running lower offset, gurus needed

[jaeyon]

Hi all,

im currently running 18" wheels but id like to get some lighter 17" ce28s.

The sizes im looking at are:

17 x 7.5 + 43 in 225/45/r17 Tyres
17 x 8.5 + 40 in 245/40/r17



My main question is

1) Will running a lower offset wheels, on a RWD S2000, contribute to any adverse effects on handling performance, or would it help improve handling? My stock offsets are +55 and +62 or thereabouts (very high indeed!).

- My reasoning is lower offset => wider track = Better handling around corners

-I think i read before that running lower offset puts more strain on bearings. Any opinions in this regard?



thanks
John

[chargeR]

There are a few issues with running a lower offset than stock none of them very major in my opinion. A lower offset will make your scrub radius more positive which may increase steering kickback from the road, and tracking/tramlining. The car may handle better as you have increased your track which is generally desirable.

Hopefully JohnL will come in here and elaborate on potential handling advantages.

On the wheel bearing issue I doubt a 10 or 20mm change of offset is going to cause a massive increase in load on the wheel bearing. Cars have run negative offsets for years and they still get decent wheel bearing life.