New 20's on my AWD R/T

**desmo_dude** · 12-08-2005, 08:35 PM

Well, my AWD wheel ordeal is finally over, and I'm lovin' the way it turned out.

What didn't work :

1. 20x8.5 Foose Nitrous - MHTWheels accidentally sent me wheels with a (RWD) 15mm offset. We didn't realize this til we mounted it. Looked like a damn mini-truck with two inch spacers. Sent it back.
2. 20x8.5 Foose Nitrous, 42mm offset - spokes *just* rub the front caliper. Don't know if the rear would have fit since we didn't waste time beyond test-fitting the front. Sent it back.
3. 20x8.5 TSW Zandvoorts (machined silver), 40mm offset, with 265/45-20 (I really wanted those Pirelli Scorpion Zeros). The 40mm offset sits perfectly (almost flush with the protruding fender well), but the tire clearance was just under a finger's width from the front well with wheel cranked inward. Too close for my comfort. Sent just the tires back.

Finally, what did work:

TSW Zandvoorts, 20x8.5, 40mm offset, Nitto NT420S 255/45-20, and I can fit about two fingers between the tire and well at its closest point. I think I could have gotten away with a 50 series, but my 40mm offset would probably cut it close...?

**DawsonMagnum** · 12-08-2005, 09:57 PM

those are some NICE lookin' wheels!! Congrats!!!

**SoCal_Magnum** · 12-08-2005, 10:05 PM

I like them. They look like they were modeled after the factory RT wheels hehe

**MAGNUM8R** · 12-08-2005, 10:06 PM

Those do look nice, great choice in paint color also!!

**Token** · 12-08-2005, 10:24 PM

awdsome
those wheels look great

**bipto** · 12-09-2005, 01:05 AM

Those may be my favorite AWD-fittin' wheels I've seen yet!

**phil385** · 12-09-2005, 01:07 AM

Wow! Yea I really like those too. Awesome job

**AZCHARGER** · 12-09-2005, 03:06 PM

I like them!!!

Simple, and straight foward wheels!!!

**DriveATransam** · 12-09-2005, 06:36 PM

nice wheels! i would like to see the lugs though.

**Hardrock** · 12-09-2005, 06:47 PM

Really nice wheels there desmo.

Our choices for an AWD are getting a little better.

I actually like the RWD RT stockers, wish they'd fit.

**Batman** · 12-09-2005, 06:55 PM

Sweet!!!

**Hurst Equipped** · 12-09-2005, 07:25 PM

it looks like you have the perfect fit. not too big where it sticks out and not too small. perfect offset, perfect size tire.

**desmo_dude** · 12-09-2005, 07:52 PM

Thanks for all the compliments! New wheels/tires were definitely first on my list of upgrades. Now it looks the way it should have come from the factory.

There's also a chrome version of the Zandvoort, for anyone so inclined. And yes it's a 5x115, not 114.3.

So far the tires are handling great in the dry, much more road feedback than the stock Conti's, which felt like the car was riding on Pilates exercise balls. :smile: I've heard some bad things about the NT420S in the wet/snow by RWD'ers. We'll see how the AWD does.... Anyone? I'm considering getting some Scorpion Zeros mounted on the stock 18's for those rare occasions where Cal-Trans can't keep up with the snowfall in Tahoe, but I'm curious if anyone thinks it would be crazy to take the Nittos up in those conditions.