I'm thinking about getting bigger rims, going from 16" to 18", and I came across the TSW Vortex's. It has different sizes listed: 18x8" and 18x9" with 40 and 35 offsets, respectively. I understand the diameter and width measurements, but what exactly do the offsets mean? (I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to specifics...) I want the ones where the spokes curve more inward. Which one would that be? Also, if they are the 18x9", is that too wide for the fenders? I have the TRD lowering springs and front and rear strut bars. Here's the link to the rims:
http://discounttires.com/detail_whee...nish_category=

I'm looking at the silver ones, which are the $159 ones. Thanks guys!

 

18x9 +35 would poke out past the front fenders about 3/8", and require stretched tires.

Personally, I would recommend the 18x8 +40 with either 225/40-18 or 235/40-18 tires, if you want to keep all 4 corners the same.

If you want to go staggered, you could do 18x8 +40 wheels with 225/40-18 tires up front, and 18x9 +35 wheels with 245/40-18 tires in back.

 

hmmm ok, I was afraid they would stick out in the front. As far as the offset goes, though, the 18x9"+35 slopes inward more than the 18x8"+40, correct? If I stagger front and back like you said, I would end up with a Lamborghini-esque effect, I believe, which I think would look pretty cool. I appreciate your time and precise measurements, CIONIDE.

 

Many of the less expensive wheel producers change the offset simply by having thicker or thinner alloy at the wheel centers, with little or no change to the spokes. I don't know if that's the case with the TSW's, but as an example, I'm running 17x7 +43 fronts with 18x8 +30 rears and the angle of the spokes looks the same.

BTW, staggered wheels produce no benefit to a FWD car, other than looks. In fact, they remove the ability to rotate front/rear, and actually dial in a little more understeer. This is why many people run the same size at all 4 corners, and add rear spacers to get the rear wheels to match the fronts for flush.