Getting wheels soon, do I need to remain staggered?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 620
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From: north jersey
99 c43,90 mustang gt supercharged convertible,07 acura tl type s, Hummer H3t pickup
No, 18x9 all the way around would be fine.Most like to stagger for the look.Make sure your offsets are correct 
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
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From: Canada
eclectic assortment of cars
In my opinion, factory stagger is done as part of their suspension philosophy, setup and balance. I know that plenty of the hardcore S2000 track guys go to non-stagger for more front end grip. Or if you order a Lotus Elise with their more focused track pack, you will get more rubber up front than without that track pack. So stagger vs. non-stagger is more than just look IMO.
For myself, I'm keen to stick with an OE like balance, so I've stayed with factory tire sizes on my S2000 and my C55 and C43. Or for the Benzes, close to factory anyway. Non stagger on the street - I don't think you'll see much performance difference if you drive mildly. It's rubber dependent too, of course - put more meat and stickier rubber up front and when you push, for certain you will get more front end grip. Non stagger will also allow you to rotate the tires all the way around, so you'd get more life out of them. But as previously mentioned, be careful of offsets - going to a 9" wide wheel up front is 1.5" wider than stock, so you have to be certain the offset will work so you don't interfere with the fenders - a situation which will be more pronounced if the car is lowered. You can get around that a bit if you run a lot of negative camber, but then that will help to eat your tires at a more substantial rate. Trade offs, trade offs...
For myself, I'm keen to stick with an OE like balance, so I've stayed with factory tire sizes on my S2000 and my C55 and C43. Or for the Benzes, close to factory anyway. Non stagger on the street - I don't think you'll see much performance difference if you drive mildly. It's rubber dependent too, of course - put more meat and stickier rubber up front and when you push, for certain you will get more front end grip. Non stagger will also allow you to rotate the tires all the way around, so you'd get more life out of them. But as previously mentioned, be careful of offsets - going to a 9" wide wheel up front is 1.5" wider than stock, so you have to be certain the offset will work so you don't interfere with the fenders - a situation which will be more pronounced if the car is lowered. You can get around that a bit if you run a lot of negative camber, but then that will help to eat your tires at a more substantial rate. Trade offs, trade offs...
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
9" up front will require the proper offset, I am running 8.5" in the front with a stock offset and I am millimeters from rubbing the fender.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 435
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From: Mizzou
1998 C43 AMG
If I don't end up square, I'll be going 8.5" and 9.5".
