Wheel spacers/ Tempe/ general wheel questions

[Ry_]

Hi again all,

Here's a small question for you. I'm thinking of getting some wheels and new tyres (for a 2000 Civic EK hatch), and so far, it's looking like some 17"/7 Kspeed ones from Tempe.

I've been reading up trying to get more information, and can't seem to find anything specific on this- a few people have mentioned that quite a few wheels from Tempe end up requiring spacers to fit. Is this true? Will I not be able to just buy some, e.g. Kspeed Kronus, Seifer etc. and fit them easily?

I've read that spacers are illegal and will void insurance/accident claims. How would I still go about getting a slightly wider look for the wheels, or is it not an option?

Also, trying to find out about balancing. If I do end up getting 17"/7's, Tempe says "*If Interstate package arrives fitted and balanced.", is it as easy as fit and go? I was under the impression a wheel specialist would have to do something to the wheels with the car actually there.

Thanks for the guidance!

[TB.2535]

When they say fitted and balanced I think they mean the right offset for your car. That and balancing a wheel doesn't require the car to be there, they just make sure the wheel is not heavier to one side. So if they know what they are doing they wont send you wheels that wont fit on your car. But this is tempe we are talking about :D

[Nepolian]

Just take your wheel off and check the offset of it. eg....on the inside it would say 15 x 5 and 50+....................etc

Once you find the offset let Tempe know and they should be able to supply the correct offset in the new set.

Reason for spacers is due to the new wheel being wider and the same offset, therefore the rim would sit further in because it is wider.

In a nut shell if you are getting wider wheels you should get a lower offset, for example you have an offset of 50+ on your car now, you should be getting something around 40+ on the new wheel. But it all depends on how much clearance you have and how wide your going.

Best to go to a local shop and get a specific width to fit your car and take note of its offset :)

[Ry_]

Thanks guys, I'm understanding it a bit better now. A few more questions- I'm assuming then the newer wider wheel with the offset will sit no further out than the standard issue? I like when they seem to sit a bit wider, but now I seem to think there's no other way to do that than spacers..

Thinking of these ones or similar:
http://www.tempetyres.com.au/products_closeup.asp?part=&part_no=823
http://www.tempetyres.com.au/products_closeup.asp?part=&part_no=819

Was thinking it'd be so much easier to get it locally, but the prices wouldn't be as good. Anyone know a good wheel place in Brissie?

Also, after the wheels are installed, does anything extra have to be done at a shop, or is it all ready to go?

Thanks again.