Hey guys, need some advice on what to get in terms of wheels and tires for my Forester XT (FXT). I’m looking to race in my local autox events, 've only raced 3 times before so I'm a newbie, but I want to get a set of dedicated autox wheels and tires. I was thinking about getting a set of Rota subzeros and some Falken Azenis Sports (225/45-17 stock is 215/60-16). While going to this tire size will make my speedo and millage off it doesn’t bother me too much because they will only be used for autox. Do you think the Rota’s and Azenis will work fine, seems like a good price/feature combination, or are there better options?
Thanks,
--Mark

I have run both stock wheels with 215/45/16 and Rota Attacks with 225/45/17 Azenis (not sure on the sidewall on the 17s) on my FXT with good luck. They're not R-compound but they're way better than stock. :) I also have JIC coilovers so YMMV.
-E

Rota's are popular because they are cheap. I have seen several fail catastrophically at autocross events over the past few seasons and would not bother with them. Spend some more money and get something that will not fall apart.

Originally posted by MonoSki
Rota's are popular because they are cheap. I have seen several fail catastrophically at autocross events over the past few seasons and would not bother with them. Spend some more money and get something that will not fall apart.

Yeah a few out of the millions of sets of rota made wheels :rolleyes:

Wow... There's always that guy isn't there? :rolleyes:
Nice of you to answer his question. :p

Originally posted by Soontobe
Yeah a few out of the millions of sets of rota made wheels :rolleyes:

Millions

:lol:

Well, from your post I guess you have or want Rota's. Fine with me. LY we had two failures at one event... The second one resulted in the loss of a 2 inch diameter tree as the driver lost control when the rim became a two - separate- piece rim....

Your call.

I've autox'd my Forester on 225/50-16s and the gearing is a tad short - not bad, just not ideal. The best tire diameter is probably something closer to stock. I think the Falken Azenis 245/45-17s would be ideal and are a little smaller than the stock diameter. I'm pretty such they'll fit, too.

- Steve

I would like to do the 245/45-17 but I've heard that there maybe rubbing issues. I don't think anyone has tried it yet.
So from the people who have posted it sounds like the Rota's and the azenis should be ok. Are there any differences in quality between the Rota's or all just looks?
--Mark

Hey Mark, where were you last weekend? You missed the TVR autocross.

Are the Forester wheel wells the same size as the WRX? Lots of WRX/STi guys running 245's, so I am assuming that would work, especially with the greater ride height. What class are you planning to run in?

The only ROTA wheel I've ever heard of breaking is the Subzero.





-Matt

Another good option is to pick up a set of used 98-01 2.5 RS wheels. They're 16x7 with a +53 offset. 16" Azenis Sports should cost less than 17" too.

There are good deals to be had on those wheels. I've bought two sets now, one for about $375 the other for $250. The $250 set were in great shape too.

Thanks for all the info guys! I ended up ordiner my subzero's last week (I hadn't seen Matt's post, oh well I hope they last). I'm gonna make a quick measurement and see if it looks like the 245 will fit before I order.
Grintch, I was out of town last week but I will be at the race on May 16th! I think I have to be in ESP because of my mods (short shifter).
--Mark

Well if the Subzeros do break, I hear ROTA is very good about giving replacement wheels.



If it makes you feel better, my friend that I Auto-x with has Subzero's on his WRX and he hasn't had any issues. I think the wheel breakings were just isolated incidents and they've most likely been addressed in current batches of wheels.

-Matt

Would you qualify for STS? Let you avoid the guys with the R compound tires. I ran A Stock last time and got a only one who showed up trophy. But the guys with the racing tires were kicking my butt (top B, C, and even I think D stock guy beat me). The guy with the White Talon (from driving school) ran ESP on the 25th with a couple of friends. STU was empty so I will likely be running ESP next time (I WAS faster than the street tired Talon).

See you on the 16th.

Bruce

i ran my 225's falkens on my volks, and they did rub and they are all toasted up now lol brand new tires :( my wrx isn't a well set out auto cross car . but i still took first in my class my first time out

Well I ordered the 225/45ZR 17 Falken Azenis sports. It didn't look like I would have the room for the 245's.
Your 225 rubbed on your WRX? I thought that was the stock size for a WRX.
--Mark

Originally posted by Cobreth
The only ROTA wheel I've ever heard of breaking is the Subzero.





-Matt
Attacks have also broken. And in the case down here rota paid for a new set of wheels, and all other damages.

they rubbed when i auto-x'ed her but i have flex's dumped (probly not the best ride height for racing) but it looks nice lol. yea tons of rub. and they look like a member of the mob came out with a blow torch and man handled them. they will not last long if you drive like a crazy man.