Intra-make wheel correlation

[drexel1]

I have a 97 Continental with the stock 16 inch wheels. I was thinking of upgrading to a set of take-off wheels from a new lincoln LS. The wheels have the same bolt pattern (5 x 108), so could I just make a simple switch?

I really don't understand the concept of "offset," but I think my wheels have a +40. Does that mean I can slap anything on there that has a +40 offset and a 5 x 108 bolt pattern? I was also looking online for 18 inch wheels as well, but don't want to buy something that isn't going to fit. Please let me know what my options are here, realistically.

Thanks All.

[Cy@tirerack]

In addition to bolt pattern and offset, you need to look at center bore, brake clearance and load carrying capacity.

Offset essentially means how far "out" or "in" a wheel is relative to the wheel wheel.

For example Honda's tend to have high offset so if you look at many Honda's from behind the wheel will be closer to the hub versus something like a classic American muscle car like a 75 Chevy Camaro.

For your situation I need a little more information.

What year LS are the wheels coming from? Does the car have a sport package? What trim level is it?

[drexel1]

I was thinking about a 2001 LS V8 with the Sport package. The wheels are the 17 inch 5 or 6 spoke polished silver ones. I think they look pretty sharp, and the "vented dinner plate" wheels that came on my connie are starting to get on my nerves.

[Cy@tirerack]

The LS has a very offset versus your Continental so unfortunately this won't work. You would have rubbing on the inside and brake clearance problems.

[drexel1]

OK, fair enough, so the LS thing won't work. But I am having a problem knowing exactly what my options are. I mean, there is NO site on the net that tells me what all the dimensions of my stock wheels are, so I am basically limited to what options commercial tires sites offer me. Maybe this information lies somewhere within the infinite wisdom of tirerack.com, but I definitely didn't see it.

Maybe it's just that all the grandparents that have my car don't really want to modify it...

[Cy@tirerack]

Here are the specs on your original wheel:

Bolt Circle... 5-108 Center Bore.. 63.8 Offset........ 35 Width = 7"

Given the details involved getting a proper fit, our site is designed to take the above specs into account and pre-select the wheels which will fit. If a wheels shows up in the Upgrade Garage it will definitely fit.

[drexel1]

Thanks a ton, Cy, you REALLY know your stuff.