Scenario:
914 with converted 5 bolt 911 hub setup

Given:
There are no fenders on the car
The wheels being used are 8x18 5x130

Problem:
What offset should be used in the front and in the rear, to stay with stock geometry or a proven mod geometry.

Be nice now

Question:
are you going to leave the fenders off? if so, any offset will work ...

Question:
if not, are we talking *stock* fenders? if so, 8x18 will need MAJOR stretching, regardless of offset.

Question:
if 'ya got flares, just get long wheels studs and open end lug nuts and put on the fenders, put on the wheels, then buy spacers as needed ...

Andy

Maybe I really dont understand.

Shouldn't the offset put the wider tire in the same vertical plane as the stocktire. Like split the difference.

Iv'e been asking this question in many different ways for a long time. I feel at this point there is no proper place, just where it ends up or where it looks good.

Fenders will be customed to the wheel.

depends on your offset. not all wheels have the mounting surface in the center (hence the use of the word "offset") ...

but a 8" wheel is simply too wide for the space under stock fenders. and it gets even worse the taller your wheel is.

so, for stock fenders, you have to stretch the metal waaaay out to make a 8x18 fit under there.
and that is with the *perfect* offset on the wheels. if the offset is either too far in or out, it gets even worser ...
Andy

Oh, and dont forget about clearance at the strut and wheel well. Maybe this link will help........

offset calculator

Jim

Put the tires out as far as you can... wider is better! Of course at some point you might think it looks funny, at which point you have to figure out your priorities. If looks is what matters you're probably going to have to mock up the wheels on the car and measure when it looks "right".