Quest for rims (whole wheel, actually)

[rogueBeaste]

In my search for new wheels, I've simply been astounded by the huge variety available, but at the same time, how few have the offsets we need. I've frequented many places online (including, of course, TireRack, which only has one wheel that will fit, DiscountTireDirect, SuperbuyTires, Wheelmax, and Wheeltech. Every time I find something I like, I see that it doesn't meet our size requirements. Bottom line is, I don't think there are really many choices.

Here's what I've deduced are the right size combos:

• 17 x 17.5, 48mm, 5-114.3 bolt
• 17 x 8, 55mm, 5-114
• 18 x 8, 55mm, 5-114 bolt

with the 18 inch wheel, 225/40 tires would fit (tell me if it's not so); on the 17s, I'd be looking for 225/45 or 235/45 rubber to keep the overall height about 25". Of course, I'm not interested in 16s.

Can anyone direct me to a wheel, and the source to buy it, for something that looks nice on our cars?

Thanks for your help!

[Kelvin]

http://subydude.com/

Anything that fits the 05+ STi fits our cars.

[XT6Wagon]

Originally Posted by Kelvin

http://subydude.com/

Anything that fits the 05+ STi fits our cars.

Ah, I'd be careful, I don't know how big the Rota's get in width now, but we simply don't have as much fender well as the STi. It has ATLEAST an extra inch in the back over the SVX, likely closer to 2 inches.

[Kelvin]

Meh. Somebody needs to flare the rear fenders on our cars anyway. It'd look sick.

[Crazy_pilot]

Mazda RX-8 rims!! 18x8 with a 255/35/18 tire. (You'll get dirty looks at the shop when you ask them to put those tires on though). RX-8 rims do require hubcentric rings to fit the SVX hubs though.

[JaySVX]

I currently have 18's on mine with 225x40x18, and they are angry tom's, who knows what he's doing much more than me, so i'd say it's ok.

[rogueBeaste]

Those Rota 18 x 8x are only available in a 48mm offset, according to your catalog. (I'm looking for 55mm if it's an 8" width.) With only 48mm, this would push out toward the fender well 13mm, almost 1/2 an inch.

[LetItSnow]

Originally Posted by rogueBeaste

17 x 17.5, 48mm, 5-114.3 bolt

Those are soooooo not gonna fit!

Pushing down toward 48mm offset is gonna put you close to the wheelwell out back, much more so if your springs drop you some!

[wawazat??]

I've been running 17"x8.5", 48mm offset Rota Slipstreams on my lowered SVX for months now. Regular street driving as well as almost 100 autocross runs withiut issue. Tires are 225/45-17.

In the last year I've also run 17"x8" 53mm offset with 235/40-17 tires (my regular autocross wheel/tire combo) and 17"x7.5" 48mm offset with both 225/45 and 235/40-17 tires on my car both with and without Ground Control and Koni package. Tonight I hope to install my 17"x8" STi wheels with my new 245/40-17 tires and expect to have no problems.

I can say that any STi fitment 17" Rota wheel with almost any reasonably close to stock OD tire will work on our cars.

To expand your search criteria, look for wheels for late model Mazdas (3 or 6) or any 5 lug Honda product (S2000, Accord, or even new Civic). All the above cars use both our 5x114.3 PCD and high offset values.

Lotsa wheels fit our car, it's the suppliers and makers that just don;t know they do

Todd

[rogueBeaste]

Thanks for the warning, LetItSnow! That's why on an 8" wheel, I'm looking for a 55mm which would decrease both my inside and outside clearances by 6mm. I'm hoping (dreaming?) this is possible without having to bend anything on my nice car.

[shotgunslade]

I have been running 17x8 Rota Boosts (with the 48 mm offset) with 245/40-17 BFG KDW2's for two and a half years and 14 track days. The only rubbing I got was when the gasket of the wheel well drooped a little bit. Granted, I have 335 lb/in springs front and 285 lb/in rear. Just bought a set of Bridgestone RE01-R's. Will try them out at Summit Point August 25-26.

[wawazat??]

Originally Posted by LetItSnow

Those are soooooo not gonna fit!

Pushing down toward 48mm offset is gonna put you close to the wheelwell out back, much more so if your springs drop you some!

Sure they will. All day long. Stock springs or coil overs.

[wawazat??]

Originally Posted by rogueBeaste

Thanks for the warning, LetItSnow! That's why on an 8" wheel, I'm looking for a 55mm which would decrease both my inside and outside clearances by 6mm. I'm hoping (dreaming?) this is possible without having to bend anything on my nice car.

I'm using an 8.5" wide wheel with 48mm offset. No rubbing, no lip rolling, without issue.

In fact, I am selling these wheels. 17"x8.5" Rota Slipstreams with 48mm offset. Beadblasted and then spray with clear. I like the look.

[rogueBeaste]

Thanks wawazat! You all have been a lot of help! This is just what I was hoping, by bringing my questions to the forum.