I'm planning on getting some new wheels in the future for my '06 WRX Sedan, namely the Motegi Touge Black w/Mach Lip (18"x7.5"). Mostly personal preference for the color and style (if you have any personal input about Motegi or this particular wheel, feel free to comment, I'd love to get some feedback on them).

Tire Rack lists the Motegi at a recommended tire size of 225/40/18, which is fine with me. But it also lists a 45mm wheel offset. I've read on the forums that a few people have suggested that I should stay above 48+.

So is a 45mm too low for an '06 WRX? Should I find something similar in style but above a 48?

Side note: I thought about getting Cobb springs for a lowered suspension. Cobb's site lists the drop of about 2" for the front and 1.5" for the back. Would this have any affect if I go with the wheel size mentioned above? How low can I safely drop the suspension without damaging the wheels with this set up? Or without rolling?

Thanks for all your help!

 

I have an 02 WRX sedan and I'll be getting the rota tarmac III's soon. They are 18x8 with 235/40/18 Toyo proxes 4. I'm buying it from subydude.com and the owner said you will have no problems with rubbing or having to fender roll it. If you have the wagon..then you will have to fender roll it if you're going with the 18x8. I don't have any experiences with Motegi wheels..sorry, good luck with your decisions...peace.

 

+45 will be fine... my friend runs 18x8.5 in +45 with 235's and has no problems

 

North Ursalia: (Nasioc)

Please people, do not just quote random specs- offset is directly related to rim width- you can certainly use a +55 6.5" wide rim on most late model Subarus, but you cannot use a +55 8" wide rim! Offset Nirvana is within a few millimeters of:

Width .... Offset

6.5" ....... +53 to +55
7.0" ....... +50 to +53
7.5" ....... +47 to +50
8.0" ....... +43 to +47

Anything within sighting distance of these ranges is happiness for your wheel bearings. I reserve the right to be corrected on the ranges, but they are about 95% accurate .

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=335263

 

If you drop the car and run a +45mm offset with 225s I would think you might rub a bit in tight right turns if you're pushing the car hard. My 02 rubs with a +48mm offset (7.5) and it isn't dropped much on Koni's and Ground controls (rear 250# springs if I remember correctly) running 225 so3's without rolled fenders.

If you plan on just a bit of spirited driving you should be OK (not 100% sure though).

BTW, my car is an 02, not sure if there is a difference in space in the rear fenders.