What size wheels are optimal for WRX?

Discussion in 'General Subaru Discussion' started by 1BADBURB, Nov 2, 2008.

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  1. 1BADBURB
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    1BADBURB Well-Known Member

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    Looking to buy some wheels for summer use on my newly acquired 02' WRX. I've seen a lot of 17x8 size wheels for this car on craigslist. But i also see some 18x7 wheels. What is the preference of people here on the boards?

    Any gains to going with 17 instead of 18s? I would ideally like to go with 18 since they fill out the well and look like they fit, but the right quality may be given up compared to the 17.

    thoughts would be appreciated!
    Aj
     
    1BADBURB, Nov 2, 2008
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  2. Dream
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    Dream Well-Known Member

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    Dream, Nov 2, 2008
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  3. nm+
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    nm+ Professional Hypocrite

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    Smallest diameter that clears the brakes and can fit good tires. Lighter (weight lost on the wheel is the best weight to lose), cheaper, less likely to be damaged.
     
    nm+, Nov 2, 2008
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  4. ShortytheFirefighter
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    ShortytheFirefighter Pokemans. I has none. Staff Member

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    Either 16's or 17's. The extra weight incurred by 18s will negate any benefit you might see otherwise. If you're sticking with 16's, 225/50-16 is a good choice, if you go with 17's you could either try 215/45-17 or 225/45-17. I ran the 215s on my wagon as they were a little bit lighter and gave me a small gearing advantage over the stock wheelsize.

    What are your plans for the car? Track days? Rallycross? Daily driving? Those can play a part as well.
     
    ShortytheFirefighter, Nov 2, 2008
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  5. 1BADBURB
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    1BADBURB Well-Known Member

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    my plans for the car. just drive it daily! no rally, no autox, no messing around.

    there are those wedsport 17x8 wheels with 215 tires on this forum by member "Cubby". thinkin about those...

    thank you all for the info... will keep on lookin!
    Aj
     
    1BADBURB, Nov 2, 2008
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  6. bikerboy
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    bikerboy Subie GOD Staff Member

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    bikerboy, Nov 2, 2008
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  7. 02blubru
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    02blubru Well-Known Member

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    I ran 225/45-17 on the car. they worked great, and there was no rubbing.
     
    02blubru, Nov 2, 2008
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  8. readymix
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    readymix ...Lest ye be trod upon... Staff Member

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    On an 8" wide wheel I think you'd want more than 215's, those would be stretched.
     
    readymix, Nov 2, 2008
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  9. 1BADBURB
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    1BADBURB Well-Known Member

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    thanks but, looking for darker wheels... not a fan of silverish wheels.

    cool, good to know, i'll be lookin for them.
    Aj
     
    1BADBURB, Nov 2, 2008
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  10. gran0393
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    gran0393 Well-Known Member

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    thats what i'm running and i love it

     
    gran0393, Nov 2, 2008
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  11. TjDunklee
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    TjDunklee Well-Known Member

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    TjDunklee, Nov 2, 2008
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  12. Shibbs
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    Shibbs The Daywalker

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    I'm also running 225/45/17. Its slightly larger than stock, but barely. I've got them squeezed on a 7" wide rim, and they are very square in the shoulder. Very aggressive looking, IMO.

    [​IMG]

    Ideally, if you roll the rear fenders and want the most filled out tire possible, go with a 245/40/17 on an 8" wide rim. 235/40/17 also works very well with the whole rolling diameter as well.

    I personally say 225 is a great choice for a DD tho, because tires are insanely available and they are much more competitively priced in the more common size of 225.
     
    Shibbs, Nov 3, 2008
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  13. Boss STi
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    Boss STi Moderator

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    thirded - this is a good size. if you're just going for looks, you might like the way the 18" looks better but larger sizes = much more pricey wheels and tires so that's a long-term consideration, especially if you are going to run a separate set of summers and winters. average difference in rims from 17" to 18" is usually $100-$200 up to $400 on the high end (BBS) and tires is about $100 difference per set as well.

    if i had my pick, i'd go with http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/WheelCloseUpServlet?target=runWheelSearch&initialPartNumber=CRS7849FA&wheelMake=SSR&wheelModel=Type+C+RS&wheelFinish=Anthracite+Painted&showRear=no&autoMake=Subaru&autoModel=Impreza+WRX+Sedan&autoYear=2002&autoModClar=&filterSize=All&filterFinish=All&filterSpecial=false&filterBrand=All&filterNew=All&sort=Brand $359 on closeout for the 18x8's.... meow!!! :naughty: still a little rich for my blood but sexytime nonetheless.

    FYI, i believe these are all of the recommended tire sizes for 17" and 18" for this car:

    215/50-17
    225/45-17
    235/45-17
    245/40-17

    225/40-18
    235/40-18
    245/35-18
     
    Boss STi, Nov 5, 2008
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