need help with offset...

ok.. i searched on offset and there was nothing really definitive about what offset is... most of the threads i looked through had numbers to go with wheels sizes n tires, but i dunno... i was lookin at gettin team dynamics 17x7 Diablo wheels in anthracite gray... http://www.mmrusa.com/Diablo-sml.jpg now, there are different offsets with this wheel... +18,+37,+38,+45,+50 which one should i get? would this number change if i lowered my car 1.5 inches front and back? thanks

Offset is how far the lip of the wheel is from the hub. A lower offset number like +18 will be pushed out more from the center of the car than a +45.

So +18 will look like a low rider with the wheels sticking out, and +45 will bring the wheel more under the wheel wells.

If you are getting 17x7" and those are the only offset available - I would suggest +45 offset. For a 7" wide wheel you want to stick with 42-44mm offset. 40mm may or may not rub the fenderwells. 46 and higher you may hit the inside of the fenderwells with your tires.

thanks