Welcome to the North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club Friday March 29, 2024
Home Forums Images WikiNASIOC Products Store Modifications Upgrade Garage
Click here to visit TireRack
Tire & Wheel Forum sponsored by The Tire Rack

Losing traction? Need new tires?
Click here to visit the NASIOC Upgrade Garage...
Go Back   NASIOC > NASIOC Technical > Tire & Wheel

Welcome to NASIOC - The world's largest online community for Subaru enthusiasts!
Welcome to the NASIOC.com Subaru forum.

You are currently viewing our forum as a guest, which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our community, free of charge, you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is free, fast and simple, so please join our community today!

If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us.







* As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads. 
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-22-2023, 09:50 PM   #1
Oscar H
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 532959
Join Date: Jan 2023
Vehicle:
2002 Wrx

Default Ideal tire size for GD WRX sedan

About to install my coilovers but I am running 245/45/17s on my 17x8 +48 wheels and I’ve been told that the tires to run are either 245/40/17 , 235/40/17 , or 225/45/17s , I want to be 100% that I won’t rub which of those tire sizes would be ideal ? It’s most likely the 225s but I’d like a tiny bit more with and I’m in between 245/40 or 235/40 just wanted to pick your guys brains, I have a sedan by the way , 02 wrx


Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Oscar H is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links
* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.
Old 04-23-2023, 10:31 AM   #2
motorbykemike
Scooby Specialist
 
Member#: 273868
Join Date: Feb 2011
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Default

245/45/17 is perfect
motorbykemike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2023, 12:59 PM   #3
WR Blue
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 451536
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Bahamas
Vehicle:
07 WRX
WR Blue

Default

225/45/17 ain't bad either depends on how low you are
WR Blue is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2023, 08:08 PM   #4
Oscar H
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 532959
Join Date: Jan 2023
Vehicle:
2002 Wrx

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by motorbykemike View Post
245/45/17 is perfect


Will I not rub if I lower it ? I’m at stock ride height and rub occasionally in the rear , I’ve heard that 245/45/17 messes up gearing too since it’s too much tire , I can definitely feel the gearing aspect of it because it feels a lot more sluggish


Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC
Oscar H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2023, 08:13 PM   #5
Oscar H
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 532959
Join Date: Jan 2023
Vehicle:
2002 Wrx

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by motorbykemike View Post
245/45/17 is perfect


Will I not rub if I lower it ? I’m at stock ride height and rub occasionally in the rear , I’ve heard that 245/45/17 messes up gearing too since it’s too much tire , I can definitely feel the gearing aspect of it because it feels a lot more sluggish


Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC
Oscar H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2023, 08:15 PM   #6
Oscar H
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 532959
Join Date: Jan 2023
Vehicle:
2002 Wrx

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by WR Blue View Post
225/45/17 ain't bad either depends on how low you are


I’d just like to have a one finger gap in between the fender at the top of the tire , and don’t want to have any rubbing issues. Right now I’m stock height and rub sometimes with the 245/45 so I’m guessing it’ll be worst when I get lowered


Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC
Oscar H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2023, 02:52 AM   #7
GoFrogs
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 507317
Join Date: Oct 2019
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: SW Ohio
Vehicle:
2019 WRX
Pure Red

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Oscar H View Post
I’d just like to have a one finger gap in between the fender at the top of the tire , and don’t want to have any rubbing issues. Right now I’m stock height and rub sometimes with the 245/45 so I’m guessing it’ll be worst when I get lowered.Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC
where do you rub?

outer sidewall against the fender lip?

fender liner on front wheels when turning?

inner sidewall against strut/spring?

on my VA, stock 17 size is 235/45/17 on a 8" wide wheel. Not sure what the GD size was, but there is a sticker inside the driver door that would tell you the stock size.

The 225/45 will give you a slightly narrower tire and slightly shorter sidewall.

Tire rack just covered a bunch of 17 inch wheels with 215, 225, and 245 tires on 7, 8, and 9 inch wide wheels. Very informative video.

In Search of the Fastest Tire and Wheel Combination 2022 | Tire Rack

GoFrogs is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2023, 02:15 PM   #8
Oscar H
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 532959
Join Date: Jan 2023
Vehicle:
2002 Wrx

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by GoFrogs View Post
where do you rub?



outer sidewall against the fender lip?



fender liner on front wheels when turning?



inner sidewall against strut/spring?



on my VA, stock 17 size is 235/45/17 on a 8" wide wheel. Not sure what the GD size was, but there is a sticker inside the driver door that would tell you the stock size.



The 225/45 will give you a slightly narrower tire and slightly shorter sidewall.



Tire rack just covered a bunch of 17 inch wheels with 215, 225, and 245 tires on 7, 8, and 9 inch wide wheels. Very informative video.



In Search of the Fastest Tire and Wheel Combination 2022 | Tire Rack



https://youtu.be/1MDq23scaWw


I only rub in the rear strut / fender , not sure which one it is as it’s only when hitting a big bump , have a one finger gap from strut to sidewall of tire but I’m guessing it rubs on the lower strut mount plate . The front does not rub what do ever but it does have a 4 almost 5 finger gap in the front but turning side to side it doesn’t rub on strut . Wondering if it will change once coilovers installed or if it doesn’t rub now it won’t rub then. Picture show cases the tire to strut from the rear


Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC
Oscar H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2023, 02:21 PM   #9
REX_WGN
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 107618
Join Date: Feb 2006
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: NY
Vehicle:
06 GG WRX / 09 FXT
@florencedestinedfxt

Default

coilovers will give you a lot more clearance inside. try one of those websites that compare one wheel/tire size to another and see the change.
REX_WGN is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2023, 03:46 PM   #10
Oscar H
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 532959
Join Date: Jan 2023
Vehicle:
2002 Wrx

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by REX_WGN View Post
coilovers will give you a lot more clearance inside. try one of those websites that compare one wheel/tire size to another and see the change.


So if I don’t rub inside right now I won’t rub inside with coilovers ? I used the wheel/tire size websites and after reading online found that the best tire size for the wrx is either 245/40 ( as it’s very close to stock diameter) 235/40 ( as it’s smaller than stock diameter which helps gearing on the 5 speed and gives a bit more torque) or 225/45/17 which is stock diameter. I did notice that the 245/45 does kill gearing as it’s a good bit bigger than stock diameter and makes the car feel sluggish which I can definitely feel right now


Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC
Oscar H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2023, 05:14 PM   #11
REX_WGN
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 107618
Join Date: Feb 2006
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: NY
Vehicle:
06 GG WRX / 09 FXT
@florencedestinedfxt

Default

I am assuming when you say coilovers, it's the typical ones on the market. They are narrower in width compared to stock struts especially at the lower spring perch.
REX_WGN is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2023, 09:53 PM   #12
Oscar H
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 532959
Join Date: Jan 2023
Vehicle:
2002 Wrx

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by REX_WGN View Post
I am assuming when you say coilovers, it's the typical ones on the market. They are narrower in width compared to stock struts especially at the lower spring perch.


That is correct , aftermarket ones yes , fortune auto 500s to be exact . Thanks for clearing that up , just wanted to make sure that it wouldn’t be worst with the coilovers on . Cleared up my doubt


Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC
Oscar H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-25-2023, 09:17 AM   #13
REX_WGN
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 107618
Join Date: Feb 2006
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: NY
Vehicle:
06 GG WRX / 09 FXT
@florencedestinedfxt

Default

I'm kind of jealous of you sedan guys. Us wagon owners are more limited but coilovers help.
REX_WGN is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-25-2023, 09:49 AM   #14
Oscar H
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 532959
Join Date: Jan 2023
Vehicle:
2002 Wrx

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by REX_WGN View Post
I'm kind of jealous of you sedan guys. Us wagon owners are more limited but coilovers help.


Yeah we do have more play more than you guys , what’s the widest you can go before any rubbing issues ? 235s ?


Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC
Oscar H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-25-2023, 11:59 AM   #15
Craig4g63
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 217175
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Columbus, OH
Vehicle:
2003 WRX
WRB

Default

Is there a specific tire you are looking to use?
Reason i ask is that some tires run wide to very wide for their stated size, especially the auto cross tires.
On a 17x8 wheel i would stick with a 235/40. Even on a 235 if you run an auto cross type tire you may have some rubbing going that low, but can probably fix it with a fender roll or more camber.
Craig4g63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-25-2023, 03:35 PM   #16
Oscar H
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 532959
Join Date: Jan 2023
Vehicle:
2002 Wrx

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Craig4g63 View Post
Is there a specific tire you are looking to use?

Reason i ask is that some tires run wide to very wide for their stated size, especially the auto cross tires.

On a 17x8 wheel i would stick with a 235/40. Even on a 235 if you run an auto cross type tire you may have some rubbing going that low, but can probably fix it with a fender roll or more camber.


Looking more for a summer tire , but if we are talking about brands Toyo Proxes sport in 235/40s because that’s the only company that has that size tirerack.com , possibly Michelin pilot sport 4s or falken Azenis FK510s


Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC
Oscar H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-25-2023, 10:29 PM   #17
Craig4g63
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 217175
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Columbus, OH
Vehicle:
2003 WRX
WRB

Default

All 3 of those should be fine in 235. The Falken I believe is the widest. I only have personal experience with the Michelin, it's a good tire, but expensive.
Craig4g63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2023, 06:55 AM   #18
Unabomber
Big Ron
Super Moderator
 
Member#: 18062
Join Date: Apr 2002
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: I can save you a ton of cash
Vehicle:
on car parts so PM
me b4 j00 buy

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by REX_WGN View Post
I'm kind of jealous of you sedan guys. Us wagon owners are more limited but coilovers help.
But we have a wagon...
Unabomber is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2023, 10:11 AM   #19
Oscar H
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 532959
Join Date: Jan 2023
Vehicle:
2002 Wrx

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Craig4g63 View Post
All 3 of those should be fine in 235. The Falken I believe is the widest. I only have personal experience with the Michelin, it's a good tire, but expensive.


I’d go with the Michelin pilot sport 4s if they have it in 235/40/17s which they don’t , if I end up going with 245/40s or 225/45 I will definitely go with the PS4s as they are available in those sizes , im starting to like the 245/40s as they are really close the stock diameter . Stock being 25” and 245/40 being 24.7” while the 235/40 is a bit smaller at 24.4”


Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC
Oscar H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2023, 10:57 AM   #20
REX_WGN
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 107618
Join Date: Feb 2006
Chapter/Region: Tri-State
Location: NY
Vehicle:
06 GG WRX / 09 FXT
@florencedestinedfxt

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Unabomber View Post
But we have a wagon...
indeed we do
REX_WGN is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2023, 11:14 AM   #21
Craig4g63
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 217175
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Columbus, OH
Vehicle:
2003 WRX
WRB

Default

I'm currently running the Michelin Pilot Sport 4s 245/40 on a 17x9 (Mach V Awesome). I've rolled the rear and still get a little rubbing on large bumps. I've only dropped it about .5 inches in the rear. I'm not running much camber in the rear so a little more camber should fix that. Your different wheel will change the profile of the tire a little so you may be okay with just rolling the rear, but most recommend a wider wheel to go with a 245.
Craig4g63 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2023, 12:26 PM   #22
Oscar H
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 532959
Join Date: Jan 2023
Vehicle:
2002 Wrx

Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Craig4g63 View Post
I'm currently running the Michelin Pilot Sport 4s 245/40 on a 17x9 (Mach V Awesome). I've rolled the rear and still get a little rubbing on large bumps. I've only dropped it about .5 inches in the rear. I'm not running much camber in the rear so a little more camber should fix that. Your different wheel will change the profile of the tire a little so you may be okay with just rolling the rear, but most recommend a wider wheel to go with a 245.


Ok got it , 235 it is , would you by chance have a picture of your car ? I’d like to see how those 245s look on those 17x9s


Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC
Oscar H is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-19-2023, 12:22 PM   #23
HwkeyeWgn
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 530808
Join Date: Jul 2022
Default

235/40/17 would be good.
HwkeyeWgn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-10-2023, 10:30 AM   #24
cmiovino
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 134005
Join Date: Dec 2006
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Vehicle:
2004 WRX Premium
PSM

Default

You're missing the two main specs that determine rubbing. Wheel offset and if you have struts or coilovers.

Wheel offset is going to make a huge difference if you're running +35 or +53 like many OEM Subaru wheels. Coilovers open up the inside a bit by about an inch or so... which is huge in the rear.

If you don't want to rub at all and have something like OEMish +53 offset wheels with struts, 225/45/17 always works. I know you can't fit a 245/40/17 with a +53.

For street use, 225's are plenty.
cmiovino is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-10-2023, 10:30 AM   #25
cmiovino
Scooby Guru
 
Member#: 134005
Join Date: Dec 2006
Chapter/Region: MAIC
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Vehicle:
2004 WRX Premium
PSM

Default

You're missing the two main specs that determine rubbing. Wheel offset and if you have struts or coilovers.

Wheel offset is going to make a huge difference if you're running +35 or +53 like many OEM Subaru wheels. Coilovers open up the inside a bit by about an inch or so... which is huge in the rear.

If you don't want to rub at all and have something like OEMish +53 offset wheels with struts, 225/45/17 always works. I know you can't fit a 245/40/17 with a +53.

For street use, 225's are plenty.
cmiovino is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 09:53 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.0
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Powered by Searchlight © 2024 Axivo Inc.
Copyright ©1999 - 2019, North American Subaru Impreza Owners Club, Inc.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission
Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.