i know at the scca nationals that most all sti's were running on 285's all around. the only thing i am unclear about is what wheels they are putting them on? i'm also aware that some people are using 17x8 svt cobra wheels, but i was curious if 17x9's would cause any problem?

You need to be more specific, you can put 20 inch wide wheels on there if you want to but theres going to be some modification involved.

There was only 1 STi on 285s and they were on 18x10.5s

We will probably be on 17x11s next year.

-Tom

There was only 1 STi on 285s and they were on 18x10.5s

We will probably be on 17x11s next year.

-Tom
Will you have rear fenders? Or just heavily massaged fenders?

Stock rear fenders.

-Tom

I really dont see how thats going to happen without the rear looking like a neon. But Ill stay tuned to see how it goes.

The tires will stick out from the wheel well, but the spring rates will keep the tire off the fender. I ran 275/45/16 tires last year on my WRX with about a +35 offset rim and the tires only barely stuck out from the fenders. If Tom is using an 05 STI I would guess 275 or 285 would only barely stick out. 17x11 sounds more like 295/40/17 to me though.

He was talking about 315s earlier I believe. And the 275/45/16s are pretty sort, a 295/40/17 is going to be pretty tall in comparison.

We're not sure on the 04 or 05 Sti yet. We are looking at 30-35 offset 17x11s and 315/35/17. Also, the 315/35/17 is 0.2% shorter then a 275/45/16 ;)

-Tom
disclaimer - "professional driver, closed course, do not try to duplicate"

I was just going by tire racks hoosier measurments of 275/45/16 24.5in 315/35/17 25.6in which is over an inch taller. Are you sure you arent thinking of 275/45/17s? I havent checked an 05s fender yet, are they basically rolled from the fatory?

I can see you getting them in there it just requires the rear to be a bit higher. Im expirementing with rear ride heights right now on my STU sti and my rears are currently tucked while the car is parked so this whole stick out from the fender thing is a bit foriegn to me right now :lol:

1) You're looking at the 245/45/16 and not the 275/45/16
or
2) Typo

Hoosier's site shows the 275/45/16 @ 25.3 and the Kumho V710 315/35/17 is listed at Kumho's site @ 25.3 as well.

My tire calc lists the 275/45/16 @ 25.7 and the 315/35/17 @ 25.6 So for all intensive purposes they are the same.

-Tom

The 05 fenders are basically rolled from the factory. The thing is, either of these tires will stick out past the fender on either car so the year is a mute point for me.

-Tom

I dont know what I was looking at sorry :lol:

i had heard that the fenders were basically rolled from the factory on the new sti so bigger tires could get under there. so would i be able to put on 17x9 275 or 285 all around without making any modifications? i just want to slap them on and go for the track.

Depending on your suspension, ride height, wheel offset, etc etc, the 17x9 with 275s should fit just fine.

-Tom

Depends if it sticks out from the fender on whatever wheels you have. If it doesnt thne yes, if it does then you are going to need spring rates capeable of keeping the fender off the tire.

so with an 05 sti in complete stock form not altering anthing on the car at all modification wise, i would not be able to fit 275's on 17x9 on it?

I'll tell you this much. Totally stock a 275/40/17 on the stock 17x7.5" wheels fits perfectly fine on the front. On the rear, the 52 offset wheel does not allow it to fit, as it hits the strut.

If it was me, I would use a 45ish offset wheel and give it a try :)

-Tom

I dont think anyone can say for sure. It depends on the wheels and tires.

Edit: Again a min behind :furious: Why cant you delete your post anymore?

so if i end up having to change the offset in the rear in order to get these wheels in there, will i run into problems with warranty issues?

What spring rates would be sufficient to keep the fender off the tire?