Can someone explain what the "offset" of a wheel is? It looks like it might be a distance, measured in millimeters. What does this value represent? Why should I care about it when I'm wheel shopping?

 

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...explain+offset
You can also try a search on "explain offset." There should be a bunch of threads on that topic.

 

Laugh, just about the same time. Here is 3 diff ones

url]https://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=78889&highlight=Explain+Offset[/url]

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...Explain+Offset

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...Explain+Offset

 

Offset is the distance in millemeters from the centerline of the wheel to the mounting flange. Check this out...

http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=DZ1&...ech/offset.htm

 

It's also worth mentioning that the 'Tech' section @ TR has several great articles on wheels


Centerbore

Finishes and Care

Offset

Performance Benefits

Proper Lug Nuts or Lug Bolts

The Plus Concept

Tire & Wheel Package Ride Quality Confirmation

Using Alloy Wheels on the Track

What Determines Quality?

What Is An Alloy Wheel?

Wheel & Tire Owner's Manual

Wheel Construction

Wheel Lug Nut Torquing

 

Follow-up question: What is the offset on the factory wheels? Is 0 (zero) a fair assumption?

 

That all depends on what car you have... maybe I missed it but I didn't see that you said what car.

 

You're right, I'm so used to posting in the GS forum that I forgot. I'm curious about the factory offset on a 2003 GS300.

 

0 is not a viable number really. and the lowest numbers for the GS are at the high 30sfor the front, and low 40s for the rears, which push the wheel way out to be flush with the rest of the body.

real quick..larger numbers place the overall wheel closer towards the middle, but then there's disc fitments and wheel design that change things up as well

 

The Stock 16 inch wheel is positive 55. ie ET55.