Depends on the width of the wheel. The car came with a 6.5" wide wheel with offset 55. However, aftermarket wheels with increased widths move outwards a bit - usually between 48 and 52mm for 7 and 7.5" widths.

 

Dexter.....I have a 04 WRX and was wanting at least a 1 inch lip on the rear. What offset will i need to achieve this? I was planing on getting Volk G-Games, or Volk, Gramlights both with polished lips...thanks

 

I just bought an ’04 WRX last week and wanted to upgrade the wheel & tire package, and was hoping I could get some recommendations/suggestions from you guys. The dealership I got my car from (Subaru of Santa Cruz) has the Prodrive P1s by O.Z. selling for $1,950 w/ a set of Kumho performance tires (balancing & installation included). The size of the rims are 17”x7”, but I am looking for wheels that are 17”x7.5”.

What are the advantages of 7.5” vs. 7”, and vice versa? Would there be a noticeable difference in appearance? Someone mentioned to me that w/ 7.5” wheels I might experience some rubbing, but doesn’t the STi have 17”x7.5” wheels? The price is also a little steep, so I wanted to know what other less expensive wheels are comparable w/ the Prodrive P1s. I am also considering Rota Tarmacs from www.subarustore.com. I know after market wheels will look better, but how do they compare to the stock rims performance-wise? Are the weights almost the same?

Any input would greatly be appreciated. Thank you.

-James B.

 

Fidrcr,

The offset doesn't necessarily determine the lip size - it's determined by the geometry of the spokes. For example, my SSR Competition has a 50mm offset and about a 1" lip but there are wheels with the same offset have more lip and some with no lip. Look at the wheel pictures of wheels to see which have a lip and I can tell you the measurement of lip width.

 

Army - sorry I missed your question. Yes, 48-52 is fine. 15" whees generally don't fit on the WRX, but it depends on the geometry of the wheel. If you have the wheels laying around you could do a test fit.

barriostkd - the real life differences between 7 and 7.5" wheels is minimal. You could argue that a 215 width tire fits better on a 7" wheel and a 225 width tire fits better on a 7.5" wheel but the truth is they both work great on either. The difference between the two is neglegible in most situations, so I'd go with the one you like the looks of best. Both also work great on the WRX wagon and sedan with the correct offset - between 48 and 52mm.

 

Thanks for the input Dexter! Will there be any rubbing w/ the 17”x7.5”? Also, someone at the Subaru dealership was telling me that Prodrive P1s are much better quality-wise. But the price quote of $1,950 w/ tires is a bit steep for me right now. Especially if the Rotas can be had for $550 plus tires. So I figured about $1,000 if I go w/ the Rotas. I could do a lot w/ the extra $950 difference. I was told that w/ the Rotas “I get what I pay for.”

I’m not going to do any racing, but will do some spirited driving. How are the Rota wheels quality-wise? Do any of you know the weights of these two wheels, where they are made and what kind of metal is used? Thanks in advance for any input.

-James B.

 

Barrio,

A 17x7.5 with offset 48 with 225 width tire can occasionally touch to rubber fender liner on the rear of the wagon. This can be remedied by removing the liner - which is about a 5 minute job and has no real side effects. On some wagons it doesn't rub at all, but you must know that it will be very close with a 48mm offset and 225 width tires. The 215 width tires, or a 7" wheel, or a higher offset will help avoid this small concern.

I'm not familiar with the quality of the Rotas, but that has been a frequent subject of discussion on this board. I believe Rota has addressed concerns in a professional manor and the issues have been resolved and/or remedied to the customers' satisfaction.

Be sure to check out the wheels we have for the wagon to see our constantly changing list; which I can guarantee the highest quality on.

 

Dexter, are the same issues on rubbing also present with the sedan. I got the WRX sedan so I'm not sure if there is risk of rubbing if I go w/ the 7.5" width. Would you recommend other wheels that are in the same price range as the Rotas?

Thanks!

James B.

 

Oops - they work fine on the sedan.