I just got my wheels in. They were sold to me as 18's

when I run a measuring tape across the front diameter, it reads 19.5 inch diameter... but I think that I"m missing something here or I'm not measuring it correctly. Anywho, with the assumption that they are indeed 18's, and when I measure their width I get exactly 8.5 inches, what would be the appropriate tire size to accomodate a 2002 WRX? Thanks!

 

Ok, so I'm definitely using a polish measuring tape...
anyway, 18x8.5 inches.... what's the right profile size?

 

I havent heard of anyone useing a wheel that is 8.5" on a wrx, 8" is as wide as I've seen but that doesnt mean it hasnt been done. Profile is a percentage of the width of the tire so it would depend on the width. On a 225/45/17 the profile is 45% of 225mm. Here is a link that explains how tire sizeing works https://www.i-club.com/forums/wheel-tire-59/official-tech-thread-tire-rack-55297/. How is your suspension set up, what is the offset of the wheels and what are your plans with the car? If you figure out the width tire you are going with and want to make sure you get the right tire, post the size and I would be happy to tell you if it will work.

 

hey watch it there .... I'm polish


225/40-18 would be the correct size


and you were measuring the out side lip area and the wheel diameter is measure where the tire rests on the wheel

 

thanks everyone!

 

Quick follow up question. The wheels are 45 mm offset. I know that 48 is the reccomended offset. Am I at risk of hitting sturts or damaging wheel bearings? Or should I just leave it be?

 

You are stressing the bearings more, meaning they'll die sooner. Probably not a lot sooner unless your stressing them a lot.

 

You will be stressing the wheel bearings and your tires will most likely rub the rear fenders.

 

awesome advice... any suggestions on how i can help that, besides obviously getting diff wheels?

 

Is your car lowerd or do you plan on lowering it? As far as I know there is nothing you can do to avoid the wheel bearing thing when you run less than optimal positive offset. If you went with a wheel that had more than optimal positive offset you could get spacers but that is not the case with your wheels. As for the rubbing issue it depends on your setup. You can do things like adjusting camber settings, rolling the fenders and stiffer suspension that will help with rubbing but I dont know that those things would definately take care of your rubbing problems with your particular setup.

 

I see... well I have a stock car and as far as suspension goes, I plan on keeping it that way. I just bought it as a daily driver, and these wheels are only for the summer months. I was thinking that spacers might help out, but I guess that I might have to end up rolling the fenders or something... thanks!

 

I see... well I have a stock car and as far as suspension goes, I plan on keeping it that way. I just bought it as a daily driver, and these wheels are only for the summer months. I was thinking that spacers might help out, but I guess that I might have to end up rolling the fenders or something... thanks!

 

sorry double post

 

I dont know for sure but I think you may be ok since your car is not lowerd. Keep us posted after you mount them, I am curious to see how they work out.

Good luck.