[MEXSTIMPREZA]

I was thinking 275. Am I pushing it? (I remember Turningconcepts and Th3 Clap stating that the stock wheels on the 08 had almost an inch of clearence to the inside -struts- and you can clearly see at least a half inch of clearence to the outside). So with that logic, I think that with the right offset, we can fit 18x10 (I just don´t want to be the first to be sure we can´t).

[caveguru]

Originally Posted by MEXSTIMPREZA

I was thinking 275. Am I pushing it? (I remember Turningconcepts and Th3 Clap stating that the stock wheels on the 08 had almost an inch of clearence to the inside -struts- and you can clearly see at least a half inch of clearence to the outside). So with that logic, I think that with the right offset, we can fit 18x10 (I just don´t want to be the first to be sure we can´t).

Many of us are already running 275's on 9.5 rims, so nothing new there. The challenge now is 295+ with full suspension travel.

The factory offset is +55, and there is certainly room inboard of the factory rims. In fact, my +45 9.5 rims effectively stick in 2.7mm past where the factory rims do, and I'm running coilovers with the factory camber bolts maxed inboard in the front, and still no issues. In other words, a 10" +45mm rim would stick inboard another ~6.5mm and should fit by using front camber plates with no other issues. I would want to double-check rear inboard clearance at the trailing link due to the toe-in on compression that TiC reported.

On the outside, at +45mm and 275 width, the tires clear fully rolled rear fenders by at least 5mm, or at least 10mm if you are still using the factory camber. Given that I've observed at least 1/2" of inboard tire clearance (not necessarily rim clearance) on my car, that would allow 295's to fit on 10" +45mm rims. The problem with the "aggressive" offset rims (+35 or less) is that it just pushes the tires out onto the fenders. Of course you could always take steps similar to what others have done on the older cars when they put 305+ tires on their cars (severe cambers, removing front fender liners, 500+ lb/in springs, cut fenders, and so on).

Getting back to the 275's on the Advan's in +35 (+25's or +15's would be a waste). Clearly, you won't have any issues on the inboard side. You'll be very close to the front fender liners on the outboard side of the tires when turning, but I think you'll clear. You'll be very close on the rear fenders, depending on the amount of negative camber you run and how hard you roll/pull the fenders. It is quite easy to get an extra 1/4" or more out of the '08 rear fenders by pulling them when you roll them. So by running factory rear camber or by pulling the fenders when you roll them, you should be able to get the rears to clear as well.

Frank

[MEXSTIMPREZA]

Thanks Frank.
I talked to the guys at HRE and they recommend more a 19x9.5+46 to 48 on 265/30 19, I prefer 35´s (they can even powder coat it gold for me) plus a 1" drop. There is a member here (World One) who is running those numbers with a +43 and it fits flush. I am just waiting to see the weight on those wheels to decide (they are awesome).

[caveguru]

Originally Posted by MEXSTIMPREZA

Thanks Frank.
I talked to the guys at HRE and they recommend more a 19x9.5+46 to 48 on 265/30 19, I prefer 35´s (they can even powder coat it gold for me) plus a 1" drop. There is a member here (World One) who is running those numbers with a +43 and it fits flush. I am just waiting to see the weight on those wheels to decide (they are awesome).

yeah, what HRE is proposing should have no clearance issues- 265 just isn't that wide on these cars. Also, I do think that the GR chassis looks better with visually bigger wheels. 17's look wimpy. I'm not sure why, but I think it has to do with the taller hood, curved roof and fender flares.

I just rechecked my rears and there is tons of room on that trailing link. I also have about 10mm to the fender and that's with the WL rear camber bushings set at -1.4 deg and the car lowered ~0.75".

The appearance of flush seems to depend on more than the offset. For example, the deeply curved spokes of the advans look great even when they aren't as flush as other rims. If you can, get a 3/4 profile picture of the rims before you order them so you can see how they will look. Lastly, I don't think the GR chassis does a good job at looking flush compared to some other cars because the body tucks in at the bottom of the car (old picture- factory suspension):


btw, which HRE's were you thinking of?

Frank

[MEXSTIMPREZA]

Wow! I did not realized this before, your fitment is the exact one I had written down for 18´s, the only thing is that I can not find that size in the Advans (or any gold high quality wheels) -I love this forum-
The HRE that I like are the P40 and the P43 (lening more towards the P40´s). Imagine them in Gold...
M

[DrJ]

I'm looking for some help and ideas...I have the factory BBS 18" gold wheels, and I want to get an extra set of wheels fitted with all season tires...I'm considering these wheels...

J-FORCE05 JIC WHEEL 18X8.5 45 offset

...which seem pretty popular here for 2008 STIs...is that the size I want for all season tires...or should I get 17" wheels...and what's the tire size that would go with either the 17" or 18" wheels???

Last thing is that I want to get some quiet tires that can handle a little rain...I don't need snow tires...any suggestions on quiet tires to go with the above wheels?

Thanks

[DrJ]

Originally Posted by DrJ

I'm looking for some help and ideas...I have the factory BBS 18" gold wheels, and I want to get an extra set of wheels fitted with all season tires...I'm considering these wheels...

J-FORCE05 JIC WHEEL 18X8.5 45 offset

...which seem pretty popular here for 2008 STIs...is that the size I want for all season tires...or should I get 17" wheels...and what's the tire size that would go with either the 17" or 18" wheels???

Last thing is that I want to get some quiet tires that can handle a little rain...I don't need snow tires...any suggestions on quiet tires to go with the above wheels?

Thanks

bum-page for a little help....

[martind]

Originally Posted by DrJ

bum-page for a little help....

18x9.5 +45 in that wheel with a 265 or 275 tire

[Smiley]

I'm leaning towards 17" wheels for my winter package. A local tuning shop here in Calgary has recommended the following tires for my consideration: Pirelli Sottozero, Goodyear Ultra Grip GW3, Bridgestone Blizzak LM-25. Does anyone have experience with the above and any comments regarding performance in snow, on ice, and on dry pavement, on noise, and durability?

Thanks

[caveguru]

If you folks are serious about snow, do not go much wider. For rain, its ok.

If you're never going to get larger brakes, like the stoptech 355mm kit, 17's are fine. Just make sure they clear brembos. 17's have the added advantages of cheaper tires, lower rim weight for better acceleration, and taller tire sidewalls for more winter comfort. Any handling tradeoff in the dry should be very minor, unless you're driving too hard for being on winter tires in the first place . Get something with fat spokes so they don't look wimpy.

Frank

[Marcus]

I've came across a set of Enkei GTC01 in 18x9.5 +38, can I run a 265 or 275 tire without rubbing?

[LaW]

Originally Posted by Marcus

I've came across a set of Enkei GTC01 in 18x9.5 +38, can I run a 265 or 275 tire without rubbing?

Not a chance... 18x9.5 +38 will rub even with stock tire size...

9.5 needs to be at least +45 but more like +48 with the tire size you want.

[caveguru]

If you roll the rear fenders, you'll be fine.

Rim width has little to do with whether a given tire/wheel combo will clear the rear fenders. Its mostly down to tire width and rim offset. In other words, it could be said that a 275 tire will rub when mounted on *any* +38mm rim, regardless of whether the rim is 9" wide or 10.5". So increase that offset if you want 275's to fit, and you'll probably still have to roll your rear fenders a bit.

Frank

[GhoSStRyda]

Make: Volk
Model: RE30
Size: 18x9 +50 5x114.3
Tire: Stock Dunlop
Notes: No fitment issues.

[nitram]

for winters i have purchased some konig feather 17x7.5 with 235/45/17 (would've liked 225/50/17 but couldn't find it with the blizzak WS-50 locally).. offset is +45 and front required 5mm spacer to clear the 08 STi calipers.. aside from that it fits really well..