I have a set of Beyern Mesh that I want to mount to my G8. The fronts are 18x8.5 40 offset which I planned on getting some 245/45R18 and the hub rings. The test fit went really well and it doesn't appear that there are any problems.

I have a bit of a problem on the rear. They are 18x9.5 45 offset. I also would like to run 275/40R18's. I ran a quick test fit and the wheel just touches the caliper. I went and bought a el cheapo 1/4" spacer just to see if that gave me enough room and it does by about an 1/8". I was thinking about going with an 8mm hubcenteric spacer (72.62mm) with a hub ring (67mm to 72.62mm).

I'm obviously not a wheel expert so I'm looking for help from someone that can offer. Any ideas? I was quite bummed about the 45 offset hitting the caliper because everything I have read says that it should work. I really like these rims too.

Thanks!

If you are interested here is what it looked like as a test fit. If they ever make it, the center caps will be replaced.

http://www.cdsmith.org/images/DSCN2083.jpg 56K Beware

Personally, I don't like spacers, for safety reasons. If I was in your position I would either grind down the caliper, or (more likely) get 19's.

Excellent. What a wonderful idea (potentially). I hadn't considered customizing the calipers. I will look into that. Thanks very much!

I wonder if it is because I'm in my late thirties, but I like the more tire look which is why I went with the 18's. I see 20+" wheels with what looks like a rubber band around them and I just don't like it. I remember the days when we ran 15" rims enormously tall tires. This is just my opinion.

Excellent. What a wonderful idea (potentially). I hadn't considered customizing the calipers. I will look into that. Thanks very much!

I wonder if it is because I'm in my late thirties, but I like the more tire look which is why I went with the 18's. I see 20+" wheels with what looks like a rubber band around them and I just don't like it. I remember the days when we ran 15" rims enormously tall tires. This is just my opinion.

They've come a ways with tire technology such that a shorter sidewall can actually perform quite well, if the rest of the suspension is taken into account. But I understand about the rubber band thing...it comes down to personal taste.

Regarding caliper modification, it is more common than you may think. Lots of F-body folks do it to fit smaller drag wheels, with no ill effects.