Is 48 Offset Right for 225/45/R17 Tires on an '04 WRX?

[LaszloT]

This is the '04 STi OEM tire size, so I suspect they should fit in the WRX wheel wells.

[celestspeed3]

I don't have an STI but I'm pretty sure you will be fine. Stock Subaru offsets look like they run anywhere from +55 to +50 I wouldn't worry about it.

[JoeT]

It depends on the width of the wheel. Stock WRX Wheels are 6.5" wide with 52 offset, if you go 7" wide, then you'll need 50 or 48 offset, if you go 8" wide / 45 offset, 9" wide/ 42 offset.

See how that works?

[LaszloT]

Wheel is 17 x 7" Mr. JoeT, with a 48 Offset, so it looks like it's going to work. I was going to put Direzza ZIIs on them.

[STeveD]

I wouldn't order until you get a quote from Andrew at JRP on some other options.

My somewhat economical preference is: http://www.enkei.com/size_chart/RPF1.pdf

Joe's an XXR fan I think.

[JoeT]

Nah, I'm not a fan of XXR's, I'm a fan of not crying if I bend the wheel, plus not many manufacturers make a 17X9 in 5X100. For 400 bucks delivered to CBI for all 4 wheels, it's cheap. For daily driver and occasional competition, 400 bucks is the price of one Enkei.. LOL

[LaszloT]

I like the Enkei brand, and I like their EKM3 design too, so I'll ask Andrew at JRP about these items (shown below) when I'm at the Open House.

Do the gunmetal or silver color look better on this auto?

[LaszloT]

See how that works?

And yes, I see how that works. The offset centers the wider tire within the wheel well to optimize clearance.

[STeveD]

Silver. I don't like dark wheels, so I'd say no to a gun metal. I was okay with my set because the lip was polished. Brightened it up a lot.

[TrevorH]

Meanwhile, I say yes to gunmetal since it hides brake dust between cleanings.

[JoeT]

Meanwhile, I say yes to gunmetal since it hides brake dust between cleanings.

Yeah.. Whatever Trevor says.. LOL

[STeveD]

Might as well buy a beige Corolla or Silver Camry so it never has to be washed.

[LaszloT]

My job is to get them dirty. I don't spend much time washing them. Ha ha.

[mardin]

+1 to RPF1, my dream set are 17"s once I get through all this 18" rubber. Can't beat a ~17lb rim :becky:

[LaszloT]

Two seasons is what I got from my '09 STi summer performance radials with the occasional track involvement, so you're likely due for tires soon.

[SajBT36]

No no no no no.

Has to be flat black. With red lug nuts. Yo.

Personally, I'd go a bit wider with the wheel if you're going to the trouble of buying new ones anyway.

[JoeT]

Barry,

If you're going to go with "red" lugnuts, I'd go with the "Ken Block" green wheels.

Yes, I agree with you, it's all about GIRTH. 8" wide or 8.5" wide rims for 225 size tires. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes in handling and tracking.

[LaszloT]

Personally, I'd go a bit wider with the wheel if you're going to the trouble of buying new ones anyway.

Wider like 235/40/R17 on an Enkei 7.5 or 8 in rim? Does such an animal exist in this EKM3 wheel?

[celestspeed3]

Nah, I'm not a fan of XXR's, I'm a fan of not crying if I bend the wheel, plus not many manufacturers make a 17X9 in 5X100. For 400 bucks delivered to CBI for all 4 wheels, it's cheap. For daily driver and occasional competition, 400 bucks is the price of one Enkei.. LOL

Speaking of bent wheels, is there anywhere locally that straightens bend wheels?

[JoeT]

Laszlo,

When we say Width, we mean Width of Wheel. Putting 235 on 7.5 SUCKS too much sidewall flex. Putting 235 on 9 inch wide wheels is amazing in terms of feel and grip.

So, if you're going to buy Rims, buy the widest rim available in what you're looking for.

Paul,

Precision Rim Repair on Rivalda Road does a good job.

[STeveD]

Wider like 235/40/R17 on an Enkei 7.5 or 8 in rim? Does such an animal exist in this EKM3 wheel?

No, EKM3's are narrow, unfortunately. They also don't use the MAT technology that is used with the Racing series. http://www.enkei.com/size_chart/EKM3.pdf

7.5" was the OE BBS size in 2004. 8" in 2005. I agree that 8" is what you should look for.

[STeveD]

Speaking of bent wheels, is there anywhere locally that straightens bend wheels?

I also had good results with Precision Rim Repair.

[LaszloT]

Thanks for your suggestions guys, but I really am on a tight budget. I want to be able to participate, not keep up with STeveD's tricked-out barely streetable blue '04 STi. Ha ha.

I suspect the bigger the tire and wheel the more expensive they are. I can source these Enkei's with Direzza ZIIs for $1675 plus tax, and I like their look and style. Bigger Direzza ZIIs will cost more to replace, as would wider wheels to source.

[JoeT]

Thanks for your suggestions guys, but I really am on a tight budget. I want to be able to participate, not keep up with STeveD's tricked-out barely streetable blue '04 STi. Ha ha.

I suspect the bigger the tire and wheel the more expensive they are. I can source these Enkei's with Direzza ZIIs for $1675 plus tax, and I like their look and style. Bigger Direzza ZIIs will cost more to replace, as would wider wheels to source.

Now you know why I use XXR 522's, they cost me 400 bucks TOTAL for all 4 and they are 9" wide. Yaaaa mon!!

[STeveD]

I just don't want you see you spend money on 7" wide wheels to put 225 17's on them.

If economy and functionality is on your mind, then 16" is the way you should go. But choose your tire width based on the fenders and then maximize your wheel to what the tire will accept. Best handling for the minimal $.

[JoeT]

Rota Slipstream comes in 16X8" wide rims, and you can run 245-40-16's on them for your car, economical and grippy.

[STeveD]

225-50/16 on a 16x8, even cheaper. Lots of selection. You can get sets of four decent tires for under or around $400.

You might be able to find the Slipstreams used, too.

Edit: If you want to use Tirerack, a few 16 x 7.5" on Clearance options, with Hankook Ventus V12, Continental Extreme Contact DW... you are under $1000 tires and wheels. Wheeldude might be able to do the same for you. Heck, even a set of Rivals in that size are $572.

[LaszloT]

Using Tirerack only to find the right item. I like the mesh wheel style and I don't want it to end up looking like something on steroids. I have to live with it day to day as well.

[MikeV]

I might of been the exception to the rule, but 245-45-16 RA1 on 16X8 +48 Rota Slipstreams rubbed on my 2005 WRX when I had Koni shocks and stock springs.

225-50-16 RA1 and R1Rs have worked with stock and after market springs.

Get a price on some 17X8 Enkei from JRP. I was pleasantly surprised when I bought my PF01 from them for my summer street tires.

[LaszloT]

This is what the moderator for the wrxtuners.com forum said about the issue:

"There are no clearance issues with it if you keep the offset high enough. 17x8" +48 with 235/40R17 has a nice gearing advantage, a full 30mm more tire than stock, and fits beautifully on the 02-07 sedan. But your rear fenders are ever so slightly different than the JDM stock, which does cost you a mm or two of clearance in the back but it's not going to matter.

If your car is totally "slammed", way lowered in the rear, you can introduce clearance problems. Certainly not going to be an issue on a stock suspension and +48 worth of offset or more. I run 255/40R17 at +48 offset on my STi which has your exact rear fenders. That size doesn't quite clear the rear fender lip, but 235 is a full 10mm further away you'll be fine."

[Daniel]

245/40/17 - Get the offset and alignment right and it will fit without rubbing (Peter Wong runs this set-up on his wagon, which has less fender room than the sedan).

255/40/17 - Will fit with some fender rolling but it's a slightly taller tire - which affects gearing. You already have tall gearing, so in my opinion this is not a benefit.

235/40/17 - Easy fit but it's a short tire (as mentioned above). i.e. you'll be running slightly higher revs, noticeable at highway speeds.

If I were you, I'd be looking at 17x9 (to save you having to buy new rims down the road when you change your mind... ;) ) and I'd be running 245/40/17. No question.

[SajBT36]

You don't want me to point out to you that the wheels on my girly Miata are wider than the ones on your manly WRX dude ;)

[LaszloT]

You don't want me to point out to you that the wheels on my girly Miata are wider than the ones on your manly WRX dude ;)

Ha ha, Barry. You're forgetting that's "..because it's RACE CAR". My WRX is a daily driver, not simply a track weapon.

[JoeT]

You should do what we've all been telling you to do, track weapon or otherwise, if you're going to spend the money, spend once wisely. Daniel had a WRX that was dual purpose too.

Just my .02 cents.

[LaszloT]

If I were you, I'd be looking at 17x9 (to save you having to buy new rims down the road when you change your mind... ;) ) and I'd be running 245/40/17. No question.

I like this advice, and just need to find a 17x8.5 wheel I like.

[LaszloT]

What do you think about these 17x8 Sparco Drift wheels?
They are inexpensive, and I could run 245/40/R17 tires on them.

[JoeT]

Do some research at: www.wheeldude.com there are lots of 17x9's there too.

[AndrewR]

I have a set of 17X9 Rotas in Gold in my basement - New.

[JoeT]

Andrew, which model?

[Cavemanrjc]

Your all beeing silly, AREO!!! They makes a great steel wheel, cost ya 50 - 75 Buck each, with a 1,2,3,4 ofset and up to 10" wide.
If u bend it bang it back straight. So they weigh 45lbs and u can't ballance them. They come in gloss black with red trim and look great with hoosurs ;-)

Laz, the widest rim with the widest matched tire that fits is the way to go. Rim make and style is personal preference.

Just remember different tire manufacturers measure tires differently , a Toyo to a Hancock with same numbers are totally different. Sitting next to each other. So make sure you read the tire specs for total demensions.

[Navigator]

Lazlo, For the price of those Sparco wheels (made by OZ) I would get them. Going against the grain but if you are only competing for fun and not very often max tire width will just cost you fuel economy. I am going back to 225's from 265's.

[AndrewR]

They are Rota Grids in Gold - Perfect for a WRB car. IIRC, I'll dust them off this weekend Complete with center caps - All New!

[JoeT]

Hey Andrew, are these the ones:

http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq235/datmofobobby/22.jpg

[AndrewR]

Looks like it!

[LaszloT]

Decided to go with Sparco Tarmac 17x8" wheels and 225/45/R17 Direzza ZII tires.
They will arrive mounted and balanced within the week.

After that, on my way to Can-Alignment for another performance alignment. Looking forward to it!

[Navigator]

Congrats!

[LaszloT]

My baby's got a new set of shoes; Dunlop Direzza ZII high performance sport radial "shoes", and they feel great!

[mardin]

Looking sharp! :thumb: Now that you'll be slinging lots of dirt during your spirited drives, mudflaps next on the list?

[LaszloT]

Good idea, Martin.

And I did think about them, but my Rally Armor flaps fit your car instead. : ( Interested in used Rally Armor flaps, roof racks or NEW premium windshield wipers at a great deal?

Will have to look into flaps sometime soon.

[LaszloT]

Is there any issue if my Rex seems to sit slighly higher at the front than the rear?
Am I really that much of a lightweight? Ha ha.

And I really need big white "Toyo Tires" decals on the front and rear windows. I wonder where those can be found..?

[SajBT36]

I know my '09 looked like that as well.

[Navigator]

Looks right to me. BTW, Nice wheels.

[MikeV]

The front arch is cut higher than the rear. So that looks about right. Time for some springs and shocks...