Im SUPER new to changing the look of my G37S but would like to go to a 20" wheel. Found some Niche 20x8.5 and it stated "high offset"
total girl-what does that mean???


thanks!!!
B

 

Welcome! Post a pic of your G

Here is the technical explanation of the offset (or backspacing):
The offset of a wheel is the distance from the hub mounting surface to the center line of the wheel. The wheel offset is measured in millimeters and results in a positive, negative, or zero offset. Positive offset is when the hub mounting surface is toward the front or wheel side of the wheel. It is common to find a positive offset in newer and front wheel drive vehicles. Negative offset is when the hub mounting surface is toward the back or brake side of the wheels centerline. A negative offset wheel usually has a "deep lip" Zero offset The hub mounting surface is even with the centerline of the wheel.

Also, you may want to go to the Tech section and check out THIS THREAD and others on wheel info.
THIS ONE is also a good thread to see offsets in action and the difference on each car. Remember coupes are a bit different than sedans as to how and what fits. So look based on which one you have

 

Thank you R2dmax!!

 

In short, every day terms: high offset (something like +40) means the wheel will be more "sunk in" while low offset (around +20 and below) will be closer to the fender or poking out past the fender.

Visual of high offset:



Low offset:

 

Thank you SOOOOO Much for the visual!! I prefer a flushed or sunken in look! I don't want the Low Offset...

 

Look at the 20" wheel thread in Media Share. Lots to see and I think many have the offsets

 

Welcome to the site Bianca, one thing to keep in mind is if you go w/ 20" wheels but plan to keep your same height, the fender gap will "appear" to get larger. It actually doesn't but it looks that way. 19s are typically a better choice if you don't plan to lower your G.
The Niche website lists exact offsets rather than a generic high or low, so that's much more useful. For a stock G on an 8.5" wheel an offset about +35 is good.
Just click on the wheel(s) you like and click on the "wheel specs" box and it will list all the specifics.
http://www.nicheroadwheels.com/sport-series-c-1772.htm

If you have more wheel questions feel free to post up in the wheel folder~
Wheels & Tires - MyG37
Have fun w/ your wheel shopping,
Brad

 

thank you blnewt!!! I truly appreciate all the info!! Mine is currently on 19s but I was also considering springs later
I will definitely check out the wheels & tires folder. Still learning to navigate the forum

 

If the description was generic like "high offset", I'm guessing you were looking at a used set on craigslist or offerup.. or letgo.. or ebay, maybe?
Unless you are able to "try before you buy" or they give you the exact specs for the wheels, I'd be careful with these kind of purchases.
Check classifieds on this boards as there are some gorgeous sets of wheels for sale and most of them are 20s.

 

Kiseliok it was a discounted warehouse..that had some discontinued Niche wheels.. But now you have me thinking!!! I will definitely take your advice. I'm not going to rush into a purchase so I will look! thank YOU!!

 

If you're going 8.5" square with Niche you'll probably want a +25 offest. IIRC they commonly do 8.5 +25 or +35. I def recommend the +25

 

there's a nice set of 19" Volks for sale in the market place