't wait to see what you come up with in spring though.

Ps. Don't sweat not getting back to me it's been a real busy time of year for all of us. I did take a $200.00 shot in the a$$ on what I paid for them but, I am just glad they sold so I could get what I really want & the guy who bought them seemed really happy with them.

Well maybe you guys can help me out.
These are some of the wheels I was considering. Tell me what you guys think. They are in order of least favorite to most favorite. And please be totally honest, if you think I can do much better let me know. I hope the links work !

1st is Silver, 2nd is hyperblack, 3rd is carbon wrapped. - All 17"

http://216.120.250.216/pictures/wheelpics/VT2050.JPG
http://216.120.250.216/pictures/wheelpics/VT1378HB.JPG
http://216.120.250.216/pictures/wheelpics/VT2056P.JPG

Not a big fan of any of them, honestly. But rims are like opinions, and opinions are like a$$holes, everyone has them. Go with whatcha like, then work around price and packages. Make sure you get the most for your money. Be sure to include....

Lug nuts
Lug nut wrench, if needed
Mounting
Balancing ( tape weights preferred )
Valves ( chrome would be nice )
Hub Centric Rings
Shipping and Handling
and return policy

Thanks for the honesty CB. Those are all from Victoria, another tip you have given me.

Will do on all the goodies, do you have to request all of that from victoria or do they include it ? Does that all cost extra ?

I am going to continue to look around, those just caught my eye on that site, something to start me off in my long search.

hey guys if I were to get 17 in rims lets say for example 17x7 offset 42 running on 215/45tires will I have rubbing issues? or maybe go with 205/40 tires? Your input would be really appreciated!!!


scion619

your numbers seem a little off...

try 215/40
or 205/45

but the 215 tread width on a 7 inch wide rim (42 offset)
40% (of tread width) sidewall on 17" rim
should not rub (thats my current winter set up...)

your numbers seem a little off...

try 215/40
or 205/45

but the 215 tread width on a 7 inch wide rim (42 offset)
40% (of tread width) sidewall on 17" rim
should not rub (thats my current winter set up...)

hey super, im running a 215/45R17 on a 7.5 wheel.

hmmmmm....

i think you're right. 215/45r17 (mine is 7 wide...)

still, i dont have any issues with rubbing.
Do you have any rubbing Chris...????

so im basically looking at 17x7 42 offset with 215/40...... Alright sounds cool with me, as long as I don't have any rubbing issues.... Just wondering if they set flush with the fenders?

scion619

in the back they will still be tucked in....

you would need the rear hub shims....

That should be all included in your wheel package from Vicotria. You will have to pay a little more for "handling" ( this is why they offer FREE shipping ). But even with the added cost, it was still cheaper for me. Call and order the wheels over the phone with Victoria. I believe i talked to a guy named Raul. Make sure all that is listed above is included, pretty simple.

crap. looks like i'll NOT be getting 18"s as I live in baltimore (and regularly frequent cubik in SE DC), both land o' teh potholes :(

what do you all think of these 17"s on a camo green xB?

http://www.edgeracing.com/2005/Scion/xB/wheel/18/


:D

Wow, sorry to see that Omar!

Anyway, I'm running 215/40-17s on my xB, for anyone who wanted to know.

Hey Super ... Sorry, i just saw the post about rubbing. And yes i do have rubbing at full turn. The rubbing has gotton a lil worse, so i think that the cold has caused the springs to drop even more since the summer. Im thinking ill have to cut more out of the plastic inner wheel well. Either that, or it will just wear it self down eventually.

I would go with 17's. I originally went with 18's, and found some road construction. After spending $2800 to replace the 3 bent and 1 cracked wheel, I'm considering switching to 17's for the extra sidewall cushioning.

I think I have this right I had a 205/45/17 how is a 205/40 or a 215/40 opposed to the 45's? I understand the lower sidewall, what I am asking is how do they hold up to pot holes? I hit some small pot holes & 1 bigger one with my 45's with no damage. Will a 40 series withstand the test? or crunch

^^^^ this really depends. You can damage a rim with a 45 series tire, just as well as with a 40 series. Your only talking a minimum difference in height.

I went with the 45 for the larger sidewall, and they appear to be a little more readily availible. JMO

Thanks, because most of the wheel packages I am seeing all offer a 205/40. I wasn't to sure about the height, but if it's minimal vs. a 45 then I guess it's really no big deal which I go with.

I am still undecided on wheels so instead of rushing a purchase, I ordered a set of DF210's in the meantime. Now when I do decide on wheels I'll already be dropped :D

I am also going to wait on the shims & spacers untill I buy the wheels & see where they come out to.