A Guide on the 2002-2007 Subaru Impreza WRX's Wheel Fitment

Subaru is a Japanese automobile manufacturer that has been producing vehicles for over 60 years. The company is known for its rugged and reliable cars that handle various driving conditions. For this reason, Subaru has a loyal following of customers who appreciate the brand's commitment to quality and safety.

Among the many products in the Subaru Catalogue, the Impreza WRX remains the most popular. It has been produced since 1992, but the 2002-2007 model Subaru Impreza WRX is a performance-oriented version of the popular Impreza compact car. Known for its rally-inspired styling and turbocharged engine, the WRX quickly became a sought-after vehicle among car enthusiasts. Of course, this also paved the way for various modifications to owe to its rally-oriented performance, especially the tires. Few people know of this, so we will discuss the details in this article.

Basic Information about the Subaru WRX Basic Wheel Fitment

Several factors, such as the type of suspension setup and desired fitment style, can influence the specifications of your Impreza WRX's wheels and tires. Knowing the stock wheel and tire fitment specs as a starting point is vital before exploring different options because it ensures you maintain the right diameter and offset.

In the case of the 2002 to 2007 Subaru WRX, the original wheels were 16x6.5" +55mm with 205/55/16 tires. However, if you are looking to upgrade, it is recommended to consider wheel diameters ranging from 16" to 18" with wheel widths ranging from 6.5" to 9.5" and offsets between +25mm to +45mm.

Aftermarket Suspension for Your Impreza WRX

When it comes to upgrading the suspension of this particular WRX model, there is a diverse range of options that enthusiasts choose from, such as installing lowering springs, coilovers, or air suspension. However, it's worth noting that lowering your car will impact the fitment of your wheels and tires regardless of your choice. This is because there will be less clearance compared to the stock setup, especially if you opt for larger diameter or wider wheels.

Another crucial aspect to consider is your preferred build style or fitment style for your Subaru. Is your Subaru mainly used for daily commuting? Do you intend to engage in some mild autocross events with it? Or do you plan to transform it into a show car? This matters because the suspension setup you choose will greatly depend on your desired driving style and the intended use of your Subaru WRX.

Common Fitment Styles

Fitment styles vary depending on what Impreza WRX drivers want. More specifically, 17" and 18" are among the most common, ideal for daily driving and performance-oriented setups.

For 17" Wheels of the Impreza WRX

Many Subaru WRX owners who use their cars for daily driving and occasionally participate in autocross events prefer to upgrade to 17-inch wheels. The most popular size for these wheels is 17x9 inches with an offset ranging from +30mm to +35mm. If your car is lowered, fitting these wheels will require you to roll your fenders because they are wider than the 6.5-inch wheels. Nevertheless, with some rolled fenders, you can achieve a flush fitment.

Choose a narrower wheel to create more space between the fender and the tire to avoid the fender rolling. Many people use a 17x8 +35mm wheel with a 225/45 tire or a 17x8.5 +30mm to +35mm wheel with a 215/45 tire on their lowered WRX to achieve a flush fit without rolled fenders. Consider a 17x7.5 +35mm to +45mm wheel with a 225/45 tire. Whatever the case, all these options fill the wheel well better than the stock sizes without looking flashy or unnatural.

For 18" Wheels of the Impreza WRX

The typical size and specifications for an 18-inch wheel on a second-generation WRX are 18x9.5 with an offset ranging from +35mm to +45mm. The recommended tire size for this setup is 245/35 to 265/35. However, modifications such as rolling the fenders and adjusting the suspension may be necessary due to the wider width. In some cases, if you choose the 265/35 tire, you may need to remove the fender liners to ensure proper fitment. For custom car displays, many prefer to use larger wheel sizes, such as 18x10, 18x10.5, or even 18x11 or 11.5. However, achieving these fitments is not simple and requires additional adjustments to the suspension system to ensure everything fits properly.

It's worth noting that these particular build styles often use tires with stretched width and significant camber adjustments. If you prefer a safer option, the most commonly used fitment setup is 18x8.5 with an offset ranging from +30mm to +35mm. However, if you have lowered your vehicle, you will still need to roll your fenders, but that should be the only modification required.

Conclusion

The 2002-2007 Subaru Impreza WRX is popular for car enthusiasts looking to upgrade their wheels. Different configurations can be chosen, so it's only a matter of knowing your preferences, especially since driving performance and aesthetics are crucial factors. This way, your Impreza WRX balances performance and aesthetics to enhance your driving experience.

If you’re looking for Subaru WRX aftermarket parts, Subimods has what you need! We offer various selections such as suspensions, brakes, and exhausts, all for affordable prices. Place an order today!