Thanks bro... This really helped. Finally someone visually explaining these wheel dimensions/stance. This has now helped me decide what dimensions to go with, as well as tire size.
Thanks for making this Man, I needed to see exactly what +38 offset will look like on my new wrx , I think the tad bit of poke is sexy. stock suspension is underrated. keep up the good work :)
Thanks for the well made and adult-driven video lol...Somehow I feel like I can trust your word 1000x more than the "Does it rub?" section on fitment industries
@Kradle Thanks man👊🏼😎 I wasn’t happy with the info I was finding when I was looking either. I figured I couldn’t be the only one, so that why I made this video. Glad it helped 💥
You missed the whole point of the "flush hella flush" discussion which is what these cars look like AFTER they have been lowered. Not stock height. @@wrxseriesgray8487
Thank you so much for this detailed video. I have a 2021 WRX base model and I want to go with 18x9.5 with +38mm offset and funny enough same exact tires and tire size (265/35). I was considering a 8.5” wheel to avoid sticking out a bit but as long as the tread is flush then I’m all for this look. Thanks again I made my decision to pull the trigger on this exact sizing setup due to your video. No rubbing at all? Also- just your opinion, do you think bronze on a white wrx would look good or matte black? Thanks!
@barch you’ll be happy with this set up. There is no rubbing with the stock suspension. I would do the bronze wheels. Black wheels on a white car always look good, but it’s safe and what everyone else does. Bronze wheels on a white WRX would look very clean IMO
@@wrxseriesgray8487 hey! Thanks for replying. I went with Apex EC-7 in bronze. Just got my 2021 WRX and have thrown so much money into mods (pretty much all cosmetic, besides an Axleback delete).
What did you have to do in terms of alignment? How is the clearance in terms of turning radius (any rubbing or scrubbing)? And how is acceleration and handling--is it a major loss in terms of feel? Thanks!
@Christopher Spear... No alignment needed and no rubbing on full lock turn in either direction. I haven’t notice any change in turning radius (and I have to make a U turn everyday to get into my neighborhood). I don’t have any numerical data of before and after for acceleration, but my buttnamometer says it’s the same ;)~ I actually felt that my handling improved slightly, but that is mostly likely due to my choice of tires vs the wheels, either way I love the handling characteristics after putting these on and highly recommended them.
installing a 18x9.5 +38 wrapped in 245/40 tire and lowering 2 inches on BC extreme lows, we'll see how it goes with rubbing, may have to get 35 sidewall. Do you think these will fit okay, given the 245 thickness? I also plan to camber them by about 3 degrees plus 1-2 degrees of natural camber from lowering. Wheels are work emotion D9R. 14k spring rates as well, opposed to the 5k sprint rates stock. Edit - put them on this weekend and they fit perfect. We measured and its about 4 or 5 degrees negative of camber on the front and back. That is with camber bolts on the front as well as camber plates. Lowered it by about 2.5" and there is minimal wheel gap, with 0 tire gap, its tucked. I am pretty sure the previous owner rolled the front fenders, since they do not poke out at all from the liner and feel uneven and wavy. The rear still feels stock. I have the dampeners set to stiff because I am still feeling out the clearance, but I made it up and down the sidewalk entrance to my garage just find, and made it through speed dips in my neighborhood without rubbing or scraping as well. With a small amount of camber, these tuck perfectly. Definitely hella flush fitment.
This honestly was helpful for me. I have an 07 fozzy on some GTX01’s 17x9 38mm offset And i have the ever slightest poke from them. Unfortunately im on the Max Speeding rods (surprisingly nowhere’s near as bad as I thought they were going to be) And I want to go lower for nice flush fitment but im afraid to do so. I don’t want to roll my fenders at all as it’s a WRB 07 foz XT limited with the cross sport’s aggressive front bumper in a 5spd. I want it as unmolested as I can keep it and rolling fenders is a very big no no for me. So some added camber and going lower should give me what Im looking for
They are going off the wheel itself. The reason that you're poking is because you got a pretty wide tire. If you went with a 245 then it would be pretty flush. The problem with using what people call it on Fitment Industries, is people don't know what they're talking about, and they just put whatever they think it is. flush is where the wheels/tire is flush with the fender. Hella flush is typically the top of the wheel/tire is flush with the fender WHEN you have negative camber. If you camber those in a bit, and lower it, you would have a hell flush fitment. Stock ride height with wide tires like that it's a little pokey. ALSO - most people aren't using levels and micrometers when figuring out what fitment they're running. If it looks pretty flush at a glance, then it's flush. Your car looks great with those wheel/tire set up on it though.
@Chace Elliott Thanks for clarifying flush vs hella flush. You’re right about people on fitment industries not knowing what their talking about and just putting down whatever. That was one of the main reasons I made this video. I really wanted to know exactly how far the wheel poked regardless of what tire it was wrapped in and based off of a stock suspension. I really love the look of my setup. Thanks for the comment 😎👊🏼
Just ordered 18x9.5, +38 offset Superspeed wheels with 265/35/18 Falkens FK510. Installing next week. Just wanted to point out to viewers that 265/40s would rub and the 35 is what is needed. I probably won't be able to ever drop the car without rolling rear fenders with this setup.
@@wrxseriesgray8487 it pokes a tiny amount (2mm I'd have to guess) but still looks great and it'll look even better once you lower the car .5 / 1+ inch. You'll never find the perfect offset with the design and color that you want. I think the +38 works very well.
@@Martin944turbo I’m very happy with the +38 offset and think it looks great on our cars, however, I think the majority of the time it won’t be flush for those that are looking for that perfect flush look. They may be some makes/models of wheels in +38 that are flush, but it seems like most will poke just a little. Lowering the car and the changing the camber adds even more variables when trying to get that perfect flush look.
Thanks for taking a harder look at how this size actually fits on our cars. I've found that most people on the forums and fitment industries gallery that use the terms "flush" "hella flush" and "poke" are kids that are more concerned with aesthetics rather than performance and are using each other for confirmation bias for what they consider "flush" because "flush" = good. It is so hard to find good information on the forums because the wrx scene is so cringy and the old timers are too salty. I'm wrestling between 18x8.5 and 18x9.5 and I've been leaning towards the 8.5 because a 245 tire will sit fairly square on the rim which is important to me. However sometimes I come across a wheel that I like that is easier to get in 9.5. I've heard some people say that 265 tires is too wide for the street and even negatively affects handling which I agree 265 seems very wide for this car and the power it puts down. How do the 265 handle and feel on the road compared to the stock size? Thanks again.
@Genghis_Bob I really struggled as well looking online. I’m more into performance than looks, but I do like a clean look. I was worried about the 265 tires being too wide as well, but to be honest I have been very happy with them. I have noticed an improvement in handling, not a huge improvement considering everything suspension wise is still stock, but I’m able to push the car more around corners than the stock setup. I do have modest plans in future to put down more power, so this setup will work well for the future as well. I will say though, the wider tires do make the car look more aggressive lol. You could split the difference in tire size and use a 255 tire, all depends on the stance/look you’re going for as well any future mods you have planned. If you don’t want any poke at all, than I would choose the 18x8.5, although you didn’t mention an offset, which is a going to make a big difference, unless your keeping the stock offset? Most importantly, don’t go cheap on the tires. No matter the size, good tires vs cheap tires make a big difference.
@@wrxseriesgray8487 I've considered the 255/35 but rolling diameter is a tiny bit smaller than stock and it looks weird to me on stock suspension. Every 18x8.5 +35 I've looked at looks just as flush if not more so than 18x9.5+38 so if I went 8.5 I wouldn't go lower than +35 but I really don't mind a little bit of "poke". Also weight is a big factor for me, for this reason I have my eye on the Enkei RPF1's but I can only find them in 18x8.5+40 or 18x9.5+38. Decisions decisions, I guess I could go with 18x9.5+38's and if I don't like them I'm sure I could sell them, there are a bunch of wrx owners in my area. Thanks for your input, I guess my only question is do you feel like there are any negatives to having the 18x9.5 265/35 setup?
@@genghis_bob6214 I have no negatives or complaints with my set up. I’m really liking the small amount of “poke”, even though I was originally going for a “flush” look. Weight is a concern with the 265 tire, but I haven’t noticed it. I push my cars limits going around the cloverleaf style off/on ramps and it handles fine up to about 55-60mph. My next purchase is going to be some sway bars ;) I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the 18x9.5 +38 wrapped in 265/35R18
@@wrxseriesgray8487 18x9.5 +38 offset with 265 35 18 tires fit perfectly if you’re on stock suspension. if you’re lowered you will rub. I’m lowered on factionfabs lowering springs which naturally affects the camber of your wheels so I had to get rear adjustable control arms to fix my camber since I am not a fan of camber. I recommend staying stock suspension because I’m going to have to install fender flares to allow my wheels to fit. I could just apply negative camber to stop rubbing but I hate that look personally.
@@nikesbeast Thanks for the update on this tire setup and being lowered! Hope this comment helps anyone else who is considering lowering their car with this wheel/tire set up. I’m not a fan of the camber look either. I’ll have to keep this in mind if I ever get coilovers and lower my car.
Just get yourself some camber bolts for the front and tuck them in a bit. The stock suspension is actually quite brilliant, even on track. I'm actually going back from race coilovers to stock suspension because it's so much more comfortable but still capable.
@Steve Clements Interesting to hear that you are removing your coilovers and going back stock. What coilovers did you have? I’m impressed with the stock suspension, I did add some Whiteline front and rear sway bars that definitely helped plant the car around turns. As for the camber bolts, that’s a good idea, but the look has grown on me and I’m keeping it the way it is. I have no rubbing issues with the stock suspension, so for now I’m leaving it alone.
@braden I agree that I need to lower my car! When I do I’ll definitely have to roll my fenders. However, that wasn’t quite the purpose of this video. Thanks for the tip about the camber though.
I just got some 18x9.5 +35 on order. Going to test out stock tires 245/40's before I pull the trigger on 255/35's w/ coilovers. Only lowering it a little to lower that gap. Hopefully works good.
@@TylerRepman yessir. I actually decided to get BC BR coilovers w/ upgraded swift springs and also 255/35. Lowered it enough between 1"-1.5" to not have any rubbing on bumps since I live in NYC. and so far it has been great. Nice smaller gap and aggressive look to the car with the slight poke (+35 gives it more of a poke out rather then flush with the body w/ +38). Got Michelin PS4 AS tires so they are great. Leaving my stock premium wheels for emergency/winter set on 245/40.
@@MvPo2 yeah I got some wheels and tires that are the exact same fit as your and I have tien Coilovers so thanks man for replying did you have to roll your fenders or anything?
@Viva el Outdoors I have not had any problems with highway driving or spirited backroads driving. In fact, my driving experience has improved due to the wider tires. 😎
@@wrxseriesgray8487 glad to hear and thanks for the quick reply. Video was super informative. I too have found so much conflicting info on these specs. Thanks again.
No problems whatsoever with any aspect of the driving experience. In fact, I feel that everything was improved, especially when cornering. Also, it looks so much better than stock 😎😜
@@wrxseriesgray8487 TY very much. I heard people saying going from the OEM +55 to even a +45 or lower would cause the steering to be too sensitive and that the car will tramline
@Tim Bailey The wheel itself sticks out past the fender regardless of the size tire you wrap it in. A 255 tire might make the tread appear more flush, but it doesn’t change the fact that the wheel itself will always be slightly poked. Also, with a 9.5 wide wheel, I’d be worried that the 255 might be a little stretched, which is not a look I personally like. This of course is only a guess as I am no expert on this stuff 🙃
Thank for making this vid! I will be going for your exact set up w/ my stock suspension! Been stressing about this as well, you definitely helped me out! One thing I’m curious about I really want the enkei rs05rr in the future but they only come with +35 offset. With a +35 do you think I’ll be able to get away with 255/40, with no rubbing issues? Or play it safe and go 255/35. I know for sure 265/35 +35 will rub. Any thoughts would help, thank you!!
@Marc N First things first...I’m not an expert. Based off my video with the +38 offset, a +35 offset will poke out even more (assuming the wheel you want is an 18x9.5 like mine) So, regardless of what tire you wrap it in you are increasing your risk of rubbing with a +35 offset. I don’t know how a 255/35(40) looks and measures on an 18x9.5 wheel to be able to help you choose between the two, but I would probably play it safe if I were you. If you really want that Enkei wheel you may be looking at other modifications 🤷🏽♂️ Good luck 😎👍🏼
It's still a nice looking wheel. Perfect tire imo. Ppl on forums/FI gallery usually have no idea what they are talking about, so sorry these didn't quite work out in the front. The rear is mostly acceptable, but the front is "poke" fitment despite all those who say "hella flush". This just solidifies my wanting of the 18x9.5 et42 crucial by mach V motorsports or any of the other offers that are et45 (nt03-M, etc). Even in 18x8.5, I wouldn't go lower than an et45. All the et35 wheels do not fit the WRX in the front and laugh when I see ppl choosing that fitment and going with a 245, 235, or smaller tire to eleviaiate rubbing
@SummerBRZ To be honest I was surprised in the difference in poke between the front and the rear. I feel like this is rarely discussed in the forums or other websites and almost never seen in the photos. I do agree that this set up should be considered “poke”, all around imho, but definitely in the front. Luckily with the stock suspension I haven’t had any rubbing. 😎
very odd, I'm really sorry you didn't end up with what you wanted. I was seeking the exact same thing you are, a perfectly flush fitting wheel and I got the exact same set up as you, an 18x9.5 +38 wheel and it sits completely flush, if anything it's even a bit sunken in. I'm really wondering what the difference could be caused by
@Benjamin Schumacher Not sure why your +38 is flush and mine poked🤷🏽♂️ There may be some slight differences between manufacturers and/or models of wheels. You would think +38 would be the same regardless, but who knows. Glad you found something flush though 😎
@Jheyson Diaz...Depends on the stance you’re going for. A 245/40 tire would be slightly stretched on a 9.5 wheel. If you are looking for the wheel to be flush with the fender, convert my fractional measurements into mm and move the offset accordingly (which would be a number between +38 and +55). Please remember that while I tried to be as precise as possible, my measurements should only be taken as an approximate measurement based on my particular vehicle and wheel/tire setup.
@@wrxseriesgray8487 would 255/40 be stretched on a 9.5 wheel tooo or how do u calculate it? I want a little stretch on my new wheel setup. i was looking at 18x9.5 or 19x9.5 wheels.
@Manny Palacios I think the +38 would be close. Since it’s only a 3mm difference from the +35 I’m not sure it’s quite enough if you’re going for a true flush look 🤷🏽♂️
fender vs finder liner???!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! they are gonna rub. Do we need to roll the fender???? DEPENDS!!!!! I guess....on wheels or tires. Not the model year of the WRX/STI. Thank you sir for the Video. I do appreciate your description and help. :)
@James G I’ve had my car fully loaded with 5 people (I have 4 kids so it’s not uncommon for my car to be maxed out) and a trip to Costco loaded in the trunk and still no rubbing, but remember I’m on stock suspension so I have more travel distance then a lowered car.
the set up in your video is definitely a "poke" but if you car is lowered, it would become a "flush". the reason for that is, as a car is lowered, the wheels are also tucked inward, especially the top of the wheel, because of camber change.
@Danny so, lowering my car would definitely change the camber some and would help create that flush look. My hope is that people will realize that this popular wheel size is not flush or hella flush, but poke (albeit on a stock suspension). Thanks for the comment 💥😎
@@wrxseriesgray8487the comments referring to flush is AFTER they have been lowered. Not when they are on stock suspension. Nobody respectable keeps their Subiess on stock suspension.
You’re not considering the fact that lowering your car will effect the natural camber, let alone people adding more negative camber to get the wheel to tuck and get it actually flush. Message me and I can show you my setup and fitment.
@WinebytheGlass You are correct that I was not considering the various changes that come into play when lowering a vehicle. I did state in my video that my suspension was stock, which I feel is a good starting point for anyone looking at +38 offset wheels. I would like to see your set up bc I’m going to be lowering my car eventually.
Can i see your set up? Still undecided on the look that i want to go with. From the pictures and videos that i see online a +38 looks poked to me even with coils. Thanks
