18" wheels on stock suspension

[echo419]

So I want to get a set of 18's and I'm not going to be lowering the car right away. So I'd like to get something that will work with both the stock suspension and maybe some STi springs or whatever else might come along later.

I'm clueless on wheels and fitting so this is new territory for me. thx

[Kami Speed]

Depends on what your budget is and also styling.

You can fit 18x8.5 | 18x9.0 on stock suspesion fine with little to no modifications depending on offset.

[echo419]

Originally Posted by Kami Speed

Depends on what your budget is and also styling.

You can fit 18x8.5 | 18x9.0 on stock suspesion fine with little to no modifications depending on offset.

I think I'm going 18x9. the offset is the question. what should I get?

[Kami Speed]

Depending on how flush you would like to go 45-40 is a pretty good start.

[echo419]

Originally Posted by Kami Speed

Depending on how flush you would like to go 45-40 is a pretty good start.

How will letting it effect that? Like the lower I go the less offset I will need?

[wparsons]

9" +45 has a chance of rubbing on the LCA, and also the stock spring seats. It might work, or you might need a 3-5mm spacer.

Why are you after 9" wheels?

[DAEMANO]

Originally Posted by echo419

I think I'm going 18x9. the offset is the question. what should I get?

Also, you want a design that is visually larger. This will help fill the perceived fender gap. So try do the following:

1. Make sure the offset takes you to flush. As noted for an 18x9 wheel, an offset of between 40-43 will be best on a non-lowered car (lower offset for a lowered car that will get natural negative camber).

2. Try to pick a wheel design where the the spokes meet the flange (to the edge of the wheel lip).

3. Try to pick a wheel with some concavity. This is where the spoke starts at the flange and then projects inward toward the hub. If possible pick a design where the spokes decrease in width from the lip to the hub.

The stock wheels use the above effects to look "bigger than 17s". I know you're selecting 18"s, but without lowering the car, the wheel gap is still going to be noticeable. By doing the above the viewers eye will be drawn to a wheel that looks larger than it actually is.

There are hundreds of wheels to look through. Check out the following links:

Stock Height + Aftermarket Wheels compilation
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28017

FT86club wheel directory
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7535

CarID.com's wheels for BRZ
http://www.carid.com/2014-subaru-brz-limited-wheels/

Good Luck!

[Bergen23]

Pick a style you like and purchase them. It isn't hard. Start with a conservative offset. If you mess it up by a little bit, a small spacer will help.

[echo419]

Originally Posted by wparsons

9" +45 has a chance of rubbing on the LCA, and also the stock spring seats. It might work, or you might need a 3-5mm spacer.

Why are you after 9" wheels?

I saw this and I really like it.
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...&postcount=270

but he's lowered and his offset on the front is +33 on the front and +40 on the rear. just for getting around town without tearing the bottom of my car off along with buying all the crap to lower it. I just don't feel like doing all of that right now.

trouble with these is at 18" I think they need to be staggered because there's no 9" option. it's 8.5 or 9.5 and I think 9.5 on the front is just to damn much.

[echo419]

p.s. could I just get a set of STI springs to bring it down just a bit without buying all that extra crap like control arms and camber bolts?

[wparsons]

Originally Posted by echo419

I saw this and I really like it.
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...&postcount=270

but he's lowered and his offset on the front is +33 on the front and +40 on the rear. just for getting around town without tearing the bottom of my car off along with buying all the crap to lower it. I just don't feel like doing all of that right now.

trouble with these is at 18" I think they need to be staggered because there's no 9" option. it's 8.5 or 9.5 and I think 9.5 on the front is just to damn much.

I'd go 8.5" square, no need for 9"+ for most people.

[echo419]

Originally Posted by wparsons

I'd go 8.5" square, no need for 9"+ for most people.

That's what I was thinking :highfive:

[DAEMANO]

Originally Posted by wparsons

I'd go 8.5" square, no need for 9"+ for most people.

@echo419

Agreed with Parsons, stay away from 9". If you can 8.0", 8.25", and 8.5" are all available in good offsets (et 30 - 45) from many mfgs. 9-9.5" wheels sometimes have inner spring perch and fender liner clearance issues on the stock shocks (especially with lowering springs).

Oh and btw.. you want camber bolts. They're cheap ($25-$40) and will give you more grip in the front end.

[jvincent]

Adding my two cents.

I'm running 18x8.5 +48 (yes +48) PF01s and camber bolts up front and have no rubbing. I have a massive 3-4mm of clearance to the spring perch.

Currently running 225R40 tires, but will move to 235 or 245 next. More camber and I will need coilovers.