I've been considering upgrading the wheels and tires on my 97 OBS. I was at the TireRack.com in their upgrade area and the site said that I could go as large as an 18" wheel (stock is 15"). Of course I would have to go with much lower profile tires; but that is the point. I'm looking for better performance.

 

I just wanted to know if any of you have put wheels this size on an impreza and what your results were. Is the ride umbearably harsh? Are there any limits to the width of the rim or the offset?. BTW, I have just replaced the struts with KYB AGX in front and GR2's in back. What a difference at 90K miles. Also installed beefed up rear sway bar and bushings. Handles better than new now. No more understeer.

i would not recomend 18".. your tires would just be like rubber bands+18"s weigh more! i would stick with 17"s or .... IMO i would go with a set of ROTA's. they have subaru specific sizing and most models are pretty light and a good price. http://www.machiii.net/Rota_wheels.html

 

FYI: look for 5x100 48mm offset

You benefit from less sidewall flex and better response with lower profile tires on larger diameter wheels. Another area of benefit/performance: consider the total weight of the new wheel and new tire versus the old. My opinion is that a lighter than the stock 15 inch tire/wheel in the 17inch size would be ideal for performance.

depending on how much you want to spend a really good alternative is getting a set of OEM WRX rims. I got a pair from a guy on I-Club for 250.00 wheels and tires

Thanks for the info. I am also curious about the max rimwidth and tire width (is 225 too wide) that I can put on the car without the tires rubbing the wheel wells.

7.5-8 are general widths on 17's. i can tell you right now that 215 will be your limit.