Confirmed 225/45-17" tires that fit lowered WRX Wagon

omahasubaru · 02-18-2003, 09:35 AM

Alright guys... this is long over due.

Many have lowered their wagons and some have had rubbing issues in the rear when lowered and with 225/45-17" tires on either the Rota +48 offset 17x7.5" wheels as well as others.

We need to start a thread where everyone can post the following information as to help all future WRX Wagon owners

Post the following

1) The lowered suspension set-up you chose (actual drop if available)
2) The wheels you chose (size & offset).
3) Your Tire brand and model (confirm that they are 225/45-17).
4) Any modifications made to prevent rubbing?
5) Are you rubbing??? (yes or no)

Jon

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

Luke@tirerack · 02-18-2003, 10:52 AM

the 2 wagons here use 225's and do not rub ....

SSR comp wheels 17x7.5 50mm offset

omahasubaru · 02-18-2003, 11:01 AM

Which brand/model tires?

IIRC the offset on those wells is 50 or higher which is best for the scoobies... it's when you go +48 or lower that some have had issues.

I know from talking with you that the 225/45-17 Bridgestone RE730's should fit without any problem... what other brands/models have you had work?

How much lower than stock are these wagons as well?

Thanks Luke,

Jon

Rojorex · 02-18-2003, 11:08 AM

1) The suspension set-up you choose (actual drop if available)
MRT/Whiteline 30mm springs on stock suspension.

2) The wheels you choose (size & offset).
18x7.5 Prodrive P1 (+53)

3) Your Tire brand and model (confirm that they are 225/45-17).
Currently: 225/40-18 Toyo FZ4

4) Any modifications made to prevent rubbing?
No.

5) Are you rubbing??? (yes or no)
Never--not even with a full car consisting of three other adults and the rear full of luggage.

omahasubaru · 02-18-2003, 12:32 PM

Here are some other testimonies that I've found while searching... Seems (as we all knew/suspected) that the lower offset wheels may be more of the culprit to the rubbing.

Quote:

Originally posted by GravelRash
Lots (!) of fit variables here...
- Not all "215" (or any nominal size) tires are the same actual width when mounted on a given wheel size. There can be a surprising difference between brands/models.
- Wheel offset has everything to do with clearance - or lack thereof.
- And of course lowering changes the available inner fender clearance everywhere.

My own example: '02 wagon, stock suspension except for sedan rear bar. I have Prodrive P1 17x7 - which are 53mm offset - and run Michelin Pilot Sport 225/45x17. I've never had a hint of rubbing - including multiple RallyX. Which should pretty much cover the wheel travel issue

And of course if you change anything then YMMV

Btw, thanks to those posting tire pressures - and the background on how they were selected!

Quote:

Originally posted by wrxsvt
Awhile back a guy posted he was selling his Rota Battles with that size Azenis on them off of his wagon. He said there were no rubbing issues. For what it's worth, I ordered a set of P7s with 225/45 Yoko AVS ES100s for my wagon, and Tirerack guaranteed they wouldn't rub. Seems like you should be okay, and if it did rub Luke (at the Tirerack) said a fender roll that any body shop could do for $30 or so would definitely take care of it. Hope that helps.

Quote:

Originally posted by mav1c
I had the Azenis on Subzeros and their was rubbing in the rear once I lowered the car. I think you should be fine at stock height though.

Quote:

Originally posted by MNbiker
You should be fine w/Azenis 225/45-17 & Rota wheels, as long as you're running stock height.

1. If you lower the car, you WILL need to roll the fenders (spoken from experience).

2. If you put a couple fat friends & some cargo in the back, you will likely rub, if you push hard around corners, even at stock height.

-Steve

Quote:

Originally posted by mav1c
I had my fenders rolled when I had rubbing with 225/45/17 Falken Azenis on 17x7.5 +48mm Rotas. Now I don't have to worry about what tire I run, and I could probably even go up to a 235 series tire. You'll be glad you did it in the long run because it opens up more options for tires and wheels, without worry about rubbing.

Thanks - Jon

wrxsvt · 02-18-2003, 07:56 PM

Bump for an indeed long overdue thread! I'm the guy with P7s and Yoko ES100s on the way, whenever those ES100s decide to show up at the Tirerack. From the sound of things I'll have no trouble, but I'll post here after thorough testing.

Todd Stratton out of Colorado has had some informative posts on wagon suspensions and just got Prodrive springs recently, and I believe he'll be running 225/45s once winter is over. One more potential source anyway.

Luke, what exact tires are the Tirerack guys running on their SSR rims? And are their wagons lowered?

WRX-U · 02-18-2003, 08:38 PM

....225/45-17's on my wagon for ever, the suspension is GC adjustables and I haven't had any rubbing even when I slam it ( 3" drop) with rota's 48 offset. I did have to roll the fenders with my 18's 225/40-18 but it wasn't even very nesasary<spelling>, and those are 45 offset.

~B

WRC-Go · 02-19-2003, 08:05 AM

03 Wagon - stock except rear sway and exhaust.
Not lowered.
Prodrive P1 17X7 with Kumho Ecsta 712 in 225-45-17 size.
No apparent rubbing (how would you know?) with four passengers and a load of groceries in the rear.

No autocross yet, but I drive quickly on the twisties.

omahasubaru · 02-19-2003, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by WRX-U
....225/45-17's on my wagon for ever, the suspension is GC adjustables and I haven't had any rubbing even when I slam it ( 3" drop) with rota's 48 offset. I did have to roll the fenders with my 18's 225/40-18 but it wasn't even very nesasary<spelling>, and those are 45 offset.

~B

Please list tire brand & model

Quote:

Originally posted by WRC-Go
03 Wagon - stock except rear sway and exhaust.
Not lowered.
Prodrive P1 17X7 with Kumho Ecsta 712 in 225-45-17 size.
No apparent rubbing (how would you know?) with four passengers and a load of groceries in the rear. No autocross yet, but I drive quickly on the twisties.

Let's keep this on topic, it is for those with lowered cars. 4 passengers although will lower the car, won't be a good enough test as most with lowered wagons will have had experiences with the same amount of people/groceries.

Thanks - Jon

omahasubaru · 02-24-2003, 10:42 AM

That's it? No other responses?

Come on guys.

STurn · 02-24-2003, 03:31 PM

I have an 02 wagon full STI setup (struts, springs, control arms, ect.), Rota SubZero's 17x7.5 and Toyo Proxes T1-S 225-45R17 tires. They rub very slightly on the front fender liners at full streering lock.

mojo · 02-24-2003, 11:37 PM

2002 WRX wagon, 17x7 OZ SLs, +48 offset, 225/45/17 SO3s, full SPT suspension (struts, springs, rear trailing/lateral control arms, bushings). No rubbing front or back hard driving with 2 persons. No rubbing 4 persons moderate driving. Whoo, Hoo, first post.

John

KC · 02-25-2003, 08:02 AM

1) The suspension set-up you choose (actual drop if available)
DMS 40 (Recommended drop... not much)

2) The wheels you choose (size & offset).
1st Set: Rota Sub Zero 17" x 7.5" +48
2nd Set: Rota Attack 17 x 7.5" +48

3) Your Tire brand and model (confirm that they are 225/45-17).
Falken Azenis 225/45/17 on both

4) Any modifications made to prevent rubbing?
None

5) Are you rubbing??? (yes or no)
a) Under full lock on hard cornering, very little rubbing on the front struts.
b) Full car, 3 passengers and a driver. Hit a hard bump will have the rubber hit the rear strut with a 'squeak'. Again, nothing to be concerned about. (IMHO)

omahasubaru · 02-25-2003, 09:33 AM

Keep the info coming guys....

omahasubaru · 02-27-2003, 09:40 AM

anyone else?

I will be testing some Rota Tarmacs with 225/45-17 Falken Azenis on a Prodrive spring equipped WRX wagon next month. I plan to thrash it in some tight and high speed turns... hopefully I'll find out some good news. I'd be willing to guess they are the widest 225/45-17 tire out there right now.

Thanks - Jon

omahasubaru · 03-04-2003, 01:23 PM

I'm surprised at the lack of response in this thread... is this information not of use to others?

Zman · 03-04-2003, 01:53 PM

Stock suspension - 225/45/17 Pilot Sport A/S on P7's no rubbing - great tire! - Zman

Bolster · 03-04-2003, 10:23 PM

My new setup: 225/45 17's on 17x7.5" wheels lowered .5" with GC's- no rubbage so far. Next week is a track event, so I'll post a followup if you guys want one. -Bolster

Arnie · 03-04-2003, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by omahasubaru
I'm surprised at the lack of response in this thread... is this information not of use to others?

its very useful actually! Great thread! Its just most are probably running 215/45-17's. I will be getting T1-S's in a couple of weeks. 225/45-17 on my STI Genome suspension (about 3/4" drop) and Rota Tarmacs (17 x 7.5, ET48). I'll post then if there is any rubbage.

RedSled · 03-05-2003, 08:44 AM

I had the Tarmacs w/225/45/17 Kuhmo 712s, no rubbing...

I also had the Battles w/225/45/17 Azenis, light rubbing...

Both were +48 offset, and the wagon is stock except rear sway and endlinks...

omahasubaru · 03-05-2003, 11:04 AM

I appreciate the info from the guys on stock suspension.. but as the subject says this is more focused towards lowered wagons... Rubbing is more prone to the lowered cars (obviously).. If possible to keep this post fuller of useful testimonys... lets keep it to lowered '02-> wrx/ts wagons.

Thanks - Jon

palaban · 03-21-2003, 02:32 AM

bump

omahasubaru · 03-21-2003, 08:33 AM

I chickened out and got 215/45-17's.

Arnie · 03-21-2003, 12:52 PM

What brand/model? What suspension are you planning on running?

wrxsvt · 03-21-2003, 04:36 PM

Well, since Omaha chickened out and made his skinny little 215-width tire purchase

, let's DO keep this thread going for both stock and lowered wagons. It seems that certain wheel and 225-width tire combos DO rub even on stock wagons, and that info is useful to me and no dobut a few others out there. I'm STILL waiting for my 225/45 ES100s to come in (since late January) and be mounted on my P7s and shipped. I may not wait much longer though, and try something else. I'll be helping a friend with a wagon install P7s with Eagle F1 GS-D3s on his car this weekend that are 225/45, so I'll report back on that even though I assume they won't be rubbing.

So basically, I'm hijacking this thread and would like to continue hearing about rubbing issues (or no rubbing issues) from folks that have 225/45 tires on their wagons with ALL types of suspension including stock. Thus far, from what I have read, the following are true statements regarding stock-height wagons:

- With an offset of 50 or greater and a 7" wide wheel, there appear to be NO rubbing issues on a stock wagon regardless of tire, although I haven't seen a post of anyone running Falken Azenis on a 7" wide wheel with an offset of 50 or more.

- Falkens seem to be the 'widest' 225 tire

- Falkens will rub with a 48 offset, 7.5" wheel, though the rubbing is minor

- Lots of guys with wagons run Falkens.

Please feel free to confirm or deny any of the above and add your own experiences. . . .

Phil

02-18-2003, 09:35 AM	#1
omahasubaru Scooby Guru Member#: 1594 Join Date: Jun 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Gretna, NE Vehicle: 1995 WRX 2002 Legacy	Confirmed 225/45-17" tires that fit lowered WRX Wagon Alright guys... this is long over due. Many have lowered their wagons and some have had rubbing issues in the rear when lowered and with 225/45-17" tires on either the Rota +48 offset 17x7.5" wheels as well as others. We need to start a thread where everyone can post the following information as to help all future WRX Wagon owners Post the following 1) The lowered suspension set-up you chose (actual drop if available) 2) The wheels you chose (size & offset). 3) Your Tire brand and model (confirm that they are 225/45-17). 4) Any modifications made to prevent rubbing? 5) Are you rubbing??? (yes or no) Jon * Registered users of the site do not see these ads. Last edited by omahasubaru; 03-28-2003 at 08:48 AM.

02-18-2003, 08:38 PM	#7
WRX-U Scooby Specialist Member#: 8555 Join Date: Jul 2001 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Lurkin	I've been running... ....225/45-17's on my wagon for ever, the suspension is GC adjustables and I haven't had any rubbing even when I slam it ( 3" drop) with rota's 48 offset. I did have to roll the fenders with my 18's 225/40-18 but it wasn't even very nesasary<spelling>, and those are 45 offset. ~B

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02-18-2003, 10:52 AM	#2
Luke@tirerack Tire Rack Moderator Member#: 1215 Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: The Tire Rack Vehicle: 800 -428-8355 ext. 4362	the 2 wagons here use 225's and do not rub .... SSR comp wheels 17x7.5 50mm offset

02-18-2003, 11:01 AM	#3
omahasubaru Scooby Guru Member#: 1594 Join Date: Jun 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Gretna, NE Vehicle: 1995 WRX 2002 Legacy	Which brand/model tires? IIRC the offset on those wells is 50 or higher which is best for the scoobies... it's when you go +48 or lower that some have had issues. I know from talking with you that the 225/45-17 Bridgestone RE730's should fit without any problem... what other brands/models have you had work? How much lower than stock are these wagons as well? Thanks Luke, Jon

02-18-2003, 11:08 AM	#4
Rojorex Scooby Specialist Member#: 19687 Join Date: Jun 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Location: Baltimore, MD Vehicle: '02 WRB WRX Non-sedan	1) The suspension set-up you choose (actual drop if available) MRT/Whiteline 30mm springs on stock suspension. 2) The wheels you choose (size & offset). 18x7.5 Prodrive P1 (+53) 3) Your Tire brand and model (confirm that they are 225/45-17). Currently: 225/40-18 Toyo FZ4 4) Any modifications made to prevent rubbing? No. 5) Are you rubbing??? (yes or no) Never--not even with a full car consisting of three other adults and the rear full of luggage.

02-18-2003, 07:56 PM	#6
wrxsvt Scooby Newbie Member#: 2981 Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Shawnee, KS (KC)	Bump for an indeed long overdue thread! I'm the guy with P7s and Yoko ES100s on the way, whenever those ES100s decide to show up at the Tirerack. From the sound of things I'll have no trouble, but I'll post here after thorough testing. Todd Stratton out of Colorado has had some informative posts on wagon suspensions and just got Prodrive springs recently, and I believe he'll be running 225/45s once winter is over. One more potential source anyway. Luke, what exact tires are the Tirerack guys running on their SSR rims? And are their wagons lowered?

02-19-2003, 08:05 AM	#8
WRC-Go Scooby Newbie Member#: 29917 Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Appalachian Mountains VA Vehicle: 2003 WRXWgn-WRB sold EVO IX-MR, 98 Viper	03 Wagon - stock except rear sway and exhaust. Not lowered. Prodrive P1 17X7 with Kumho Ecsta 712 in 225-45-17 size. No apparent rubbing (how would you know?) with four passengers and a load of groceries in the rear. No autocross yet, but I drive quickly on the twisties.

02-24-2003, 10:42 AM	#10
omahasubaru Scooby Guru Member#: 1594 Join Date: Jun 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Gretna, NE Vehicle: 1995 WRX 2002 Legacy	That's it? No other responses? Come on guys.

02-24-2003, 03:31 PM	#11
STurn Scooby Newbie Member#: 5192 Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: TN, USA Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon Aspen White	I have an 02 wagon full STI setup (struts, springs, control arms, ect.), Rota SubZero's 17x7.5 and Toyo Proxes T1-S 225-45R17 tires. They rub very slightly on the front fender liners at full streering lock.

02-24-2003, 11:37 PM	#12
mojo Scooby Newbie Member#: 25391 Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: SF, CA Vehicle: 2002 WRX Wagon Silver	2002 WRX wagon, 17x7 OZ SLs, +48 offset, 225/45/17 SO3s, full SPT suspension (struts, springs, rear trailing/lateral control arms, bushings). No rubbing front or back hard driving with 2 persons. No rubbing 4 persons moderate driving. Whoo, Hoo, first post. John

02-25-2003, 08:02 AM	#13
KC Scooby Guru Member#: 442 Join Date: Oct 1999 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: SE Mass/RI Vehicle: 2013 Crosstrek XV 00 Honda S2000	1) The suspension set-up you choose (actual drop if available) DMS 40 (Recommended drop... not much) 2) The wheels you choose (size & offset). 1st Set: Rota Sub Zero 17" x 7.5" +48 2nd Set: Rota Attack 17 x 7.5" +48 3) Your Tire brand and model (confirm that they are 225/45-17). Falken Azenis 225/45/17 on both 4) Any modifications made to prevent rubbing? None 5) Are you rubbing??? (yes or no) a) Under full lock on hard cornering, very little rubbing on the front struts. b) Full car, 3 passengers and a driver. Hit a hard bump will have the rubber hit the rear strut with a 'squeak'. Again, nothing to be concerned about. (IMHO)

02-25-2003, 09:33 AM	#14
omahasubaru Scooby Guru Member#: 1594 Join Date: Jun 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Gretna, NE Vehicle: 1995 WRX 2002 Legacy	Keep the info coming guys....

02-27-2003, 09:40 AM	#15
omahasubaru Scooby Guru Member#: 1594 Join Date: Jun 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Gretna, NE Vehicle: 1995 WRX 2002 Legacy	anyone else? I will be testing some Rota Tarmacs with 225/45-17 Falken Azenis on a Prodrive spring equipped WRX wagon next month. I plan to thrash it in some tight and high speed turns... hopefully I'll find out some good news. I'd be willing to guess they are the widest 225/45-17 tire out there right now. Thanks - Jon

03-04-2003, 01:23 PM	#16
omahasubaru Scooby Guru Member#: 1594 Join Date: Jun 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Gretna, NE Vehicle: 1995 WRX 2002 Legacy	I'm surprised at the lack of response in this thread... is this information not of use to others?

03-04-2003, 01:53 PM	#17
Zman * Banned * Member#: 26460 Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Bay Area, CA Vehicle: 2003 WRX Wagon Silver	Stock suspension - 225/45/17 Pilot Sport A/S on P7's no rubbing - great tire! - Zman

03-04-2003, 10:23 PM	#18
Bolster Scooby Specialist Member#: 22290 Join Date: Aug 2002 Chapter/Region: MAIC Vehicle: 2002 WRB WRX Wagon	My new setup: 225/45 17's on 17x7.5" wheels lowered .5" with GC's- no rubbage so far. Next week is a track event, so I'll post a followup if you guys want one. -Bolster

03-05-2003, 08:44 AM	#20
RedSled Scooby Newbie Member#: 12125 Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Manassas, VA Vehicle: 2002 WRX Sport Wagon Sedona Red Pearl	I had the Tarmacs w/225/45/17 Kuhmo 712s, no rubbing... I also had the Battles w/225/45/17 Azenis, light rubbing... Both were +48 offset, and the wagon is stock except rear sway and endlinks...

03-05-2003, 11:04 AM	#21
omahasubaru Scooby Guru Member#: 1594 Join Date: Jun 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Gretna, NE Vehicle: 1995 WRX 2002 Legacy	I appreciate the info from the guys on stock suspension.. but as the subject says this is more focused towards lowered wagons... Rubbing is more prone to the lowered cars (obviously).. If possible to keep this post fuller of useful testimonys... lets keep it to lowered '02-> wrx/ts wagons. Thanks - Jon

03-21-2003, 02:32 AM	#22
palaban Scooby Newbie Member#: 16691 Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pacquiao ownz joo!	bump

03-21-2003, 08:33 AM	#23
omahasubaru Scooby Guru Member#: 1594 Join Date: Jun 2000 Chapter/Region: MWSOC Location: Gretna, NE Vehicle: 1995 WRX 2002 Legacy	I chickened out and got 215/45-17's.

03-21-2003, 12:52 PM	#24
Arnie Scooby Guru Member#: 1725 Join Date: Jun 2000 Chapter/Region: International Location: Germany Vehicle: 99 Subaru Impreza GF silver	What brand/model? What suspension are you planning on running?

03-21-2003, 04:36 PM	#25
wrxsvt Scooby Newbie Member#: 2981 Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Shawnee, KS (KC)	Well, since Omaha chickened out and made his skinny little 215-width tire purchase , let's DO keep this thread going for both stock and lowered wagons. It seems that certain wheel and 225-width tire combos DO rub even on stock wagons, and that info is useful to me and no dobut a few others out there. I'm STILL waiting for my 225/45 ES100s to come in (since late January) and be mounted on my P7s and shipped. I may not wait much longer though, and try something else. I'll be helping a friend with a wagon install P7s with Eagle F1 GS-D3s on his car this weekend that are 225/45, so I'll report back on that even though I assume they won't be rubbing. So basically, I'm hijacking this thread and would like to continue hearing about rubbing issues (or no rubbing issues) from folks that have 225/45 tires on their wagons with ALL types of suspension including stock. Thus far, from what I have read, the following are true statements regarding stock-height wagons: - With an offset of 50 or greater and a 7" wide wheel, there appear to be NO rubbing issues on a stock wagon regardless of tire, although I haven't seen a post of anyone running Falken Azenis on a 7" wide wheel with an offset of 50 or more. - Falkens seem to be the 'widest' 225 tire - Falkens will rub with a 48 offset, 7.5" wheel, though the rubbing is minor - Lots of guys with wagons run Falkens. Please feel free to confirm or deny any of the above and add your own experiences. . . . Phil