byefi

I notice that after if I recall 2003 18" rims became the standard size. I was wondering if I could use 18" rims to replace my standard 17" rims. What is different?

Johnhav430

I don't believe there's any difference, and that you can use 18's--you mean original OEM rims, right? 18's were optional even in 2006, but it does seem most cars had them...

If not original rims, you have to be careful about the offset. I read it needs to be 42mm or higher, and it seems rare on the aftermarket (they do exist but not cheap)

NL5

Offset is important, and it's not too difficult to find higher offset wheels. The problem is finding wheels with enough caliper clearance for the front wheels.

byefi

Most had 18"? I thought it was 17". I have stock 17" and the flat tire rim is 17" in my 2002 as well. Anyways glad to hear. Just want to have options. The tire I'd go with would be a 18" 225/50R18 which is actually smaller than a stock 17" 225/55R17.

byefi

The offset is to simply be sure it does not touch the caliper right?

NL5

Nope. You can have a huge offset and no brake clearance. I have A disk and had to run a 20mm spacer.
​​​​Also, your 18 inch tire above is actually a hair larger than the 17.

byefi

Oops you are right.

Spdjnke

Spdjnke

Johnhav430

I know what you are saying....not sure what the "ultimate" determination of compatibility is, if aftermarket, besides an online eTailer saying yes this works (they don't want them coming back because the fitment is wrong). OEM should be fine.

The offset determines where the mating to the hub takes place, it's not simply say 4", with a 8" wide rim. It is either closer than 4", or further. If I'm not mistaken, further is typical.

How I visualize it is look how different a factory LS430 rim is, when compared to say the rim from a BMW 5 series around 2000 (these may have been 17's, but the entire look is deep dish and the basket of the rim does not attach at the outer edge of the wheel. Whereas our factory rims, on the 18's, have large slats as the spokes, and they absolutely are at the edge of the rim. Imagine pushing these slats inward--they'd hit the front calipers. Now we'd have to take them off and compare, my hunch is our calipers are wide. What are they say off of a Civic Type R, or a Challenger, i.e. any car that has Brembo fixed calipers?

I remember one of the guys here got some sweet OZ's but he had to use spacers...if I recall they were like 18x8 with 35mm offset.