new wheels showed up w/ wrong offset, 43 instead off 38. seller offered to send wheel spacers to compensate, i'm trying to decide on what to do, have him send proper set up, or accept the spacers. talking to him tomorrow, leaning towards proper set up your thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated

What size are the wheels? What kind are they? What kind of tires? What size are the tires? What chassis do you have? Reason why I ask is because with my '97 B14, I've had quite a few sets of rims on the car and last week I test-fitted a set of 16x7.5" Kosei K1's with a 43mm offset. This was with 205/45/16 Parada Spec II's mounted on them. This was the best fitting combo I've had on my car (equipped with H&R's, GAB, etc). The offeset was just right, pushing the wheel even with the fender. No rubbing on the strut side or the fender side.

car is b13, 94 classic, wheels are gram lights, 15* 7, w/ azenis 205/50/15.wheels come in proper 38 offset, but would reqiure shipping accross country , not to mention a major argument w/ the vendor, even if it is his mistake!
how do wheel spacers affect the structural integrity of the hub wheel assembly, handling, etc.

I wouldn't recommend wheel spacers unless you get longer lugs. I don't know if the SE-R uses same as low-end Sentras but NISMO 50 mm lugs are a little too short for 1/4" spacer behind my SSR Competition wheels with the same offset you have. NISMO offers 60 mm lugs but they have a cadmium plating that I think contributed to a disaster I had with my rear hubs. Also, the NISMO lugs are $8 USD EACH! I ended up with new hubs and had the NISMO lugs welded to them.

Get the correct offset. It may be a hassle now, but you'll be glad you did later. I like those wheels. Almost bought a set.

Tim

mackin tells me that it will be 60 to 90 days to get the wheels w/ proper offset in. need to be imported as they only bring in the 43 offset. thats the only reason i'n considering the wheelspacer, btw , h & r kit is the only ones i'd consider. they're trying to convince me that there is nothing wrong with the wheel spacers, thanx guys

Originally posted by hardkorre
they're trying to convince me that there is nothing wrong with the wheel spacers, thanx guys

I think the H&R spacers are fine. The problem as pointed out earlier is that you'll have to change out your studs. At $8 each that's $128! And don't even think about running your stock studs with these wheels. I used to run 3mm spacers up front (half the size of a 1/4 inch spacer you'll need)... I only had enough stud to screw the lug nut on about six complete turns.

Steve

from the General forum (http://www.sr20deforum.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24513)

According to my buddy who works for a rim/tire shop, you should have at least 6 complete turns by hand before the nut makes contact with the rim.

The best thing about the H&R spacers is that they are hub-centric. Generic spacers aren't - meaning the wheel studs are holding all of the load.

The offset thing is not just about strut rubbing and wheel well clearance. The other problem with spacers and running too much positive offset (lower number) is that you increase your scrub radius - the horizontal distance at the ground between the vertical centerline of your wheel and the line of your strut. This adds stress to your suspension components and has an adverse affect on handling (and you got the bigger wheels/tires for better handling right?).

Robin