September 02, 2011

I have these rims in the 18x8 configuration on my 2010 HHR LS with a set of Ultra High performance 235/40ZR18 tires. The wider tire these rims allowed me to go with along with the shorter sidewall makes for a superb handling setup. The 235/40-18 tire is the same tire hiegth as the OEM 215/55-16 so your speedometer stays the same without having to do an ECM update for the tire size. The +42mm Offset on these rims also keeps the inner side of the rim in the OEM location and the outer lip still inside the fender well. The CENTER of the rim protrudes approximately 3/4" out from the rest of the rim but still sits even with the exterior body line, but just barely. The inner "lip" where the spokes meet the exterior of the rim is only 3/4" deep. These wheels really make the car look totally different. The small chrome 12 point "bolts" do a fairly good job of keeping the rim looking clean, and if you are looking at the side of the car perpendicular to it a Chrome Valve stem is easily lost in them. The top of the lug nuts are inset about an inch and a half and seem to be on the same plane as the 12 point "bolts". I went with the Chrome Tuner Spline lug nuts that were in stock to get the rims and tires on the car and had planned on ordering some black or black chrome lug nuts, but on installation of the rims you can barely see the lug nuts anyways so I am sticking with the chrome ones because what little you can see still makes for a good clean separation from the rim aesthetically. All in all I am extremely satisfied with these rims for my application. I only rated it an 8 on WHEEL DESIGN/FUNCTIONAL DESIGN because of how deep the lug nuts sit or how far the center of the rim sits out, which ever way you want to look at it. I only rated it a 7 on WHEEL QUALITY/MANUFACTURER CRAFTSMANSHIP because while having no defects in finish it is gravity cast and machined. I rated it an 8 on PERFORMANCE BENEFITS/LEVEL OF IMPROVEMENT IN PERFORMANCE because you can get better made rims.