ordering wheels

So if I want to get a set of wheels in a 16x8 , I just ask for a 16x8 chevy 5x4.75 bolt pattern and not tell them what it's going on? do I need to ask for any type of offset? this is stock size on the 2001RS

You need to specify the offset, or the backspace. For an 8" wide wheel, the stock offset is 55mm. That means if you ordered a set of wheels, 16x8" 55mm offset, they would sit in the wheel wells EXACTLY where the stock wheels sit. If you want the wheels to move closer to the outside of the fenders, and not sunk so deep in the wheel wells, you could go as low as a 30mm offset (moves the wheels about 1" toward the outside of the fender).

My question would be.... why are you looking for a 16x8" wheel? It isn't going to look a whole lot different than stock. Many people opt for the more popular 17x9.5" wheels, with an offset in the range of 45-56mm. Put a 275/40-17 tire on that, and you will see a significant increase in cornering traction, and the car will look a lot more aggressive.