Negative Offset?

[finazzoty]

Curious…it seems I rarely see anyone who runs anything with much (if any) negative offset. What is the technical reason behind this? Or is this simply an aesthetics preference shared by most folks here?

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Your talking wheel offset correct?
For rear wheels it's not a big deal to have negative offset. On the front there are several not so good characteristics for using negative offset wheels. They can adversely affect scrub radius, turning caster/camber change, and Ackermann. Sticking with wheel offset that remains close to the original wheel offset is recommended.

 

[finazzoty]

So what would be considered original for us? Trying to find a good starting point for wheels and tires

 

[Desert Sasqwatch]

Start here, it has the information needed for the stock GM Cobalt wheels:
Factory Chevrolet Cobalt Wheels- OEM Used Rims at OriginalWheels.com

 

[Joebob]

If you stay less than 6.00" (or 5.75") backspacing, you can avoid the contact with the A-arms. Like Desert said, your scrub radius will be radically different than designed if you go negative.

Joe