scoobsport98

iTrader: (5)

I currently am running 205/55/16's on stock wrx rims 16x6.5, and the inside of the rear tires are about 1/4 inch from the struts (it's a GF8 wagon, and its lowered).

My question is: Ya think I can safely run 17x7.5's (48mm offset) w/ 215/45/17 tires, or would I be running into rubbing issues? Does the offset of the wheel more than make up for the increase in wheel and tire width? Would a rear camber kit help (or be necessary) to adjust the camber so the tire doesn't touch the strut? (currently, I have no kit in the rear)- I can post the current alignment specs if someone would like to see them.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback on this one, as I have wanted to get new rims for a while, but this question always makes me hesitate.

Thanks, Andy

kravdra

I have a 99 OBS w/ 17x7 +48 superleggeras w/ 225/45s ContiSportContacts and theres no rubbing. As others often point out, the "width" of the tire (225 in this case) is less important than the physical width. In some cases 215 might be too big while in others 235 might fit, it all depends on the specific tire. As far as those rims, I'd think +50 would be preferable, but don't really know, maybe someone else can help? Tirerack has the physical widths under specs, so check there, or on the manufacturers website. I believe my tires are 8.9" wide, but I'm not positive, nor do I know what the max would be (this also depends on the rim, so its probably harder to find) Hopefully this helped. GL

MO REX

iTrader: (2)

I just looked up your tires and they are 8.9" wide and Im pretty sure that is one of the wider 225's. From what I've read here so3's are one of the widest tires and their 225's are 9" wide.

Scoobsport98, just incase you didnt know the higher the + offset the closer the tire will be to the strut. If the recommended offset for your car is from +48 - +52 like a WRX you might be best off going with +50 or +48. If you do run into rubbing issues camber can help but I dont know if it will be enough. I have a 02 WRX sedan that is lowerd 1.2" in the rear with 225/45/17 so3's on 17x7.5 rims with a +48 mm offset, my camber is at -1 and my tires rub when Im pushing very hard in corners. Im not positive but I think a WRX has more room in the fender than your car so you may have even more of a problem with a 48mm offset. How low did you drop your car?

scoobsport98

iTrader: (5)

My wagon is on STi RA springs (for a sedan). I didn't measure how much the drop was, but it was probably more than I thought because the suspension I replaced was sagging as well. The struts I got were KYB GR2's (the rears were wgaon-specific), however, the sedan spring setup might have left me with a slightly lower rear end (due to wagon weight issues). I'll check again today to see exactly how much room I currently have.

I guess what I'm trying to find out is: How much, if at all, would a 17x7.5 +48offset, 215/45/17 setup put me closer to the strut? (lower spring perch to be exact); or how much closer to the fender for that matter? Again, I am running stock wrx rims 16x6.5, with 205/55/16 re92s...

here's pics: https://www.i-club.com/forums/suspension-handling-brakes-195/lowered-obs-pics-56854/

...I'll try to find the rear alignment specs, too.

Thanks alot, Andy

MO REX

iTrader: (2)

Well your offset will push the wheel 7mm out and the tires are around 10mm wider but like Kravdra said the physical width depends on what brand and modle tire you go with. Do you have a specific tire you are wanting to buy?