went mad and bought 17 x 7.5 (now worried)

[Elanlover]

Does the wheel you received look exactly like the one in the picture you first posted? If so, I would have thought those would be a good fit. In that picture, seems the spokes don't curve backwards into the rim but look to join with the rim on a stright "line" if you can visualize what I mean.

I've been concerned about wheels with high or +60 offsets based on their pictures. They seem to achieve this offset by maintaining the same "joining point" where the spoke meets the wheel but then add more "curve" to the spokes to make for more offset. Something like that would likely cause contact with the caliper no matter how low or high an offset you had as the spoke would start so far back into the wheel that it would hit the caliper.

[MattDon]

the picture is of the wheels i got, (these actual ones) the problem is there is a flat surface in the center of the wheel, obviously where it meets the hub, unfortunately this flat area cuntinues out a little way before it curves back out away from the car, and its this part that catches on the caliper, i havnt measured it yet, but the curve is abig and it looks like if the calipers was slightly higher it would fit. i'll try to get some pics to show the problem.

[Elanlover]

I think I understand. You're saying that the wheel is rubbing on the side of the caliper near the BOTTOM (closest to the hub), not at the top (closest to the rubber tire) of the caliper...............correct? Is it possible to machine a bit off?

[MattDon]

yes i think it would be possible, i mentioned the idea to my local lotus garage who strongly advised against it for safty reasons, and also due to messing around with the wheel balancing.

had one place recomend spacers and another say dont go near them, very confused and a little stressed out by the whole situation.

[Elanlover]

You might want to try to contact the manufacturer and see what they say about how much you can machine off. Would luv to see some pics when you get a chance. Will serve as good education for those (like me) who are considering a wheel change too.

[MattDon]

ive got to say i see why more people havnt, even if you do get all the other measurments right it looks like the biggest issue is the clearance for the calipers.

i'll update tomorrow, if a can

[Elanlover]

ive got to say i see why more people havnt, even if you do get all the other measurments right it looks like the biggest issue is the clearance for the calipers.

So it would seem. Although, I think the people who are most concerned about a wheel change and their calipers are those who upgraded to Hi-specs or Wilwoods. But, I think the fear there is in the wheels hitting the front (forward facing) or top of the caliper body, not where you are having problems since the upgrades usually come with larger rotors (which might eliminate your problem).

[MattDon]

links to pictures at the bottom of the page.

http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=11292