-- FAQ: wheel rim size "will they fit?" --
 

All,

When purchasing rims for a car, there are several specifications to ensure a good 'fit' (ie no need to do any fender mods).

1) rim size
2) rim width
3) offset
4) bolt pattern

Rims range from 16" to 19" for our cars. Any smaller and they won't clear the OEM calipers. Any larger and you will have issues with 'rubbing'. I'm sure someone will say, "I got [XX] size to fit", but seriously -- look at their setup and most will not find that look very appealing.

Rim width and offset go hand-in-hand. Depending on your rim width, you have to watch the offset. The wider the rim, the higher the offset (so it doesn't rub up against the wheel well or plastic tabs of the fender when you hit a bump).

Our TL/TLS come with 6.5" rims with +55 offset, made my Enkei. General rule (but not always the case since there is some variation among manufacturers):

7" rim = +42 offset
7.5" rim = +45 offset
8" rim = +48 offset

> 8.5" rim ... forget it unless you wanna do some custom bodywork for it to fit.

This is only a guideline, not an end-all, be-all. Those who have done suspension work may have to find a higher offset than that posted to make sure their application will not have any problems.

Lastly, bolt pattern -- our cars have 5x114.3JJ bolt pattern. Luckily, many rim manufacturers make this bolt pattern but offset will be your limiting factor.

Thanks for the Sticky ....sums up a lot of info very efficiently which I am sure I will reference a few times until I purchase my setup.

A piece of info that I am still missing to solidify my choice of rim is weight.

I am wondering if you could know and could include in the sticky the weight of the stock TL and TLS rim (16" and 17")

Thx

so any differenc with 19'sx8 with 235s, will they rub?

I like the info, but I have double checked and maybe it is the manufacturer of my rim (HP Evo's) 18X8 +48 offset) but the rims DO NOT fit the car. They stick out too far and when there are people in the back they rub. I have an 03 type-S with 25K miles on it so I think my shocks are fine. I could be wrong but I would strongly advise people to test a set of rims in the size and offset you are looking for and see what they look like on the car before purchasing.
I really recommend based on my experience that you stick to 55+ offset and as close to stock width as possible, unless you like the MEXICAN TRUCK "Look". I will email anyone pictures that wants to see just pm me. And Again just to reiterate this is JUST an OPPINION from my own experience I’m results will vary.
Later!

I like the info, but I have double checked and maybe it is the manufacturer of my rim (HP Evo's) 18X8 +48 offset) but the rims DO NOT fit the car. They stick out too far and when there are people in the back they rub. I have an 03 type-S with 25K miles on it so I think my shocks are fine.

I could be wrong but I would strongly advise people to test a set of rims in the size and offset you are looking for and see what they look like on the car before purchasing.

I really recommend based on my experience that you stick to 55+ offset and as close to stock width as possible, unless you like the MEXICAN TRUCK "Look".

I will email anyone pictures that wants to see just pm me. And Again just to reiterate this is JUST an OPPINION from my own experience I’m sure results will vary with others.
Later!

well would 19x8 with 235's stick out too far with a 45 off set. or will i ned to cut the tabs. trying to get a picture what works with modification and no modification.e

a +48 shouldnt stick out the offset has to be wrong

a +45 is to low

Sorry to hear about your bad experience with rims. It's a chance we all take due to inter-brand variability. I have 7.5" rims with +48 offset (Volks) and I occasionally rub if there are people in the back (still lazy and haven't cut the plastic tab on the driver's rear side).

What gives the rim a more concaved look, a higher or lower offset?

Im a little confused
 

Can you explain to me the offset? I dont really understand what it is, I mean i get the width....7" or 7.5" or whatever but the offset just throws me off.

Another question
 

What about 19x8.5 with offset 45 how would this fit?

i will post all the rims i had on my 2 gen tl and what fitment for you guys for reference, the order is what i have used since i got the car and what kind of drop with my rear bumper tab trimmed

wheel model fitment tire brand kind of drop rub or not notes
volk III 18x8 +41 nitto 225/40/18 h&r springs yes tab trimed
euroline ls 19x8 +49 nitto 225/35/19 h&r springs no tab trimed
zauber gettin 18x7.5 +51 dunlop 225/40/18 tein ss 2" no tab trimed
mahdi caesar 19x8 +45 pirelli 215/35/19 tein ss 2.5" no fender rolled
oz superleggra 19x8 +40 dunlop 225/35/19 tein ss 3" yes fender rolled
euroline kh 19x8 +45 dunlop 225/35/19 tein ss 3" yes only with R pass.
weds wal 18x7.5 +38 dunlop 225/40/18 tein ss 3" yes only with R pass.
rays g-game 19x8 +48 falken 225/35/19 tein ss 3" no stretch look tire
euroline sl 19x8/9 +45 dunlop 225/35/19 tein ss 3" no stretch w.camber

at first i trimmed a small portion of my tab, but as i moved on with more aggressive fitment i trimmed more and bought a roller tool for the fender, tires play a factor too, i never used 235, i always used 225, the one time i used 215 i could get 45 to fit with no rubbing because of the skinny tire. the shape of the falken st115 is naturally stretch look it gives you more room to play with on the offset. my current setup is 19x8 and 19x9, but be ready to change tires often because i cambered my rim to tuck. hope this guide work for you guys to choose wheel.

do you have pics for all those rims. like could you insert pics after each one for reference? i would like to see some of them.

^just search under my user name, should have alot of pics pop up. i don't think i took any up close one with the fender though

quick question, just to double check, these will fit my TL-P right:

Size: 18x7
PCD: 5x114.3
ET: 42

http://edgeracing.com/images/wheel/f...ver)_front.jpg

hey guys do you think a 2004 A-spec 18 x 8.5 Rim will fit my 03 tl-s????

I saw 18" A spec rims on a 2nd gen & they were sticking out of the fenders a little. for the same price i could get 20s anyway. I'm trying to find 19s with the most lip possible for an 03typeS not lowered. What size width? And could someone tell me what offset is? i dont get it

Would a 19x7.5 43mm offset rub? I'm leaning toward a slight chance of it. Has anyone with this spec has any experience with rubbing?

would 17"x7.5" Falken Hanabi's fit... offset is +32?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. the minimum i would rn on the TL is +45. Any thing lower is just risking rubbing issues Stock is +55

shoot.. alright.. thnx

Owner's Manual, Offset
 

1/ No one has answered Jack's question from September - what is offset?

2/ The owner's manual (2003 TL) gives very dire warnings about changing any wheel or tire specifications. I've checked a few online tire sites, and go through their "tire selectors" and come up with only "stock" sizing (60R16 205, 6.5 rims). So what gives with this? (I ask because I would like wider tires, better grip.)

:google: is your friend

http://www.yokohamatire.com/utcustom.asp

"The wheel's offset is the distance from its hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel."

Offset is important so that if you buy a set of rims, your rims don't stick out beyond the wheel wells (and cause the infamous 'rubbing') Honda is notorious for having high offsets, so your choice of rims is quite limited compared to say, Toyota or Nissan products. A lower offset also enables you to get the 'deep dish' on rims.

Most of this is legal mumbo-jumbo. Our cars are engineered to work within a certain range. The car computer detects certain factors and if factors are put out of whack, it messes up critical components like ABS, etc. That's why it's important you buy things like tires that have a circumference within 2% of OEM size. If you go wider rims/tires, you put more wear on suspension components. Things like that add up to the functionality of the car. Make sense?

wheel rim size
 

20x9's and a 45 offset is perfect for the 2nd gen tl's. tires:235-35-20 nittos 555. i had the rims custom made for the style .will post pics later

Derrick,

Thank you, making more sense (i/ definition of offset OK, ii/ make sure circumference doesn't change [much], iii/ more rubber could stress suspension components), but the remaining question is:

How then does one determine just what upgrades would be reasonable? Eventually I would need numbers. I'm presuming that because the S-Type has 215's on it that I could at least upgrade that far from 205's (and leave the other specs the same) - whether it would make a significant difference or not.

But another poster in the meantime has made a wilder modification (and promises to add photos soon) - how do people know what's going to be acceptable and what's not?

Thanks again.

Charles

====

There are no absolute answers to some of your questions. As you know, Honda has engineered our cars with 205 and 215 width tires in mind. I've only seen people go as wide as 235 on tirewidths (mine included) with our restricted choice of tires/rims. I'm sure you could go wider but likelihood of success / good looks is slim. I would say anywhere between 205-235 is a safe range.

I believe with the 235/40/18 tire set with 18x7.5 (+48 offset) rims, the life of my suspension will be premature. I've had ball bearings go a couple times on my passenger front (and replaced under warranty) and I doubt that was due to chance. Just something to keep in mind -- you want to look good and perform a little better or you want to play it safe? If you want to play it safe, pick a rim with the same dimensions as stock; pick the same aspect tire size -- pick these things but lighter than stock and your performance will greatly improve (handling, acceleration, ease of steering wheel feel, etc).

Hey guys...just wondering if this would work...appreciate your help.

My Mazda 3 has 17x6.5 wheels 52.5mm offset 5x114.3 with 205/50/17 tires.
'99 3.2 TL has 16x6.5 wheels 55mm offset?? 5x114.3?? with 205/60/16 tires.

Would I be able to switch wheels/tires from car to car just as they are now??

The Mazda wheels are quite new and sharp and I think they'd look great on the TL. My original TL wheels are very beat up and scruffy from salt and sand. I'd like to drive the Mazda in winter with the scruffy wheels and reserve my TL for good weather driving.

Any opinions. Appreciate any help. Thanks

everfeb99TL

it will work fine, i had a set of rx-8 wheel on my tl before, 18x8 et50 5x114.3, i even have a shop made them dark chrome. looks really clean on my tl

Thanks REV-01
I forgot about the hub diameter or center bore
Mazda is 67.1 mm TL is 70.1 mm
Does this matter? I really don't have a clue when it comes to this stuff. Thanks

everfeb99TL

just curious, am i going to have any issues with my new tires. i purchased the michelin pilots sport a/s size "(225/45zr17)". All this talk about keeping the size stock is concerning me, especially after spending $800 bones. Right now my ride drives like a dream, with unbelievable traction & handilng. Thanks

FAQ: wheel rim size "will they fit?
 

Derrick,

That's great, thanks.

May I presume that the suspension components of the S-type are the same as my "plain" 2003 TL? In that case, up-sizing to at least 215's shouldn't be a problem.

Would such a small change make a noticeable difference?

Also, I'm using the Michelin web site for reference, it looks then like I might need to change wheels. (Yes, I've never done this before.) One tire, for example, at 205 is on a 16 inch rim and at 215 a 17, and the circumference increases by 5% - that's presumably too much. That must mean that the ABS and TCS and speedometer/odometer are different between the "base" and S-type. How would I get around that?

(The Michelin web site says that if one is thinking of varying from "stock" to consult with a dealer...)

I am thinking also very definitely of longevity and ease of maintenance - nothing very wild, as you can see. If I could get 225's to work I think I would be very happy.

Can you also clarify your phrase "lighter than stock"? Does "lighter" means "smaller numbers"?

Thanks again.

Charles

I Got An 05 Tl With A 6 Speed, Im Looking To Do 20''s 235/35/20 Anybody Run Them, And Any Certain Offset I Should Look For

ok 18x8 48 offset. would i have issues with 235's?


02 tl mild drop

hey any chance that 17x7.5 and 17x8 with +48 and +53 fit on a 2000 TL?

Yes those sizes are great for the tl. As long as the bolt pattern is correct

shoot bolt pattern is 5 x 100 :( is there any way to make them still fit?

got some new / used rims. 18x7.5 with a 45 mm offset. what size tires should i get?

225/40/18

the widest tire would be ideal but i don't want to roll fenders or any thing. and i would like to keep it close to the stock diameter.


i am gonna be dropped on h&r 51858's


thanks

That sounds about right 225 should look good and fit perfect

i know thats the usual....

but do 235's fit?