As the title and description states ... I would like to understand the specs I need to be mindful of when shopping for wheel replacements on my '73 2.0 stock 914. I know my stock Fuchs (which I will keep) are 15x5.5 and have a 4x130 bolt pattern.

But what is the offset range I need to stay within or wheels?

And can I go wider than 5.5? Like 6 or 7?

Many thanks in advance. I did try to search the site for these answers, but I could not find a clear answer.

I have 5 bolt fuchs 6 inch et23 and IIRC the Cookies are the same.
IIRC the 4 bolt Fuchs are the same.

Some do run 7" but they have to roll and/or pull the fenders. You would have to repaint the fenders.

The standard 4 lug 2.0 Fuchs are 15x5.5 with a 40mm offset.

On my 914 I am running 15x7's with 205/55's with a 23mm offset. They fit perfectly on the fronts however the rear fenders needed to be pulled out some, this is fairly common our cars.

Stock 15x5.5 et40 fit perfect. 15x7 et23 (911/944) usually need fender rolling in the rear. A 15x6 is et36 so it fits nicely. The VW bug is et25 or so, so they only fit with skinny tires thus are not a good choice.

These 2 sites will help you sort it out.

https://www.willtheyfit.com/

https://tiresize.com/wheel-offset-calculator/

Very helpful. Thank you!

Excellent - thank you!

Minilite used to offer a 4x130, 6.5x15 wheel that fits without issue, front and rear. Well, maybe lips rolled on rear depending on tire choice but no pulling to fit a 7" wheel.

Fuchs offsets: 6x15 = et36 7x15 = et23. I'm guessing the minilite split the difference.. so et 30?

As mentioned, rear space is the limiting issue, so, running more than a 205 width tire will come down to other items like camber/alignment/ spring rate etc.

and a 205 tire is 40mm wider than the OEM 165.. and a Sticky 205 will jut put all those cornering forces back into the trailing arm/bushings etc.

I have 7 x 17 replica Fuchs the et is 40mm ,,,fit fine,,