124Spider

I'm trying to learn about wheels/tires, since I'm planning to buy a second set of wheels and tires for use on the track. I have learned that a few pounds in a wheel makes a significant difference, and I have learned that "offset" makes a difference.

I am wondering how one determines the offset for a particular wheel with my stock 2004 S2k, and how that translates to tire size I can safely use with the wheel on my car.

And if anyone has feedback on whether the Volk CE28N wheels are worth the price (for performance, not appearance), I would appreciate it.

Thanks.

Fongu

Offset is the "offset" of where the wheel mounts to the hub to the centerline of the width of the wheel measured in millimeters. See below.

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

So, the width and offset determine how the wheel is placed in the wheel well. A proper offset/width will prevent rubbing of the wheel and fenders and tires sticking out dune buggy style. Remeber that tires are typically buldge out to be wider of the rim.

Some simple math when comparing aftermarket rims to the stock rims will tell you if the offsets are acceptable. Most people don't bother figuring it out for themselves. You can calculate how much farther any rim sticks out compared to the stock on your car. FYI the stock 2004 rims are:

front: 7" wide, 55 mm offset
rear: 8.5" wide, 65 mm offset

S2000 offsets are extreme. There are only a few non-custom rims that are acceptable without fender modification.

The Volk CE28N, IMO are the one of the few worthwhile wheels for performance and fit. Matched up with 225/255 with stock suspension, 235/255 with stiff front swaybar, 245/275 if you don't mind a little rubbing and gearing change.

The only other solution for performance is a custom 2 or 3 piece rim that is really wide. The wheels will be heavier, but the increased grip from super wide tires will usually outweigh the increased wheel/tire weight.

Fongu

Since I have nothing better to do I'll give you my opinion what you should expect from the Volks on your car.

- the 20lbs weight savings would be approximately equivalent to losing 40-50lbs of static weight or equiavlent 3-4 hp gain.
- slightly better suspension reaction over bumps
- unlike pre-'04 rims the extra width doesn't really give you any advantages for normal non-rubbing tire width selection. Most of those expanded sizes can fit on the OEM '04 rims.

Nobody

Can't go wrong with Volk CE28s--they're light as all hell and just as strong. 225/45-17s with 255/40-17s fit just fine, even with a 1" drop and a stock alignment. You can go wider (235/275), but not without rolling your fenders.

My only complaint is that they aren't wide as I'd like for the track--17x9 and 17x10s would be ideal.