18x9.5+44 square vs 18x8.5-18x9.5+44

[Beyer Subaru]

I'm tryin to zero in on some wheels and am torn as to what to go with.

Hopin all you guys with these set-ups can chime in as to what you think, recommend, etc..

It seems as though most are going staggered.

[TrogDor the Burninator]

I would only stagger if the wheels I wanted didn't match each other. If you aren't doing any autocross or track time, then staggered probably won't be an issue. Narrower front tires than the rear introduce understeer, meaning your car when driven spirtedly will push through the turn and not bite. This may or may not bother you.

Here's 18x9 +45 offset square on my FR-S:






At this offset and wheel width, I feel the front and rears are close enough to not require staggered wheels and offsets. Also, you don't have to worry about tire rotation issues or worry about matching tire sizes ...

[King Tut]

The car came with a square setup, stick with a square setup.

[WolfsFang]

Originally Posted by King Tut

The car came with a square setup, stick with a square setup.

car came with crappy tires, should we stick with them?

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by WolfsFang

car came with crappy tires, should we stick with them?

Sure, if the other option is going with a staggered setup that just creates more understeer.

[OrangeJuleas]

Originally Posted by Beyer Subaru

I'm tryin to zero in on some wheels and am torn as to what to go with.

Hopin all you guys with these set-ups can chime in as to what you think, recommend, etc..

It seems as though most are going staggered.

Is there a particular reason you want this tire width? Aside from being expensive, they're also heavier. If I had to pick it would be a square 8.5 setup (square to prevent mean understeer, and allow for rotation, 8.5 because 9.5 in the front might cause rubbing issues).

Listen to @King Tut, he knows what he's talking about.

[Beyer Subaru]

Originally Posted by OrangeJuleas

Is there a particular reason you want this tire width? Aside from being expensive, they're also heavier. If I had to pick it would be a square 8.5 setup (square to prevent mean understeer, and allow for rotation, 8.5 because 9.5 in the front might cause rubbing issues).

Listen to @King Tut, he knows what he's talking about.

I haven't even started to speculate tire width. I am just trying to work through the wheel set-up first then I'll bug you guys about what you recommend for tires.

I want the 9.5 to fill-out the wheel wells. Right now I have 18x8 set-up with 20mm spacers. Spacers bug the ish outta me and I want a more true set-up that gives me the more flush look I want without spacers.

I'm really not a fan of the sunken in look. No, I won't be auto crossing or tracking the car. It's my daily and I'm shooting for a blend of form=function and not really one over the other if possible.

[coyote]

Originally Posted by Beyer Subaru

I haven't even started to speculate tire width. I am just trying to work through the wheel set-up first then I'll bug you guys about what you recommend for tires.

Then you're approaching things back to front (most people do).

Tyres first. Everything else (wheels, brakes, suspension, etc) is a function of that.

Stock power or FI? That matters too.

[ShoGun]

Just ordered 18x9.5 +44 offset square wheels from Wheeldude. He mentioned that x9.5 +44 will not clear stock struts in the front. You either need a small spacer or aftermarket coilovers.

if anyone has experience with this please chime in

[TylerLieberman]

18x9.5 all around with 255/35s all around.


Fills the whole fender wells. Tires have very minor stretch (depending on which tire). Flow the function and form you're looking for.

[Beyer Subaru]

Originally Posted by coyote

Then you're approaching things back to front (most people do).

Tyres first. Everything else (wheels, brakes, suspension, etc) is a function of that.

Stock power or FI? That matters too.

Thanks for the input but it is what it is. Stock power.

Originally Posted by ShoGun

Just ordered 18x9.5 +44 offset square wheels from Wheeldude. He mentioned that x9.5 +44 will not clear stock struts in the front. You either need a small spacer or aftermarket coilovers.

if anyone has experience with this please chime in

I'm on coils. So I should be good to go there.

Originally Posted by TylerLieberman

18x9.5 all around with 255/35s all around.


Fills the whole fender wells. Tires have very minor stretch (depending on which tire). Flow the function and form you're looking for.

Word. Thanks. Will this require fender work? I'm shootin for a set-up that won't require fender work or ridiculous amounts of camber.

255 seems to me a bit wide for the fronts?

[djdnz]

Originally Posted by Beyer Subaru

255 seems to me a bit wide for the fronts?

It will be fine, there's a few people on here with 265/35/18 in the front on a 9.5+40 with coils. You will be okay with 255's and a lower offset.

[f0rge]

I went staggered and I wish I had gone square, purely for looks.

[King Tut]

Originally Posted by ShoGun

Just ordered 18x9.5 +44 offset square wheels from Wheeldude. He mentioned that x9.5 +44 will not clear stock struts in the front. You either need a small spacer or aftermarket coilovers.

if anyone has experience with this please chime in

He is probably correct. Here is a picture of my 9.5 +40 and you will be 4 mm closer: