18x8.5 Rota grids on 03 Wagon

[Colbc]

I am a nervous Nelly about rubbing. I have stock suspension and am not planning on lowering the car in the next year or so (maybe some Koni inserts and RCE springs in a couple of years).

I did a search, but am still nervous about purchasing the following wheels for my 03 WRX Wagon:

Rota Grids 5x100 18x8.5 +44 either gold or hyperblack
(From the FAQ, this is the correct offset for my WRX)

I will probably wrap them in
Continental Extreme Contact DWS 225/40 ZR18 tires.

Is there a different tire size I should consider?

Will this setup cause rubbing? If it does rub, will rolling the fenders stop the rubbing or does it require camber?

The calculator from the Unabomber's FAQ tells me it will be close.

Pics of your Wagon and experiences are welcome.

Thanks.

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[specialedd5]

You should be fine. i just ordered a set of XXR 522 17x9 for my 03 wagon. im sitting on Tein Basis coil overs all the way down and i'm fine. you should be good with the size you're going with, especially if you aren't going to lower it anytime soon.

[sc00by4life]

Originally Posted by specialedd5

You should be fine. i just ordered a set of XXR 522 17x9 for my 03 wagon. im sitting on Tein Basis coil overs all the way down and i'm fine. you should be good with the size you're going with, especially if you aren't going to lower it anytime soon.

This post really means nothing without offset and tire size.

There is no real way to properly fit most 9" wheels with proper tires without some form of fender modification, especially when lowered.

[emazz104]

It will be close, I have 18x8 +48mn wheels with 225/40-18 tires on my 06 wagon and it's close. It's also lowered an inch though.
I don't think the wheels would fit without a slight roll. Especially if you lower it in the future.

[Hold_Fast]

Like others said, close. I'm running 18x8 +45 with 245/35/18 (autox setup) on my 04 wagon. I can still fit a finger between the wheel/tire and the strut. Running -2.5* front and -1.5* rear camber.

I would definitely recommend a roll in the rear.

[Colbc]

Thanks everyone. I will search about fender rolling. I'm curious what happens to the plastic lip liner that goes around the wheel wells when you roll. How does that effect rust resistance long term?

More work to do.

Cheers.

[sc00by4life]

Originally Posted by Colbc

Thanks everyone. I will search about fender rolling. I'm curious what happens to the plastic lip liner that goes around the wheel wells when you roll. How does that effect rust resistance long term?

More work to do.

Cheers.

Rubber piece comes off.

If the paint cracks (if it happens, it typically happens on the inside of the fender), just sand and seal with some primer. You'll never see it from the outside.

[Colbc]

Originally Posted by sc00by4life

Rubber piece comes off.

If the paint cracks (if it happens, it typically happens on the inside of the fender), just sand and seal with some primer. You'll never see it from the outside.

Got it. I'll probably have it done at a body shop since I'm not patient enough with a heat gun and would lead to this...