Should I buy 17" or 18" rims?

[lokey]

17x8, +45

[lokey]

Enkei Racing PF01 Black Painted

[zax]

Smallest diameter wheels that will clear your brakes IMO.

For me that happens to be 17", but IIRC 16s will clear all stock WRX brakes.

[Mikie13]

Smallest diameter wheels that will clear your brakes IMO.

For me that happens to be 17", but IIRC 16s will clear all stock WRX brakes.

Just wondering why you say that though. I'd think a 17in overall is best for our cars period. You get a smaller sidewall to have minimum flex and better handling characteristics with , yet enough sidewall to absorb impact. You're also on the lower end of the spectrum of wheel weight and cost.

[zax]

Just wondering why you say that though. I'd think a 17in overall is best for our cars period. You get a smaller sidewall to have minimum flex and better handling characteristics with , yet enough sidewall to absorb impact. You're also on the lower end of the spectrum of wheel weight and cost.

I don't recall the member that previously posted the stats (SD_GR perhaps?), but a link to a reputable site revealed that a 225/50/16 tire had only a negligible increase in sidewall flex compared to a 225/35/18 tire with a lighter weight on a similar wheel design.

Personally, I like the idea of a 225/45/16 tire on a Subaru, since you effectively gear the car up putting less stress on the drivetrain.

[twister8008]

17" winters (Blizzaks) on my STI. I had 16" winters on my WRX.

[Rummie]

For me the difference between 17s and 18s has always been felt in my spine. Does the ride feel like crap? Must be 18s or up. But I am old. I remember reading somewhere on the interwebs a detailed article about sidewall stresses and the misconception that thinner walls mean better handling (diminished returns) I just cant find it now. I guess if you are tracking the car you might actually feel the stability difference, however, in a DD it seems to be a lot of folks are justifying their aesthetic choice.

That being said I have seen many good looking 18 setups but I have never felt a good 18 setup.

[Rummie]

Double post.