Is anyone running RWD wheels on their FWD vehicle? I see a lot of people talking about putting torque thrust, crager and other wheels on the HHR that are designed for RWD. Is this a good idea? I just got an HHR which is the first FWD vehicle I have ever had. I do not see a lot of differences in the two wheels other than offset. Any inputs appreciated.

 

I got nothin, Sorry

 

I put Pontiac solstice wheels on my LT they are rear wheel drive. The difference is the back spacing. With mine I had 235/40/18 tires so I had to add spacers behind the rims to clear the front struts. HHR rims are 42 and the solstice are 52 so adding the spacer only brought the spacing back to around 45. So no problem with bearing wear and the look of the whell in the fender was the same. hope this helps

 

Don't!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Most FWD wheels have a positive offset while only a few RWD vehicles have a positive offset. The majority will NOT work.

Positive off set wheels have centers that are set near the outside of the wheel while most standard off set wheels like Torque Thrust then to have a standard off set near the center of the wheel.

In the last 10 years more and more RWD cars are using a positive odd set Like the Solstice, T Bird and Camaro. But often the offset is still not right and needs spaced or more often the bolt pattern is not the same.

I sell torque thrust, crager wheels and while a few of them are a somewhat positive offset the are usally a RWD [Camaro/Challanger/Mustang] bolt pattern and would not bolt up. Also their offsets still would leave them sticking out of the wheel wells and looking odd while tearing up the paint and hub bearings.

The HHR needs a Positive Offset that is compatible with most FWD cars. The Solstice and Sky work since GM borrowed the brakes and hubs from the Delta and Epsilon FWD platforms and made them work on a Kappa platform. Note the Solstice and Sky wheels would not fit most other RWD applications are are a rare fit.

The other issue with Positive off set wheels are the problem aome of them not looking that good once you get the right offset on the traditional wheels. They often look odd and do not sit in enought to look right.

Some companies have made similar wheels and got them to fit and look ok but they may not be a regular Crager SS. So look around you may find a wheel that you like that is made for the FWD postive offset by another company with looks that are close. They also may be $$$$. There is a set of old school Halibrand style wheels for the HHR that did come out nice. It was a odd company but I have seen them posted here and they look very good and traditional styles. They were around $250-$300 each and a company that made them that imported them from japan. They love this style in Japan.

Also you might be able go with a Tourque Thrust II or I have seen some Boyds wheels with the right bolt pattern and offset that look good. I think there is a thread near this one some found the right combo and posted pictures

Note too that Crager and American Racing do not offer much in different offset vs some companies. The more expensive the wheel the more offsets usally are offered. Yes a $250 dollar or less wheel is on the cheap end any more I am sad to say. I can remember Crager SS when they were $70 and we could not believe how expensive they were.

Generally you will find that often the wheels with the correct bolt pattern are going to be a Positive offset wheel for the HHR and it is hard to make a mistake. but always make sure the offset if more to the outside as there is always a off offset that pops up sometimes.

One last thing always test fit the wheel before installing the tire. This may let you send them back if they don't work. Most places you mount them you own them. ust bolt the wheel up with out the tire and check you clearances.

 

Thanks Hyperv6 for the very informative information. This gives me some things to consider. Thanks again.

 

You mean like these "Halibrand copies" salt flats wheels? MoonEyes imports these Speed Masters from Japan in the correct pattern and offset in our 17x7 size just for the HHR. When I get some money ahead, Elvis will be wearing a set. The only decision I have to make is do I want "mag grey" or chrome. I am thinking the grey looks cooler. God Bless, Marc

 

Thank you! These are one of the few traditional RWD style wheels that make the transfer top FWD with with out getting to funky.

I really like these for the old school look.

 

I'm sure these would look awesome in polished black, leaving only a machined lip in silver.

If they're not too expensive, i might get a set for my winter tires.

 

Yes, hyperV6, I think those do look good. Take a look, even the Vette guys are copying "our" wheels now......


Romeo-rocks, I am not sure about painted black. I think you'd lose the look of the kidney shaped cutouts. Just a thought.

God Bless, Marc

 

Here are a couple of links for the salt flats wheels. I think that American Racing also can make them in our size, and that is the bottom link below. God Bless, Marc

http://www.mooneyes.co.jp/smw/index-e.html

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...a%3DG%26um%3D1

http://www.newstalgiawheel.com/wheel...ubcat3=1011106