I've been considering rims as a first mod, since many on the board have mentioned the greatly improved handling. Maybe I'm just tired or my brain isn't working correctly right now, but I realized that I'm in the dark about offset. Could you please tell me about it? Thank you all so much!

 

Check http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/offset.htm . They have a really good area that discusses offset along with many other basic things about wheel fitments.

 

Ooh! Excellent link! Thank you so much

 

No Problem.

 

As far as I know, Subaru offsets are:

7" wheel=53mm
7.5"=48mm
8.0"=42-43mm, but will probably still have some rubbing, depending on diameter. Tirerack told me by email that I shouldn't even try to run 215/50R16 tires, or I would probably have rub.

 

I personally would not go with anything wider than a 7.5 inch wheel and with an offset and lower than 48mm. This is just being safe.

 

Same here. I'm sticking with my stock wheels and getting either BFG g-Force KDW's or Michelin Pilot Sports in 205/50 depending on just how much I am willing to spend when the time comes. If I were going to get wheels, I really dig the 911 Turbo-ripoff Mille Miglia Cup 3S sports, with 215/45 g-Force KDs. That'ss about a $1900 setup though, and I don't thnk they'd be $1400 faster than the Pilot sports.

 

I ran 215/40-16 kumhos 712's on my stock RS wheels. The sidewall was straight and not bulging. Im sure I could have put 225's on with rolling of the fenders.

-scu

 

Very useful information as well, my post whoring brother I'll have to remember this when I go rim shopping sometime. Thanks!

 

I could handle that setup for track days, but I don't want to spend the extra money for the spare set of wheels and tires. Also, stock tire diameter is 24.878 inches, but the 215/40 is only 22.772... that's a HUGE difference in gas mileage, speedo calibration, and most importantly, odometer! When you reduce the diameter of your tires, it causes your odometer to turn faster. Since almost all of intend to keep our cars for a long time, it could easily be worth 10,000 miles added to your cars true mileage over its lifetime.

But yeah, for track setups, who cares?

 

Yeah, there is actually a lot to consider when buying tires and wheels.

 

wow! i completely overlooked the fact that you could have a smaller offset for wider rims...my dad thinks you can only use 53mm....

 

Not to mention more room for brakes..BIG brakes