fitting 17x9's with 255s, and fitting brake pads

[Matt Andrews]

So I thought it would be relevant to post here, but I had a trip to 949 racing. we played with wheels, tires, spacers, and different pads to collect a good amt of data. I posted it in my blog. I know that is a "user build", but figured a good amt of it would be useful here.

Check it out if you want. its in my signature.

Matt

[jamal]

There are a number of parts to get rear camber adjustment. Cusco lower arms or whiteline offset bushings in the a-arm. The lower arms for sure fit and cusco has them on their own car. The offset bushings aren't confirmed to fit but the part number is KCA326. That reminds me that I need to send you an email.

Whiteline was working on a full upper a-arm replacement for the Impreza but I'm not sure it ever happened.

Toe link should have a cammed bolt at the subframe.

The rear end starts at about -1 degrees and then cambers in under compression by a good amount so there isn't as much need for adjustment there.

[RiskyTrousers]

Thanks for the post!

Looking at how the tire fit with a +42, do you think a +35 is possible? We will be running camber but we're not sure what is optimal until we get out on the course and take tire temps.

[Matt Andrews]

there isn't 7mm of space there right now. And that is static. on course, you will have wheel and tire deflection you need to allow for. I haven't measured the spring diameter, and don't know what you are considering for aftermarket springs.

But you will rub at full lock in both directions with a +32.

[RiskyTrousers]

I plan on running either KW Clubsports or V3s so I don't imagine spring perch clearance being an issue.

However, I don't want to be "forced" into a certain amount of camber just to clear the fenders, although I'm sure I will be running some camber. Thats why I'm worried about fender clearance.

[Matt Andrews]

a +32 would clear the fender at stock camber. Which if you are performance oriented at all, you will want more.

You will likely rub at full lock if you are running a 255, but i don't see that being a significant issue. As long as the KW gives you the additional clearance of the spring, you should be good to go. Good luck!

[R/TErnie]

Evo's have a very similar rear lateral link...where the shock puts the link in Bending.

Be careful with buying a lateral link that has a turnbuckle on it, they're prone to bending right where the threaded section enters the link. The drag race guys don't have a problem, but the guys with 285 Hoosiers do.

I've designed and fabricated a new rear lateral link for the Evo that doesn't bend and then change geometry like the Agency power/Megan/Taiwanese copies.

anyone want to post a link to said JDM adjusters for rear camber?

[bneale]

Interesting thread you guys have going.

I was just looking into this myself actually. I'm about to start Autocrossing my FR-S and I've been looking into a new set of wheels and tires for track duty. I've been looking into Enkei's RFP1's in 17x9 in size with a 245 tire. But I'm a little concerned they may not fit on the stock suspension. I plan on upgrading the suspension in the future but for now I'm starting out stock.

Any idea if you guys have seen an FR-S with 17x9 wheels? Hopefully with RFP1's and the stock suspension? I'm really worried they won't fit or rub.

bneale

[JP]

Originally Posted by R/TErnie

Evo's have a very similar rear lateral link...where the shock puts the link in Bending.

Be careful with buying a lateral link that has a turnbuckle on it, they're prone to bending right where the threaded section enters the link. The drag race guys don't have a problem, but the guys with 285 Hoosiers do.

I've designed and fabricated a new rear lateral link for the Evo that doesn't bend and then change geometry like the Agency power/Megan/Taiwanese copies.

anyone want to post a link to said JDM adjusters for rear camber?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Cusco-Rea...item2c664a15db

[jamal]

There are two ways to adjust rear camber. One is the cusco lower control arms, which are like $450. While expensive, they are also a good part that is easy to adjust and I wouldn't worry about failing. They have been around for awhile and used on much heavier STis that see competition use on tracks and in rally.

The other option is the Whiteline bushings for the upper a-arm. They are cheaper, but kind of a hassle to install, because you basically need a press and an air-hammer to get the stock ones out. There is also very little room up in there to get the arm in and out and the adjusters set up properly. Anyone attempting to install these on their own will get very frustrated (I have installed many sets and it is one of my least favorite suspension related jobs).

[Matt Andrews]

thanks for the heads up. a fix is on the list. dampers are being constructed, and wheels are in the mail.