wheel offset and backspacing question

[derolph]

These two technical points about wheels are not clear to me. I guess wheel width is also a related factor. Here's a quote from Runtime Error (http://www.4wheelparts.com/tire-wheel-package-guide/wheel-offset-backspacing.aspx:)
Wheel Offset: Distance between wheel mounting surface where bolted to hub of drum and centerline of rim. Determines vehicles “track” or distance between tires on each axle. Keep the wheel offsets as close to original as possible to avoid steering difficulties or wheel bearing fatigue.I've been looking at wheels on tirerack.com and the offset seems to range from 35mm to 45mm on the wheels in my price range. Backspacing on that group of wheels ranges from 4.76" to 5.196". Wheel width varies from 5" to 6", i.e. 14x5 to 14x6 (actually, 3 widths - 5, 5.5 or 6). Anybody know what the offset is on OEM 14" steel wheels on 3rd gen Accord LX-i's, in other words, the original offset?

I think I can trust that TireRack.com has selected wheels that are appropriate for my car, so maybe I should not be concerned about offset and backspacing.

[2ndTimeHondaOwner]

I like to use Wheel-size.com :: Reference guide for car wheel and tire dimensions such as size, offset, PCD (http://www.wheel-size.com/) its a good way to lookup wheel offset for different cars. It shows that a 88 Honda Accord is (USDM) ET40 and (JDM) ET45. Might find out where your car was build so you will know if you need the 40 or 45 ones. I think either one should work, maybe depending on the amount of drop if any one may be better then the other. Then again I'm new to this myself, could be totally wrong.

[derolph]

Thanks for posting that link. My car was made in the US. The wheel I'm leaning toward purchasing is 14x6, 42mm offset, and 5.16" backspacing. I think it should work well on the car.

[2ndTimeHondaOwner]

Just found this and thought i'ed add it Custom Wheels 101 (http://www.carid.com/articles/custom-wheels-101-course.html#179) hope it helps.

[derolph]

Just found this and thought i'ed add it Custom Wheels 101 (http://www.carid.com/articles/custom-wheels-101-course.html#179) hope it helps.That link is a very good article on this topic. In addition to offset and back spacing, it explains diameter, width, center bore, and bolt pattern. Thanks for posting it.