I'm in the process of getting a BBK. I found some rims that I really like. The rim of choice comes in 17x8 with a +40 offset, or 18x8 with a +35 offset. Keep in mind, this is the SAME rim we're talking about, only that the offset changes when going from 17" to 18". I sent TireRack the template for the AP racing BBK and Brembo BBK, which he forwarded on to the tech departement. Anyway, the guy at TireRack calls me back two days later and tells me that the 17" rims will clear the BBK, but the 18" won't. Supposedly, the spoke design is a little bid different between 17" and 18". I don't buy it... IMO the spoke design doesn't change, the spokes and hub stay put, but the backside of the hub grows and gets closer to the centerline of the rim, hence the +35 offset. This, in turn will push it further away from the calipers, no? What do you think?

Some background info.....All the rims they carry are on thier computer in CAD drawings, and the guy drew the BBK and came to the conclusion that the 17" rims work and the 18" don't. Believe it, or not?

 

It's perfectly possible. What rims are you considering? Many (such as the RPF1) have two styles depending on size where the slightly narrower, more offset ones get a bulge in the spokes to clear front calipers, but the wider, lesser offset ones get flatter spokes, since it's assumed they'll be used in the rear and don't need the same crazy caliper clearance.

Even if the wheels are identical and exact scale replicas of one another, it's possible that a 17x8J will clear just barely and an 18x8J won't, because of the position of the caliper relative to the curvature of the spokes (although this is unlikely).

 

Thanks for your input Morpheus.

Here's the rims I'm considering. The OZ Ultraleggera.

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Wheel...All&sort=Brand

 

Those will clear an AP kit... I have the 18X8 (superleggeras) with 35ET... but there is alot of space for a 40ET... unless they changed it a LOT with the Ultraleggeras... BTW 40ET will have less space for the brakes (as does going down to 17") so i'm confused with TireRacks response.

old pic:


newer with AP:

 

Thanks for the pics and your input Chung. Looks like you and I are on the same page, and I'm not crazy afterall.

Funny you found this thread... I was thinking how much the design has changed between your Supers and the Ultra's........

 

I would show you a pic of the clearance but those are now on my 07 Camry Hybrid... but here is a pic of how much clearance with my LOWENHARTS.

 

IMO if i was getting a BBK and new wheels, the last thing i would worry about is clearance. you can always get a pair of spacers for $100 and call it a day. i say you do what your heart desires and if all doesnt work out, get some spacers. what you say sounds interesting but i wouldnt count on a conclusion drawn by someone playing with images on a computer.

 

Some people prefer to stay away from spacers...

 

Exactly. This is my take on things..... let's say I get new rims that fit the car, but don't clear the BBK. So I get spacers to clear the BBK. With the addition of spacers, I then run the risk of potential tire rubbing...one problem leads to another. I like to know exactly what I'm getting into up front, and plan everything down to the last detail.

Also, with some wheels I've considered, I would need a 1/2" to 5/8" spacer to clear the BBK!!! Besides the obvious reasons for not wanting spacers, IMO I think asthetically a 1/2" spacer wouldn't look so hot next to $$$$ calipers and $$$$ 2 piece rotors..... Maybe I'm just

Anyway, I'm going to call Tirerack again and push the issue a little further.

 

Nope, you are not . I am also not a fan of spacers, but the only reason I got them was because my wheels aren't produced any more. It is true that the spoke design of wheels vary given differences in offset and/or sizing. It's the curvature of the spokes on the face of the wheel.