I have a 02 WRX Sedan.

I want to get the lightest wheel in 17x8 or possibly even 17x8.5 form. I've read a lot about the SSR Competition (Type C) and those seem to be the lightest.

I was thinking of going with 225/45/17 tires, 235/40/17, or 245/40/17. Probably Bridgestone Potenza S-03.

1. Tire rack has them in 17x7.5, but can I use 17x8 or 17x8.5 with a 48 offset?

2. More specifically, will it rub the fenders front and rear (assuming I don't roll the fenders)?

3. Will it rub on the inside (stock strut suspension).

4. Will it clear the stock brakes?

5. Will it clear the Stoptech 328 mm front kit and rear kit?

I just went to the tirerack.com website and they sell 17x8.5 in 5x100 bolt pattern and +48 offset for a 04 STi.

6. I know the 05 Sti goes to a 5x114.3 bolt pattern, but if those wheels fit the 04 STi, shouldn't they fit all 02-04 WRX?

7. Or is the fender/suspension clearances different on the 04 STi that allow them to run those wheels?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

Whatever fits an 04 STI should work for your car unless you have a wagon. Anything wider than an 235 you might have to start thinking about rolling your fenders in the rear. Any 17" wheel should clear stock brakes, but not sure about stoptechs. I think if you are running 17x8 you want an offset of around +45. Volks and BBS are also very light but also very expensive.

 

SSR Comp 17x8.5 will clear Brembos, so you're okay on the 328 kit. 235/40 S03s would probably be best, but you could fit 245s too. Figure on mild fender rolling in the rear. You should be okay with the +48s and stock-size struts.

As far as weight, the lightest 17x8.5 Subaru fitment is the Volk CE28 I believe, They are 14 pounds. The SSRs are 15.5 I think, but for the $800 you save, it's probably worth it.

For what it's worth, I just put 17x8.5 CE28s with +52 offset on my RS, with 235/40 S03s. 37 pounds total, and would fit with no issues if I'd gotten +44 instead. I'm just going to space it a little bit instead.

 

1. With 235/40/17, would any rolling be needed?

2. Or is that only with 245/40/17?

3. And if rolling is needed with 245/40/17, is that the REAR ONLY? or both front and rear?

4. With your setup of 235/40/17 +52, where is the clearance problem? Strut side?

 

You should be able to run the 235s no problem. Maybe remove the fender lip liner in the rear. It's just a rubber strip. There's actually not a big difference in width between the 245 and 235 S03s, and that holds true for most high end summer tires. My clearance issue was on the strut side, but I had previously significantly rolled my rear fenders. I have no issues up front though, and that's on a 2001 RS. You should be fine front and rear.