Angelus897

iTrader: (1)

Hey, I was wondering if Rota MSR Cast 16x7 +35mm would fit an 04 WRX with proper spacers. If so, which ones do I need?

MO REX

iTrader: (2)

The offset is way too low and a spacer will only make it worse. I'd stay away from those.

Zoeb2s

iTrader: (38)

The offset is not too low...keep in mind its a 7" wide wheel.

A 7" wide wheel with +35mm offset will be at the EXACT point as a 8" wide wheel with a +48mm offset

As long as these wheels are 5x100 they will work fine.

Angelus897

iTrader: (1)

^ You made my day. I picked these up from a friend for $100. Perfect condition autocross wheels.

MO REX

iTrader: (2)

It is too low. Keep in mind the OE wheels are 6.5" wide with a +55mm offset. Going to a 7" wide wheel with a +35mm offset will extend the wheel 26mm toward the fenders (decreasing the gap) and increase the gap between the strut and the wheel by 14mm. Even if they don't rub they will put unwanted stress on the wheel bearings and cause premature failure. It's always best to use the OE #'s as a baseline.

The ideal offset for a 7" wide rim is +50 to +53 and that is nowhere near +35.

If you don't believe me click on this link and plug in the #'s http://marksink.com/tire_wheel_offset/offset.html .

Angelus897

iTrader: (1)

Hmm... I guess I should just test and see if it fits.

MO REX

iTrader: (2)

They will fit but they might rub when cornering and they will definitely be rough on the wheel bearings. I ran 17X7.5's with a +48mm offset (6mm more clearance from the fenders) with -2 degrees of camber in the rear and rubbed when I tracked or autoX the car.

What springs, ride height, struts, sways and camber are you running on the rear?
Do you only plan on using these for autoX only?

One more thing. What size tires do you plan on running?

Angelus897

iTrader: (1)

^ I plan to use these as summer wheels as well (and switch back to stock wheels for fall/winter). Planning to run 225/45-16. Stock suspension and stock suspension settings. Wouldn't the 17" have a bigger tendency to rub than 16"?

MO REX

iTrader: (2)

That tire will have an OD .9" smaller than the OE tires which means the spedo will be off a bit. With those tires and the OE suspension you probably won't rub but if you want the spedo to be right you'd be better off with a 225/50/16 (.1" smaller than my 17's). I have no experience running the OE suspension with aftermarket wheels so who knows you might be OK with 225/50/16's. FYI, I can't tell you how much those wheels will stress the wheel bearings but I do know replacing them is very expensive.

My car is lowered with fairly stiff springs and swaybars so that will make a difference. I know my ride height but I'm not sure how much lower it is than stock. I'll take some time, look up the OE ride height in my manual, figure out how much lower than stock it is and get back to you. I know it's not dropped much but we'll see.

Here's a link that will help you figure the OD of different size tires and how it will change the spedo. http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html The OE tires are 205/55/16 in case you didn't know.

Angelus897

iTrader: (1)

^ Thanks, one more question. Why does it put more stress on the wheel bearings (and yea, I know they're a ***** to replace)?

PS: I'm not worried about the speedo, but I do see that I have a LOT more choice for 225/50-16s.

MO REX

iTrader: (2)

The wheel bearing on a car is designed to have X amount of weight distributed between the inside and outside of the bearing. When you switch to the new rims the distribution of weight will shift to the outside of the bearing more than it was designed for. Do you have a good understanding of how offset works? If not here is a good link https://www.i-club.com/forums/wheel-tire-59/official-tech-thread-tire-rack-55297/ post #8. It also explains briefly why the correct offset is important.

Angelus897

iTrader: (1)

^ Thanks, I usually dealt with Manufacturer OEM aftermarket rims, so never had to deal with offset problems before.

Zoeb2s

iTrader: (38)

He didn't ask what was ideal.

He asked if it would work

Here are the facts:

6.5" +55 vs 7" +35

14mm MORE clearance on the strut side, and the outside edge of the wheel will EXTEND an extra 26mm

6.5" +55 vs 8" +48 (which I have used and MANY people use as all subaru specific rota wheels that are 8" wide are made in a +48mm offset)

12mm LESS clearance on the strut side, and the outside edge of the wheel will EXTEND an extra 26mm

7" +35 vs 8" +48

26mm LESS clearance on the strut side, and the outside edge of the wheel will extend to THE SAME point as the stock wheel

so there you have it, the 7" wide wheel with a +35mm offset will be at the EXACT same point as a 8" wide wheel with a +48mm offset

Considering I was on coilovers and my car was pretty damn low and I was running 235's WITHOUT rolled fenders, he will be fine.

Remember, he has a sedan, not a wagon. He has the clearance for it.

As for the wheel bearing thing, that point i'm not gonna argue, because yes, a +35 offset wheel will put a little bit more stress on them.

Angelus897

iTrader: (1)

Ok, so is it dangerous to run these wheels or no? I really want to use them, but at the same time I don't want my wheel bearing failing while I'm autocrossing or on the freeway.

PS: Thanks to both of you for your responses (Zoeb, once I get more money, I'll come by and pick up new rotas from you guys, lol).

Zoeb2s

iTrader: (38)

I know people that have put +35mm offset wheels on their subaru...we've done it with our shop STi even.

It should be ok...but i guess it depends on how long u plan on running them too.

its not a suggested setup, but like I said, it has been done.