Hey guys. I just had a quick question. I want to eventually get a BBK like brembos for my 11 WRX, but I will most likely be buying new wheels and tires first. What size wheels are necessary to fit brembos? Can I get 17"? Or does it need to be 18"? Or is it the numbers after that matter like 17x7.5 and 17x8?

 

Wheel sizing is basically irrelevant. It's wheel design that matters.

Are you getting the rear brakes too?

 

I would like to have front and rear for symmetrical purposes, but if its a hassle then it might be something I'm willing to over look. So what dimensions are necessary?

 

My friend is running rpf1 under her Stop-Tech set up. 17x8 I believe.

 

Reread my post.

 

It really depends on the face of the wheel. For example a concave face has less clearance then a flat face wheel. First narrow down what size/offset wheel you want to run based on the tire you plan on using. Then research on rather or not they clear brembos in that size. Your kinda limited on the 17's with the wrx bolt pattern. I was just looking for 17x9's recently and there wasnt alot of options there that cleared brembos. What wheels have you been looking at or thinking about?

 

Well, I was interested in the oz alleggerita or rpf1.

 

^^ got some Tarmac 3 Rota in the classified. I can match them up with some 225/45/18 for your wrx. Brembo have no problem living under those wheels.

But like everyone states, it the design of the wheel and what BBK you are planning on using.

 

Hi, the interwebs support your descision.

Brake Supersticky: brake upgrade FAQ, tech in, Brembo info, and other upgrades: - NASIOC

 

17's fit over brembos

however, oem 2011+ 17s will need a 3mm spacer on the front

 

I recommend the ST-40 Stoptech BBK. Stoptech has better fitment. Brembo seems to need more spacers.

 

You guys have been very helpful. Thanks for all the info! I was hoping I would be able to stick with 17s because they are cheaper lol.

 

I'd like to start off by mentioning that I actually did the brembo swap on my '13 WRX. However, I have 18" wheels that are +44 offset that do clear them just fine but I do have 15mm spacers.

A 17" wheel diameter will clear the diameter of the brakes but it's the high offset of the WRX wheels (I think it's either +44 or +48) which requires you need to run a minimum 3mm spacer for clearance.



The stock WRX wheels will clear the stoptechs but BARELY. I've seen a picture where you can't even stick a penny in between the caliper and the wheel spokes.

On a side note, if you choose to go with the STi brembos you should do front and back as they are proportioned to work with each other and by only going with the fronts will cause a more front bias braking setup which could be potentially problematic. The Stoptechs BBK is fronts only and will work fine as far a bias is concerned with the stock rears.

Hit me up if you have any questions and I'll try to answer them if possible.

 

I would recommend printing out the test templates that are available from the brake vendors such as Stoptech. They have it available online and you can print to make sure your prospective wheels will clear and have less headaches trying to find the perfect fitment.

 

Is that why stock STI wheels a +53? Or why +38 Rota Grids need a small spacer to clear Brembos while +40 NT03+Ms need a large 10mm spacer?