Just buy a 2011 it's already widebody

 

It’s my understanding that many “wide body” versions are also going wide body.

 

If you have the drive and the confidence, then go for it. Post pictures as you go, I want to watch the progress of you decide to go through with it.

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What's your definition of many? What's your definition of wide body? The plastic Rubbermaid fender flares are not wide body. They are fender flares. There is a distinct difference. A true wide body vehicle will not just have poked fenders and massively offset wheels. The entire chassis and suspension will be widened with steering and suspension systems moved and modified to work properly

 

Thanks for your feedback. I will take it that you are a no for any wide body kit or fender flare add on. I am leaning that way also. But, I have seen some well done vehicles with these kits. Many would be a stretch I guess. Let’s go with some.

 

I will take it that you are a no for any wide body kit or fender flare add on

I generally oppose the practice of purchasing a performance car and then neutering the performance with impractical visual modifications, yes.

 

How would it impact performance?

 

I'm afraid I can't give you an answer to this in 10 sentences or less.

The OEM suspension is a dynamical system designed around a particular geometry. "Deep dish wheels," spacers, and poor wheel offset hurt this dynamic relationship and lead to poor suspension performance.

 

It can so hamper cornering characteristics especially when on the brakes.

 

Are you talking about handling on the track? I found a good post that explains the relationship fairly well but I don’t know how accurate it is. the wheel spacer debate

 

Pretty accurate. It also misses the grossly poked wheels will cause the wheel to jerk to center in a corner often shoving the vehicle towards oncoming traffic, or a wall. It's bad news all around. You do you, but I won't go against my recommendation not to do it as I value performance over looks.

 

I’ve got an 09 hatch and considering a wide body kit or maybe just fender flares. Interested in feedback from those who have done it, or those who haven’t and just have an opinion. I have watched a bunch of videos on the work involved and I understand the cost. I’m getting ready to put a new coat of paint on her and would like to decide. It does bother me cutting into the car, but I don’t plan to sell and the guys on Throtl make it look so easy 😜

Regarding the detrimental impact to the cars suspension by going with wider tires or using wheel spacers, please be specific. Maybe a some type of case study or personal experience? I am not saying that altering the stock setup won't cause damage, but it would be nice to quantity this position. It is safe to say anytime we mod, it cost more money and may be detrimental in some way. BUT we know that going in right? A few images below. One thing I do not care for is the visible hardware. From what I have researched, this can be hidden by a very timely process of molding the kit on the car and blending with putty with the body panels. Very time consuming of course, but it looks better.

My car now, all stock exterior, not stock motor and suspension.

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Some images of widebody and fender flare both narrow body and wide.

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As a 2010 narrowbody owner I understand because the widebody allure is real. But as already mentioned, just get a 2011+. I'd think a WRB hatch being one of the more desirable colors and body style would make an easy sale.

 

The only problem with just buying what you want after the fact is that you may lose thousands of dollars in the process! Let me explain. I bought it last year for 10k w/ 80k no rust. I was 100% new to the subi turbo community. I spent over a year looking at all years. I wanted one with no rust under 100k and around $10k because I knew that I would be spending at least another $20k. Covid project? Since then, have spent $20k over the last year on a new motor, all the cool mods, suspension etc. Very fun by the way! I highly doubt that I could get more than $18k. This is not uncommon with cars and I’m not surprised or upset. I knew what I was getting into. I’m 53 and not borrowing money for this project. This is a pure fun car not my DD. That and I don’t dislike my car, I’m just interested in this trend I see at subiefest and on YouTube channels like throtl, guys like Bucky Lazek - wide body conversions are popular for all many cars, old and new. I also understand the purest mindset of stock. And I’m all about that for some vehicles, but I’ll be dead before my car is valuable stock. Anyone that understands paint, knows that you cannot beat a batch of paint sprayed out of the same gun at the same time. Before I repaint her, I want to decide wether to buy the flares or widebody kit and spray them separately for the best match.

 

Thanks for the explanation. Okay I get it. For what you have invested selling isn't an option. Plus this doesn't seem like the typical (or my) widebody envy. You're looking to make it your own.

My buddy sent me this link recently (fellow narrowbody owner suffering from envy):

FULL URBAN-R SET / WIDE BODY KIT SUBARU IMPREZA GH# 07-12

And I came across this looking for something else:

2008-2011 SUBARU IMPREZA 2008-2010 IMPREZA WRX 4DR 5DR DURAFLEX MSR FRONT FENDER FLARES - 4 PIECE

2008-2010 SUBARU IMPREZA 2008-2011 IMPREZA WRX 4DR 5DR DURAFLEX MSR SIDE SKIRTS - 2 PIECE

2008-2011 SUBARU IMPREZA 2008-2010 IMPREZA WRX 4DR 5DR DURAFLEX MSR REAR FENDER FLARES - 6 PIECE

 

Bushwhacker makes bstter flares

 

^^ If that is your goal, I want no part in this thread.

 

I wouldn’t say it’s my goal, but it’s a very unique build and an example of the wide body kit. I’m trying to learn and understand what’s out there. I’m an old guy, so this stuff is all new to me.

 

Hey! Not sure if you're still on here... If you are, have you went for any of the body kits?