[alfa] Re: Duetto Wheel Offset

["Robert S. Wilkinson" <wilk@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Stefano wrote:  Offsets for 14x6 wheels on Alfas of this era are about 
22mm. 14x5.5 old steel wheels usually come with an offset of 38mm.

And 5.5 inch alloy Turbinas (on my car for the last 30 years) also have 38 
mm offset.  Stock (not to mention aftermarket) Alfa wheels seem to have a 
variety of offsets.  Presumably, for the wheel to pivot about the steering 
axis rather than move in a circle, only one offset is optimum.  Similarly, 
bearings are designed with a particular offset in mind.  Neither of these 
factors depends on the width of the wheel, as I see it--only the 
offset.  I've always been curious about this, but especially now because 
I've just replaced my Turbinas with 6 inch, ~22 mm offset Borranis.  Moving 
the wheels outboard to fill the fender well looks good, and the track is 
increased--the only practical way to reduce body roll.  But is it truly 
without a price?  Which offset is precisely correct for Duettos and their 
Series II-IV descendents, and (assuming the wheels fit without 
interference) how much deviation is one allowed without serious 
consequences to bearings and handling?  Thanks!

Bob Wilkinson
72 Spider
Saint Louis 
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