ALFAXTC@domain.elided

[C2slayman@domain.elided]

Alan,     
       You didn't mention wheel diameter.  If they are 14" rims, they should 
work because the 4-108mm et37mm matches the stock factory alloy wheels.  
However, two things to keep in mind.  
       First, what is the center bore of the wheel?  This is the spindle 
piece of the front and rear hub.  The center bore of the rear axle is 70mm.  
I forget what it is for the front.  It's different, so a single hubcentric 
design doesn't work (That right!  The factory wheels are not hubcentric!)  No 
big deal.  You can always have a machine shop ream out the center bore to 
clear both front and rear spindles.
       Secondly, there are casting and profile differences between wheel 
companies.  So it is possible that one vendor with a 14" wheel will clear and 
another will not.  Actually what is more important than offset is wheel 
diameter.  Check the caliper clearance with your stock wheels.  See how tight 
it is.  Measure the inner diameter of the stock wheel and the new wheels you 
are thinking of.  Will the new wheels have more or less caliber clearance?  
Of course, if you go from 14" wheels to 15" wheels, you should have no 
problems.
       Wheel offset is more important for clearing suspension part (control 
and steering arms) and fender parts.  Too much offset and the inner part of 
the wheel is likely to contact suspension arms, steering knuckles and inner 
fender.  Too little offset and the tires will rub the outer fender.
       As Russ has pointed out, he uses longer studs.  The stock studs are 
not very long and won't allow spacers on the stock alloy wheels.  Put your 
new wheels on and see how many turns you can get on the wheel nuts.  You need 
roughly 7-9 full turns (as I recall, that about what it is on the factory 
wheels.  Check it yourself, though.)  If your new wheels have a hub section 
as thick as the factory alloys, then you won't be able to use a spacer 
without lengthening the studs.  H&R sells a special spacer that bolts to the 
hub.  The spacer has its own studs that the wheel then bolts to.  Only 
problem is that they come only in a 25mm thickness and they are expensive 
(~$150/pair!)
       Why do you want to use spacers if you have the correct offset?

Hope this helps,
Charlie


In a message dated 04/12/2002 2:27:39 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
owner-alfa-digest@domain.elided writes:


> Date: Fri, 12 Apr 2002 17:15:56 -0400
> From: ALFAXTC@domain.elided
> Subject: Spider wheel offset (once again) Russ could you help???
> 
> I found wheels for my 87 spider they are 4x108 and have a 37mm offset.  
> Does anyone know if they'll fit the spider?  Can they clear the caliper and 
> can I use a spacer without changing the studs?
> 
> Thanks
> Alan
> 88 Milano 3.0
> 87 Spider

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