I asked this in the ITR forum and got little feedback, I figured you guys would have more to say. I have found a set of wheels I am considering buying. They are 15x7, +35 offset. Stock is 15x6, +50 offset.

My question is: Even if they fit, will the change in scrub radius (SR) be detremental to the handeling of my car?

I have research this subject a bit. One person tells me that frontwheel drive cars need a zero or slightly negative SR, and changing that is dangerous. Another tells me that a positive SR (which is what I assume will be the condition with the new wheels) will improve "feel". I am confused.

 

Anyone have some input???

 

you won't even notice a difference in the scrub radius. you will, however, notice a much surer feel to the car with the wider wheels.

nate

 

Increasing the scrub radius will make the steering wheel harder to turn as the pivot point of the tire is further away from the King Pin Angle. Ask an SCCA Production car driver what their steering wheel feels like compared to a GT car where the suspension/wheel package is optimized...very heavy feedback with large scrub radius. Increased scrub radius also takes more power from the engine to get the tire around the turn.

On the street you will notice that the car wants to pull or follow ruts in the pavement - I have had all different offsets on various FWD cars and it feels a bit unsettled, but you will get used to it.


Kirk

 

You could always try running your stock rims with 10mm spacers to find out....but you might have to change the wheel studs to longer ones.