rs_boy

I'm looking to buy some new rims for my RS, but I'm having a problem. All the "cool" looking rims that I want are for front wheel drive vehicls and all the crappy looking ones are for rear wheel drive vehicles. What's the difference? If anyone can help me out I'd sure appreciate it. Thanks.

Rustydawg

In a word, offset.

The FWD wheels have their mounting face much closer to the outside of the wheel.

Conventional RWD wheels, especially older ones, have the mounting face of the wheel more centered in the width of the wheel.

Using a FWD offset on an F-body will likely result in a wheel that is 'sucked in' towards the suspension and can interfere with tie rod ends etc.

92 zzz28

I recently had a customer with the wrong wheels on his 4th gen and they stuck out from the fenders. Looked really dumb and scrubbed the tires up badly. We put 2001 wheels on it and he was much happier and it looks a lot better. Moral of this story is to buy wheels built for YOUR car.

MdFormula350

what rims were you thinking about from a fwd ?

rs_boy

Well, I've just been looking into rims and noticed that the FWD wheels look WAY better. All the rims that are made for MY car look like crap. Right now I have 16" X-treme rims on my RS and they're the best looking rims I've seen on a third gen around here. But thanks for the info guys. Catch yall later.

91wtROH17's

In my opinion, if you are looking for nice wheels, I would check out ROH, and the rims from SLP.

92 zzz28

I am running the Weld Racing Tarantula ( i think thats what they call em). I like them a lot. Really shiny aluminum.

SpeedCat86

rusty's right. It's all in the offset. Most modern cars (FWD and RWD) use wheels with the mounting surface offset towards the 'face' of the rim.
That's why you need spacers to fit 4th Gen rims on a 3rdGen.

Essentially, the 'FWD' rims will fit most modern cars, while the 'RWD' rims are mostly aimed at the truck and SUV market.

So for a Thirdgenner, you only have a couple of options.
For inexpensive, but not 'cheap' wheels, you have to look towards the truck rims, like your X-treems or the Americans I have on my car. These wheels will do fine, but the tend to be on the heavy side, as they have load ratings much higher than any thirdgen will see (I think my AR Baja's are rated at 3000lbs each) You can nicely outfit a car with rims and tires at this level for about $1000-$1200

Oh the higer end are the Weld Racing and Centerline wheels. Very nice, but be prepared to spend at least a grand for just the rims. Of course, you can always shell out the big bucks for Boyd or Fiske wheels which are pretty much made to order.

Your alternative is to buy adapters from Skulte or one of the other vendors so that you can fit 4th Gen wheels, as there are more options for the newer cars. A set of adapters will set you back about $600-$800

Note: I am making my estimates based on 16" rims, figure adding about $500 for 17's

Hope it helps

87GTA Runner

My Skulte 2" spacers cost me $318 shipped for all four.

SpeedCat86

oops, my bad.

rs_boy

Thanks alot guys, especially Speedcat86. I didn't know any of this stuff about FWD and RWD rims. I'll do some looking and see what I like. Oh yeah, I'm not too worried about my X-treme rims being heavy since I have the 3.1L. If I had a 305 or a 350 I'm sure I'd consider lighter rims, but it's kinda pointless right now. Anyways, thanks again guys...I really appreciate it.

Kandied91z

iTrader: (7)

just do your homework....

i've got a +65 on the front and a +58 on the rear, with the right adapter there is no problems...

FLYNLOW92rs

iTrader: (53)

I went a different way about it.....

I first found the rims i wanted, then i figured how to put them on......

Don't buy a rim just because it's easier to install, buy the one you like, it may be a bit more expensive, but you will be happier in the long run

I have FWD with spacers on my car and ended up paying the sam price as to just buy rims that fit the car.....