THE Wheel & Tire Thread

[Bob_n_Cincy]

R888's are what I'm thinking of, that size in front. On a 17" front rim, R888's would require dropping to 205's, or possibly rubbing with a 215-225/45-17. I see you have th 02-05 brakes. My donut is 16" and Tirerack shows 16" ('-1') wheel fitment for the 06 WRX, so I'm hoping there's no clearance issues with the 4-pots, just want to hear from someone that's tried it.

The brakes and wheels in that picture are off an 06 NA wagon 277mm front rotors.
My second donor is an 04 FXT with larger front rotors 294mm but still only 16" wheels.
06 wrx has 294 mm rotors
06 sti has 326mm rotors.

I think you can conclude the 294mm rotors will fit in 16" wheels because of my FXT.
Bob

[wleehendrick]

Thanks for the info... 16" should fit in front, but now the issue is wheel choice. I can't find anything that's available in a 16x7.5(+/-0.5) and 17x9.0(+/-0.5) with a 5x100 pattern. I may just go with 17x7 & 18x8.75 XXR's, with 215s in front, like GRM did.

[Xusia]

...I'm thinking a 255/40-17 in the rear which would provide a nice staggered set-up. The 30mm width difference seems to be recommended for balance, and aesthetically, I think the same sidewall height with a 1" larger rear wheel will look best.

Thoughts?

I don't know for sure, but I wonder if the additional sidewall height (vs. a 215/40-17) would negate the additional 10mm of width.

...I may just go with 17x7 & 18x8.75 XXR's, with 215s in front, like GRM did.

I have the XXR 530's in those sizes, and I put Federal 595 RS-R tires on them: 215/40-17 in front, and 255/35-18 in back. They fit very well. And since the sidewall height is nearly identical (89mm & 91mm, respectively), It's hard to even notice the size difference. It's a really good looking and well fitting combination.

[wleehendrick]

I don't know for sure, but I wonder if the additional sidewall height (vs. a 215/40-17) would negate the additional 10mm of width.

Any of the 225/45-16 tires I'd want (R888 for example) have stiff enough sidewalls, I don't think it's an issue.

I have the XXR 530's in those sizes, and I put Federal 595 RS-R tires on them: 215/40-17 in front, and 255/35-18 in back. They fit very well. And since the sidewall height is nearly identical (89mm & 91mm, respectively), It's hard to even notice the size difference. It's a really good looking and well fitting combination.

I've been thinking about that exact combo (chromium black rims) for a while, so if I end up with it, I hope you don't think I'm copying you!

Thanks for the info,

Lee

[Xusia]

Hahaha! Not at all. I hope my experience is helpful.

[JeromeS13]

Here's my setup:

17x8 +45 (using 10mm spacers, making the effective offset +35)
235/40/17 Federal 595 RS-R

18x9.5 +45 (using 13 mm spacers, making the effective offset +32)
265/35/18 Federal 595 RS-R

VCP Trailing Arms

4.5" ride height

"Free caster mod" on the front. This is basically adding 10mm aluminum spacers between the front lower control arm aft mount and the arm itself.

I only have minimal tire rub from the front end, on the aft section of the inboard aluminum.










Not my picture, but this clarifies the "free caster mod":

JD-FCM01.jpg

[metalmaker12]

You have a honda fit also, lol

Jdm engine, honda fit, 818 small world, looking good, did you get a price on a new front bumper, I am wondering what they cost, cause at some point I am going to trash mine as well. I get my tags weds, I would have had them Friday, but I had to get the title person to issue it and they were not back till weds.

[JeromeS13]

You have a honda fit also, lol

Jdm engine, honda fit, 818 small world, looking good, did you get a price on a new front bumper, I am wondering what they cost, cause at some point I am going to trash mine as well. I get my tags weds, I would have had them Friday, but I had to get the title person to issue it and they were not back till weds.

Not yet, I haven't even sent an email yet. I'll probably send one tomorrow. It's toward the bottom of the list right now. I'm trying to tidy up and finish a lot of other things.

[07FIREBLADE]

Do you need to do this caster mod to essential run a +35? Or it's ideal because of adjustability?

[JeromeS13]

Do you need to do this caster mod to essential run a +35? Or it's ideal because of adjustability?

It allows you to run a slightly wider tire up front.

[C.Plavan]

It allows you to run a slightly wider tire up front.

Jerome- You are giving me hope on running a 235/40 R17 Toyo RR race tire. Do you think by adding more camber (2.5+), and using the R height that will help the inside rubbing or hurt?

[JeromeS13]

Oops. I forgot to mention, I'm running 2.5' negative camber up front and 2.0' in the rear.

[C.Plavan]

I ordered up the "Pirate" Tires- Toyo RR's- 235/40 R17 and 255/40 R17, wish me luck.

[FFRSpec72]

I ordered up the "Pirate" Tires- Toyo RR's- 235/40 R17 and 255/40 R17, wish me luck.

Bad boy, I can see re treads coming your way from old RA-1s

[Kalstar]

Since I have 100% decided my 818 will be black. I have been getting ready to order wheels. All three of these wheels are 3 piece and are from a company name Niche. This go around there will be no budget, but I do not want to make a costly mistake.

Opinions on which wheel will look best??

[Wayne Presley]

I like 1&3 best. Can you get different colors rims on #3?

[C.Plavan]

I have a roller!




Front 235/40 R17 Toyo RR (17x8 +38 with 3mm spacer for now)
Rear 255/40 R17 Toyo RR (17x9 +40 with 5mm spacer- Clears regular WRX trailing arm fine- but car still need alignment)

[Kalstar]

I like 1&3 best. Can you get different colors rims on #3?

Yes, I can get any color I want.

[metalmaker12]

Yes, I can get any color I want.

You bold man, that looks killer man

[Xusia]

I'm with Wayne. I like #1 & #3. I have a slight preference for #3.

[Wayne Presley]

Yes, I can get any color I want.

then #3 for sure!

[TahoeTim]

be different - go with #3, add small bronze accents/stripes and do a BROWN interior. I am waiting for someone to do a brown interior.

[Scargo]

Although I'm looking at racing and will do something much like C.Plavan's wheels (which I like a lot), I like #2, the Niche Geneva H520. What about red or lime green rims? I wonder how much they weigh? The car begs for light wheels and tires.

Now that I know 235's work in the front, one of the first things I will do is see how my 18x10.5" Enkei RPF-01's (38ET) with BFG 275/35's (off the STi) will fit the rear.

[GUNS]

Anyone see any issues running a front setup of 17 x 8 + 35 offset w/ 225/45 & a rear of 18 x 9.5 +40 offset w/ 255/35's?

[Wayne Presley]

Anyone see any issues running a front setup of 17 x 8 + 35 offset w/ 225/45 & a rear of 18 x 9.5 +40 offset w/ 255/35's?

Yes, fronts are going to be too large in diameter

[GUNS]

Yes, fronts are going to be too large in diameter

So I would probably need to go with a 215/45 up front with that offset?

[wleehendrick]

So I would probably need to go with a 215/45 up front with that offset?

It's the diameter that's the issue; others have posted rubbing issues with stock Subie diameter (25") tires. 215 vs 225 tread width does't really address the issue, you need a thinner sidewall. I'll be going with 215/40-17 (around 24" OD). Same size as the GRM car:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/pro...ot-wheels-818/

[thall818]

I have been doing a lot of web searches trying to skin this cat. I set a challenge for myself, and think I finally solved it. Here's what I wanted:

1) Widest tires possible without rubbing.

2) Fill the wheel well. Don't stick out.

3) Be able to use Federal 595 tires.

4) Bolt on. No spacers or adapters. I'm sorry, I think these burn money that can be used elsewhere more effectively.

Here's the only set I've found so far. PLEASE, correct me if I'm wrong!

Drag DR-31 wheels Front: 17x8 35mm offset 215/40-17 tires. Rear 18x9 38mm offset 255/35-18 or 245/35-18 tires. I prefer the 255, but the 245s would give me an extra .2" of clearance on the inside if I need it.

The only thing I don't like about these wheels is that they are a little heavy. 21# & 24# respectively. About $600 delivered but lots of money saved on spacers.

Thoughts?

[C.Plavan]

I have been doing a lot of web searches trying to skin this cat. I set a challenge for myself, and think I finally solved it. Here's what I wanted:

1) Widest tires possible without rubbing.

2) Fill the wheel well. Don't stick out.

3) Be able to use Federal 595 tires.

4) Bolt on. No spacers or adapters. I'm sorry, I think these burn money that can be used elsewhere more effectively.

Here's the only set I've found so far. PLEASE, correct me if I'm wrong!

Drag DR-31 wheels Front: 17x8 35mm offset 215/40-17 tires. Rear 18x9 38mm offset 255/35-18 or 245/35-18 tires. I prefer the 255, but the 245s would give me an extra .2" of clearance on the inside if I need it.

The only thing I don't like about these wheels is that they are a little heavy. 21# & 24# respectively. About $600 delivered but lots of money saved on spacers.

Thoughts?

I do not know where you are buying your spacers, but they are cheap.... And cheap insurance to getting a wheel to fit right, or fit at all for that matter.

[Scargo]

Personal preference perhaps, but I do everything I can do to avoid using spacers. If you race you probably want ARP (or equivalent) longer studs with spacers. That adds weight and cost. Spacers add weight and cost. Both are unsprung weight.
Spacers add one more thing to possibly add eccentricity and mess with balance. I've had racers tell me to avoid using them. I know they are somewhat common, but on race cars? Also, cheap = more potential for poor quality.
Has everyone seen the lightweight wheel list? There may be others or this may be a version of a better one. I have an extensive spreadsheet at home, but it is not available to me right now.

[C.Plavan]

All I'm saying a 5mm or 3mm spacer is nothing on a 1800 pound car. I challenge anyone to see if they notice the additional few ounces of unsprung weight. Also note the hub/bearing capacity is more than twice that of the 818 weight. The minimal load of a 5mm spacer in negligible.

I would rather error on the side of needing a spacer and being able to use the wheel, than not to need a spacer and the wheel does not fit and you cant use it at all.

Also keep in mind that tire measurements are not exact either... So there is not a perfect world until you test fit the tire and wheel combo.

Spacers=cheap insurance.

[thall818]

On the high end, ISC sells their wheel spacers for $150/pr. On the low end, I can get thin ones for $5 ea. After buying longer ARP studs, it can be done for as little as $75.00. I'm not trying to knock anyone for a $75 purchase. All I'm saying is that if I can solve the puzzle and save $75, it's worth it to me. Not to mention that I love a challenge.

I think just finding a wheel that is offered in both 17x8 and 18x9 is hard enough.

Don't forget, I'm also the cheap guy that is starting off with the low cost Federal tires and making sure I buy a rims that can use them.

[Jaime]

I can't see spacers adding weight, since low offset wheel simply have less metal removed. Some wheels will have deeper dishes if they are designed around that offset, but not usually.

I look at spacer cost the other way around. Spacers free me up to have five times as many wheels to choose from. The odds of finding a bargain that makes up for the $75 is pretty high. Also, with the 818 being new, it's safer to get too much offset and space to fit since you can buy the wheels, measure, then order the right spacers. If you have a no-spacer plan, the wheels better fit. The worst case scenario is that your low-offset wheels need to move in.

[C.Plavan]

I can't see spacers adding weight, since low offset wheel simply have less metal removed. Some wheels will have deeper dishes if they are designed around that offset, but not usually.

I look at spacer cost the other way around. Spacers free me up to have five times as many wheels to choose from. The odds of finding a bargain that makes up for the $75 is pretty high. Also, with the 818 being new, it's safer to get too much offset and space to fit since you can buy the wheels, measure, then order the right spacers. If you have a no-spacer plan, the wheels better fit. The worst case scenario is that your low-offset wheels need to move in.

That is another great way to look at it.

[ssssly]

The issue with spacers and racing is balance. Particularly on a hub centric setup.

If the spacers aren't machined perfect, your wheels will be out of balance.

How noticeable that will be, depends on how far from perfect the spacers are.

Unbalanced wheels at high RPM induce handling instability and put undue wear on bearings.

Again depending on how well or poorly they are machined. And as thin as the spacers being discussed are, how evenly they are torqued (unless they are made out of a harder metal than the wheel).

But in all likelihood, unless they are way off, decent spacers will likely be pretty negligible for this application.

[DMC7492]

Hi guys I noticed Advi.1 has quite a few wheels in the sizes we need and 35 mm offset.
Has anybody heard anything good or bad about these?
http://www.wheelplususa.com/wheels/Adv1/

[Hindsight]

Forged wheels. Not sure about the reputation but for $1600 a corner, you could go with a set of Ray's which have a legendary reputation. http://www.rayswheels.co.jp/

[Scargo]

What he^ said! That's a lot of dough. They appear to be two-piece. They would need to be light AND strong for that money.

[bompus]

Alright guys. I'm looking at getting the following wheels and wanted opinions if there would be any fitment issues:

Front - XXR 522 17x8.0 Flat Black 5-100/5-114.3 [+48mm] - Part # 52278102 ( 24.5 lb )
Rear - XXR 522 18x8.5 Flat Black 5-100/5-114.3 [+48mm] - Part # 52288102 ( 21.6 lb )

I'd wrap them with Federal 595 RS-R 215/40/17 front and 255/35/18 rear.

My question is.. is the +48mm offset alright or would I need to get 3mm - 8mm spacers for some reason? I can get all 4 shipped for $502 so it would be great if these will work out.

[Hindsight]

You will prob need spacers but they are cheap. You want a 35 to 40 offset roughly.