ok, so im looking at new wheels what offset would be equivelant to a stock wheel? also, if i was to look at something with, say, a +38 offset, is that gonna stick out from under the car a little as the number goes up?

Offset is always measured from the centerlines of the rims. You didn't indicate stock on what so you are better off measuring your existing rims (offset measured from back of rim to mounting surface - rim width / 2 )

So, if the width of the new rims is the same as the old, then the same offset would put the tires on the same centerlines as the old ones. If you go with wider rims and keep the same offset, then the tires will be set (New rim width - Old Rim Width)/2 further out of the fenderwells.

Personal opinion is to not go overboard on width and keep the new tire centerlines the same as the old ones (so all the steering and suspension geometry remains the same)

yeah, its an 02 SSEi with the 17x7.5'*. guess i should have specified, but thanks for the info.