Wheel Directory: Mach V Wicked Awesome 18x9.5 +42
 

http://www.darrendriven.com/ft86/title.png


At the beginning of the year we announced our 18x9.5 "Wicked Awesome" wheel, which was intended for the most part to fit the widebody 2008+ STI and 2011+ WRX. I'd been thinking that that size wheel could fit nicely on the back of the 86 twins. Then someone asked if it would fit on the front. We test-fit it, and it DID clear the front perch and spring, but barely.

I ordered up some 265/35R18 tires (again, intended for a WRX) and mounted them on the wheels. But hey, we have the wheels, tires, and a BRZ car, so why not -- I bolted them to the BRZ.

The verdict: The back fits, pretty much. The front doesn't. Specifically, the tire was touching the front spring perch. We MIGHT be able to shave the perch to clear the tire, but I'm not sure. With a 5mm spacer, the front fit (by mere millimeters!) without touching the perch, but the tire sticks out pretty far. Some of you hellaflush types might like it, but to me it's not going to be something you can live with in the real world. A 255 or 245 width tire would fit better, and the 245 I think would clear the spring perch without a spacer, but I'd rather not put a 245 on a 9.5" wheel. (Again, I know plenty of you would...I've seen the photos...)

Anyway, here's a few of the pics from today's test fit:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...heels/0912.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...heels/0891.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...heels/0943.jpg
Sorry, kind of a wonky place to park -- the ground is not level.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...heels/0963.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...heels/0958.jpg

Obviously the front has a lot less room than the back. That got me thinking that we do make an equivalent wheel in a 17x9, and I run those with 255's all around...I could do a 17/18 staggered arrangement. But another time...

--Dan
Mach V

As an SCCA-type... Looks great to me!

Thinking hard abt this wheel for my streetie setup.

Thx for posting.

Massive credit to and respect a vendor who posted up a product pointing out it doesn't fit and making sensible tyre recommendations. I'm a long way away, but that's the kind of person I like to deal with.

Do you have more close up and side on pictures of rear that DOES appear to fit?

+1 for a bit more info on the rear fitment

Nice wheels

It's too bad you don't sell 18 x 8.5 for the front.. Those look amazing in 18"!

Thanks.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y24...heels/0909.jpg

We just popped the Blizzaks back on, so we'll have to wait a bit for more pics.

--Dan
Mach V

Looks pretty good from that angle. So that's 18x9.5 +42 with 265/35? If it's not too much ask, what is the rear camber?

Sorry for all the questions. That's what you get when you established yourself as a vendor who doesn't bullshit.

Correct.

Offhand I don't remember. -1 degrees? There's no extra camber hardware (like adjustable control arms) on the back, so I think we just aligned it to near-factory spec given the lowering. It's on Mach V springs.

I'm happy to answer questions. I'm also glad to tell the truth as I see it, based as much on real-world observations and experience as possible.

--Dan
Mach V

ok why not just go 18x9 ...
or is 9.5 somethin that other crowd wants?

That's some serious meat on there !! :confused0068:

The 18x9.5 was designed with the late-model WRX and STI in mind. It happens to bolt up to the BRZ, so we tried it out.

--Dan
Mach V

His camber in the rear is probably somewhere in the 1.5-2.2 range.

When I lowered my FR-S the camber went to 1.5 driver, 2.0 passenger.

Definitely interested in the 17X9 Suggestion....:w00t:

Do you think a 17 x 9.5 would fit with out any spaces or needing to shave (255 Tire) ? Considering a RPF1 17x9.5. Thanks for taking the time to do this!

You haven't mentioned the offset. That's going to be critical. At +42 give or take a mm or two, you should be good.

--Dan
Mach V

sorry 38 is the offset

Tough to say. It's going to depend on how low the car is, and even what tire it is.

--Dan
Mach V

dan, dont mean to thread jack, but i'm thinking 18x9.5 +40, on coilovers and a 255/35 michelin PSS. i wont be slammed, but no wheel gap-ish area.

you think i'll have issues getting that setup fitted up front? i know the rear wont be an issue, but in the front will i have to run more than 2' of camber to get it to fit right? really wanna keep a square setup on the car. i'm also fine with having to roll and pull the fenders a bit, i'm expecting to have to do that anyway, or i wont need to?

I think that's better discussed in another thread, or we can talk on PM.

--Dan
Mach V

Fitment looks fantastic!

Renato
Team TWM Performance

@Mach V Dan Do you think a 3mm spacer will do for the 265's since it worked with a 5mm spacer and my wheels will be a +40 and not +42?

Probably.

--Dan
Mach V

I was hoping for a more confident answer, lol! I already ordered 5mm spacers but the 3mm's are cheap so ill get them too and see if it works. Thanks!

Added to the Wheel Directory
http://tinyurl.com/86wheels

I stand corrected, now that my car is in Street Mod, I ordered a set of these today in Gunmetal for my competition setup.

275/35s Hoosiers on the way--hope they stuff under the car! lol

These slim & trim coilovers should allow them to clear--I hope...

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8368/8...36c51c61_z.jpg

I'll post pics when they're mounted.

Mach V 18x9.5 +42 Wicked Awesome w/ 275/35 Hoosiers
 

My new competition setup--they fit... This is great, as this setup is a huge increase in size, and they only weigh ~2 lbs/corner more than stock.

Caveat--I run an MCS coilover setup w/ 2.25" springs--much smaller circumference than OEM front struts.

I took it around the block & threw it around some--barely heard any rubbing sounds.

-2.5 front camber -1.3/2.0 rear (wonky stock camber)

Car has some rake as you can see. The fitment is pretty flush.

Looks pretty beefy.


http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2870/1...55db4206_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7374/1...c1e3f4e8_b.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/1...a90ea63a_b.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3794/1...c38b4248_b.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/1...13c98fb1_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/1...f8e7d62c_b.jpg
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/1...bf49be34_b.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2894/1...ec636efc_b.jpg

Nice, tidy fit. Mud guards and all!

Awesome! When if your next event? I'd like to know how this setup performs.

This weekend. Been chasing a rear stability issue, but hope it's all dialed in for this weekend (crossed fingers).

Nice, well good luck and be sure to report back with your impressions!

Sorry, forgot to update.

And.....

They fit w/ the 275s...

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/1...17f0bcf1_h.jpg
http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2870/1...bcec7f77_h.jpg

Looks like you've been having some fun with those tires!

Nah... I buy take-offs for the local events--but I will this weekend!

Moar pics!

--Dan
Mach V

Ask & ye shall receive...


http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/1...13c98fb1_b.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/1...a90ea63a_b.jpg
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3794/1...c38b4248_b.jpg

Thoroughly tested w/ the 275s--just a touch of rubbing on the rear. I'll post a pic later of my 'red stripe' tire lol

http://kabelphoto.smugmug.com/Martin...DSC8615-X2.jpg

275?! That sh** cray!

Jesus. Any idea of the lateral Gs pulled with those tires/suspension setup? Can't imagine the tires ever wanting to break loose on that setup...

-Pierce

Man, if this came in a 17x9 and was light I'd jump on them in a heartbeat. Want something besides the RPFs like everyone runs. Look super sick.