It will cause pre-mature wheel bearing failure. And just sitting there you cant tell if its going to rub, its under hard cornering when the wheels rub.

But think about it this way, with a smaller offset you are moving the wheels farther away from the center of the car, thus moving the support locations of the weight of the car to a different location and causing extra stress on suspension bits like the wheel bearings. It can damage the car over time.

 

on wrx sedans, you can use 17x8 +38mm w/ 225/45/17 tires and you will be fine. you just might need to roll the fenders to prevent rubbing. But thats how them JDM tuners are doing.. so why not?

 

Thats not a very intellegent remark... Just because some random JDM tuner does something doesnt mean its ok.

Why even get a wheel like that when there are plenty +48 or better offset 17x7.5 wheels around anyway?

 

Also don't forget about the increased torque steer and steering component wear .... AAlso the change in the suspension geometry altering the scrub radius and ackerman angle in turn degrading the overall handling of the car.

and then how about the loss of load capacity

 

Why take the chance? Everyone who knows about Subarus says 48-53mm offset. Put anything different than that on it and you'll pay for it in the long run.

 

Random JDM tuner? so are you an expert?? are you telling me JUN is stupid for going w/ +38mm offset on their cars?

17x8 +38mm offset is perfect for wrx sedan if you are going for tires that is in 245 size.

 

I don't think 10mm offset differences will cause wheel bearing to fail prematurely. If that was the case, why are they using it? check the Impreza Magazine if you get a chance. (if you can read japanese)

 

The car was never designed for 245 series tires. The reason why you have to have that kind of offset with that size of tire is due to strut contact. You never mentioned 245 series tires, only 245's. And yes I think they are stupid if they are running a +38 offset with 225 series tires when +48 and better will fit it just fine without compromising the car.

Personally, I would trust Prodrive, STI and SOJ, not JUN.

 

please..who are you to say that is stupid? So are you saying COBB is also stupid to have that wide wheels on their project wrx?

If it can be fitted w/o problem that means it will work.

"Personally, I would trust Prodrive, STI and SOJ, not JUN."

I agree w/ you on Prodrive.
But why are u mentioning SOJ? Subaru of Japan is a manufacturer, not a tuner.
STi is the motorsport division of Subaru.. just like TRD.. conservative at best.

whats that gotta do with aftermarket tuning?

comparing these w/ JUN is like comparing apples and oranges.

how about comparing JUN and Zerosports?

 

who said the car was never designed to fit 245/xx/xx tires? people go for wider wheels to setup their car for different purposes. and yes, to use 8" wide wheels, +38mm is the ideal offset so it will not contact with the strut. thats why JUN opted to use that size and set their car for circuit racing.

I mentioned the 245 series. yes 245s.

 

No matter what I will not recommend anything risky for anyone. If you feel comfortable recommending a potentially risky avenue, then go right ahead. Just dont go around saying that it is NOT a risk.

One last thing... Tell me the offset of the wheels on the 22b.

 

17x8.5 +48mm. it will fit the wrx sedan but sticks out a lot. if u want more info, contact Max at Gruppe-S.. i was there they have a set of 22B wheels.