Got a '95 Legacy with OEM 15x6 wheels. I'm looking to put new wheels on it, most likely sticking with 195/60-15 just for simplicity's sake. The stock offset of +53 seems a bit extreme compared to other manufaturers, how crucial is it that I keep that number and how much "wiggle" room do I have to deviate from it? How about if I were to go to 205/50-16? BTW, if this is a topic that's already been discussed to death, kindly point me to a past thread that may answer my question. Thanks :biggthumpup:
Any wheel that is 5x100 between a +42 and a +55 offset will work with either the 195/60-15 or the 205/50-16. Optimal would be a +48 offset. Any more or less offset and you might have issues with rubbing.
If you want to upgrade I do have a set of really lightweight 16" wheels on hand. Got them off a 97 Leggy GT. Only reason I have them is I was HOPING they would clear my brakes. Alas, they do not. Let me know if you're interested.
The wheel offset is relative to your rim width. Changing your offset changes your scrub radius, which can have an effect on your bump steer, camber curve, and a whole host of other suspension dynamics. [/geek] If your not racing, I wouldn't worry about it.
All of that would matter on my STS2 Miata, but the '95 Leggy is my wife's errand-running car. I just want it to look nice and drive safe.
Your wheel bearings may not be real happy with you and you may rub on either the fender or the strut/spring. Subarus have a pretty high offset from the factory and deviation from them can cause premature wheelbearing failure. What width wheel is this?
It'd be 7" wide. However, being reminded of wheelbearing issue was enough to curb my enthusiasm for this particular set I was looking at.
