Best offset for a 8.5" on a mk2?

[Shmee]

as the title states, looking for the best offset on a MK when running an 15x8.5.
doing some basic math a, 3et would put me pretty much at factory backspacing on a 6" 35et.
now would a 15et, which would take off about 12mm of space from the strut side work better?
i've got a set of Rado steelies i'm planning on getting widened but would like the best possible fit with minimal to no poke.

also, can i run a wider wheel in the rear or a different offset to get more dish while keeping the same stance as far as poke/tuck goes?

Thanks!

[Vancityvdubber]

your rear wheels are placed further inward than the front right from the factory. if you're putting 8.5's up front you're gonna poke, big time with an et of 3 or even 15. an 8 with an et of 20-25 would probably be best, then put an 8.5 or 9 in the rear with like an et 5-10.

[Shmee]

any other thoughts on this?

[hellgti]

i tested my 8" wheels.  et on them is 34 iirc.  So, they fit flush up front, and with 20mm spacer, flush out back.  stock flares.

[Vancityvdubber]

you could also drop a straight line from your fender and measure the backspace of your current wheels. add the 2 together to see how big you should go as well as et

[the bartender]

keep in mind that the rear wheels are offset to one side. so if you try to make them flush, one side will stick out more than the other (its usually like a 15mm difference)

[hellgti]

keep in mind that the rear wheels are offset to one side. so if you try to make them flush, one side will stick out more than the other (its usually like a 15mm difference)

rawr, tell me about it 

[Shmee]

interesting... so i'd need a spacer on one side to square up the fitment?
any reason for the offset?

so back to the original Question, what would be the best offset for a 8" front and 9" rear??

[hellgti]

interesting... so i'd need a spacer on one side to square up the fitment?
any reason for the offset?

assembly plant worker laziness.  who knows.  All VW are like that because of the rear beam settup.  Even my MKIV was, though not nearly as much as my MKII.

[the bartender]

so back to the original Question, what would be the best offset for a 8" front and 9" rear??

et 10 (you will need to do some fender work though)

[Shmee]

et10 on the 8s and 9s?
fender work isn't a problem... i have a roller, cutoff wheel, sawzall and a Tig, i can make just about anything work!

[hellgti]

this is gonna be awsome 

[SR-71]

keep in mind that the rear wheels are offset to one side. so if you try to make them flush, one side will stick out more than the other (its usually like a 15mm difference)

yes i noticed that too! i thought my car was crooked. why did they do that?

[digby scallop]

well my car isnt like that   

mind you the FRONT right wheel sticks in about 1" more than my left...maybe its been hit a couple times.