18x7.5 to 18x8.5 STi Wheel Conversion???

[kuczynskika]

I am curious what everyone's thoughts are...

I just bought a Harrop Supercharger (Boost Yay!)

And it is also time to change my tires and I was thinking since I currently run 18x7.5 et. 48. JDM STi wheels, now would be a good time to consider trading up to 18x8.5 et. 55 for some added traction. Added bonus is that these are the same exact design as my current setup!



All I need are some 15mm 5x100 to 5x114 conversion spacers and I also get perfect fitment.

Thoughts? Worth it for an added inch of traction?

[gramicci101]

How much would they cost you vs. a similar wheel in 18x8.5 that's 5x100 with a decent offset?

[kuczynskika]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

How much would they cost you vs. a similar wheel in 18x8.5 that's 5x100 with a decent offset?

I paid $1500 to ship my 18" JDM STi wheels from Japan via Japanparts and the seller is offering the 18"x8.5" for $1500 shipped. Same price.

By comparison Enkei Raijuns in the same size would run $900-$1000.

[gramicci101]

I think I'd go with the Raijins, personally. I like mesh wheels though.

[kuczynskika]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

I think I'd go with the Raijins, personally. I like mesh wheels though.

Fair, but my thinking is that I can maintain my existing JDM look and still add traction. The JDM STi wheels I run now are only available in 18x7.5 for the BRZ and I feel that with the addition of more power I need more traction to effectively put the power down and not have super excessive wheel spin.

[gramicci101]

If you want to keep the JDM STI look, then I think your idea will be the best way to go. What tires are you running, and what are you planning to run?

[kuczynskika]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

If you want to keep the JDM STI look, then I think your idea will be the best way to go. What tires are you running, and what are you planning to run?

Exactly. The JDM STi look is obviously important to me lol. My current setup is 5x100 225/40/18 et. 48 with Toyo Proxes and the new setup would be 5x114 235/40/18 et 55 with 15mm conversion spacers and Michelin PSS. I just don't know if one inch of tire is worth all the trouble.

[gramicci101]

On an 8.5 you can run 245/35-18. That might be worth the trouble.

[kuczynskika]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

On an 8.5 you can run 245/35-18. That might be worth the trouble.

This may be a dumb question but, how do 245s fit on an 8.5?

[gramicci101]

They actually fit very well. Here is an example.

[kuczynskika]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

They actually fit very well. Here is an example.

Well damn, look at that. Yeah 245s would be perfect for my needs no doubt.

[gramicci101]

An 8.5 wheel is right in the middle of the recommended range for a 245 tire. 245/35 is the same diameter as OEM. Some people run 245/40, which is an inch taller and has a subtle meaty look to the sidewall.

245/40 R Compounds, which are wider than normal street compounds:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10091

[kuczynskika]

Originally Posted by gramicci101

An 8.5 wheel is right in the middle of the recommended range for a 245 tire. 245/35 is the same diameter as OEM. Some people run 245/40, which is an inch taller and has a subtle meaty look to the sidewall.

245/40:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10091

This helps alot! I have to say that the 245/35 look is much more appealing to me. I just found a chart which helps explain to me what you have said about the middle of the tire range.

Many many thanks @gramicci101

[gramicci101]

Originally Posted by kuczynskika

I just found a chart which helps explain to me what you have said about the middle of the tire range.

Also keep in mind that while it may physically fit, it might not work very well. A 245 will fit on a 9.5 wheel, but it'll be very stretched. It'll fit on a 7.5 wheel, but it'll be very pinched. With an 8.5 wheel, you could go from 225 (stretched) to 255 (pinched). A 235 or 245 is ideal for an 8.5 wheel.