Another - What wheels should I buy?

[TrickyDik]

I've got a 2007 WRB WRX with a set of 17x8 Rota Torques in Steel Grey. I've loved these wheels on my car and they can be seen here:

http://www.newenglandsubarus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2191&highlight=SteelWRX

But it's time for a change. My WRX is undergoing some serious changes over the next 3 months. I'm riding on Tein H-Techs right now that are going to be traded out for a set of BC Racing BR Coilovers with 6k/8k spring rates.

I'm interested in an 18" set-up since my current wheel is 17" and I really like the look of an 18" wheel. I'd like to go with an 18x8 or 18x8.5 since I won't have to roll my fenders for these set-ups and I'll be able to make plenty of adjustment with the Coilover set-up.

I was first looking at the 18x8.5 Rota G-Force in Charcoal Gray: http://www.wheeldude.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=5479

But I'm not sure if Charcoal Gray will look good on WRB.

Any other suggestions?

[Murphy2012]

I think the Hyper Black would look great, or Gold, but I know you dont like gold and WRB. Silver is nice, so is white. Do they make it in FRSB?

[TrickyDik]

I dislike gold on anything, gold jewelery eck, not for me.

Not certain about Hyper Black. They have FRSB in the 18x8.5 Torques. I really wouldn't mind going with a set of torques again, just needs to by in an 18" wheel versus another 17".

My top choices are Torques and GForces in 18x8 or 8.5.

Don't think I'll do a White color either. I'd like something on the darker side such as the Charcoal Gray or FSRB.

[Murphy2012]

I like FSRB on any color car..

[Bu11dogg2]

No poll?

[Robk0000]

are you going to be selling your torques?

[FREAK]

I wouldnt go with white. but the hyperblack is sick

[TrickyDik]

Ya, selling the torques.

[Bu11dogg2]

meh, seen way to many subys with these wheels.

[TrickyDik]

Well luckily I'm not running Rotas for you to get a woody. A constructive comment was all that I was looking for here. Perhaps you could have shared another wheel choice that you find sexy on WRB Subarus instead of making a useless comment?

meh, seen way to many subys with these wheels.

For the record folks, I'm not looking at the Torques or GForces because other people use them, everyone could use these wheels and it wouldn't phase my decision at all, same as if no one used them. I wasn't so much asking for someone to make the decision for me, but for people to chime in with pictures and ideas about what they find sexy on WRB Subarus. Maybe someone shows a Torque or GForce in a less produced color that blows my socks off, or maybe someone adds in with a picture of some other wheel choice entirely that makes me drool a little.

I've looked a many, many, many wheels since I purchased my Subaru 2 years ago and so far the Torques and Gforces have been the best look to cost ratio I've found. I'm not about to go out and buy a $2,000 set of wheels that I find o.k. looking just because no one else runs them. I have a set of Torques because I love the look of them and the price was right, the number of other people running them never influenced my decision once, just as it will be with this next set.

I'm open to more wheel choices then Rotas, I just haven't found any that I like for a price I can feel good about. I don't buy things that no one has just to show that I'm original because I really don't care what others think about my car.

There's no poll in this thread for that exact reason. If I had a poll with wheel choices that people could vote for, then bought the popular choice then I'd be someone who has to follow the masses. I left it open to suggestion and only mentioned what I was looking at currently and the requirements of what I want. I did that hoping to spawn some brainstorming from members and maybe find something I hadn't seen before or perhaps someone provided an excellent point to stay away from my current choices.

Any way, lets keep this constructive and maybe post up some ideas about what you find sexy on WRB. So far Terry has had the most input and while I dislike Gold and White colored wheels at least he's been on the right track with showing some suggestions. Keep the NASIOC like comments out of my thread, if I wanted that type of comment I would have just posted there instead.

[method]

I like the Rota Grids, they do come in an 18x8.5 though less concave than their 18x9.5's.

I think the flat black would look great on your car, they do come in gold, bronze, silver, etc as well.

http://www.wheeldude.com/gallery2/d/96323-2/grid_fltblk_1885_07.jpg

http://www.wheeldude.com/gallery2/d/96322-2/grid_fltblk_1885_06.jpg

Here are some, some are the x9.5 variant though:

http://www.wheeldude.com/wdg/ul/index.php/800/800/gallery/4192_1.jpg

http://www.wheeldude.com/wdg/ul/index.php/800/800/gallery/4081_1.jpg

http://www.wheeldude.com/wdg/ul/index.php/800/800/gallery/1047_1.jpg

http://www.wheeldude.com/wdg/ul/index.php/800/800/gallery/1385_1.jpg

[method]

Rota P1s would look nice on your car also:
http://www.wheeldude.com/gallery2/d/37969-1/rota1880_gunmetal_2.jpg


http://www.wheeldude.com/gallery2/d/55343-1/IMG_2169.JPG

[Bu11dogg2]

get the same wheels that Turborush has on his EVO

[TrickyDik]

get the same wheels that Turborush has on his EVO

I love his wheels too but it won't happen. The size of the gforces with the offsets they come in just don't provide the Subarus with a good look.

I've narrowed it down to the following two wheel choices.

Rota DPT 17x9 in a +42 offset. Color would be Matte Bronze and will look similar to the following:

More Pics Here (http://www.wheeldude.com/gallery2/v/newwheels/rotadpt/dptmtbrz/album/?g2_showId=98928)

The second choice is Rota Torque 18x8.5 in +48 offset. Color is Full Royal Sports Bronze and will look similar to:

Pic 1 (http://www.wheeldude.com/wdg/_detail.php?pic=4073)
Pic 2 (http://www.wheeldude.com/wdg/_detail.php?pic=4129)

Thanks for input folks, let me know what you think about the two choices. I like them both, have a set of Torques in Steel Grey 17x8 now and I love them enough to get another set in 18x8.5. DPTs look pretty good in matte bronze though. So we'll see what I decide.
http://www.wheeldude.com/gallery2/v/newwheels/rotadpt/dptmtbrz/album/?g2_showId=98928

[Bu11dogg2]

Holy huge pictures...

[Murphy2012]

I think G Forces in 18x9 look like sex. But thats my opinion. I even think my 17x8's look great. Nick, why the super wide wheels anyway? Lots of investment for the looks....

[mdungelman]

If its between the DPT's and Torque's, I like the Torque's. Bronze is NICE!!!

[Murphy2012]

Ya, +1, not a fan of DPT's at all.

[Subaruwrxparts.com]

The Gforces in any size will not look as good on my car as on TurboRush's because of the offset that is run, it either pokes out past the fender or tucks in underneath. Not a fan of that look at all.

The reason for the current decision between either the 17x9 or 18x8.5 (which I don't believe is too wide compared to those crazy "aggressive" guys on NASIOC) is because those two sizes in those 2 wheels provide the right offset for the look I'm attempting to achieve.

I know you're more of a performance over looks person Terry which is cool and I respect. Myself, I'm more of a balance person. I like to be able to come outside and nearly cream my pants every time I see my car and I like it to give me enough of a thrill when I push it on the on/off-ramps :)

Right now it's mostly a looks thing because I'm running stage 2 which is plenty for me, a good tune is all I really need which I'll probably do this summer as well. Right now the focus is suspension and looks which will be accomplished at the same time with the following:

Wheel/Tire Package (most like the 18x8.5 FRSB Torques with General Tire Exclaim UHP to match)

Whiteline Front and Rear Sways
Kartboy Endlinks Front and Rear
BC Racing BR Coilovers
Freshly Repainted Front and Rear Bumber Covers (ugh)
V-Limited Replica Lip Painted when the Covers get painted
JDM Side Markers
Invidia G200 Cat-Back to replace my annoying Ebay one
Sound Deadening in the Front Doors and Trunk
Gimmick Motorsports Hood Dampers
GrimmSpeed Gaskets to replace my OEM ones
SPT Intake
JDM Hazard Switch
Prosport Boost and EGT Gauge (already have the dual Visor pod)

And Boston is suppose to be swapping his STi front and rear seats for my seats when his car comes out of storage this spring.

So there is some slight performance items there, mostly the suspension. The way I figure it is if I am going to improve on Stage 2 then I should first beef the suspension up to handle any further power that I may add in the future. I'll probably do some Group N Engine Mounts, Tranny Mount, and probably some other odds and ends here and there. I don't anticipate increasing my power load until it's time for a new clutch which will probably be another 30k miles.

Finishing up my 60k service this coming week since I have 55k on the clock (2 years commuting to Portland and Kittery 4 times a week killed me).

More on point, I'm leaning toward the Torques even though I have already had a set, but the good thing is that I know I really like them versus going with the DPTs which I've never seen in person so I'm not confident.

Nick

I think G Forces in 18x9 look like sex. But thats my opinion. I even think my 17x8's look great. Nick, why the super wide wheels anyway? Lots of investment for the looks....

[Murphy2012]

Ya. My same reasoning with the DPT's, I have yet to see them in person and havent been blown away yet wit them. The torques in 17x9, man, are sick. I dont know if you like the offset look but they are real nice, IMO. I didn't mean my comment as you just getting stuff for looks, sorry if it came out that way. I am not a pure performance person but I just chose the path of performance before I get into looks. My car isnt the sexiest looking thing in the world and I know that, but I still cream my pants when I really get on it. That is what is getting me. I want to get my car looking nicer I am just trying to go the opposite way first, and I don't mean to speak rudely of anyone going about their build differently. I make short comments during the day cause I am at work and they don't always come out great.

[mdungelman]

Color matched front lip will look sweet Nick! Beefing up the suspension will definitely make you happy. A rear swaybar is always one of my first suggestion for those who ask. But then again, my stocker is 13mm. So anything (including a stock WRX RSB) is a big improvement. She's gonna be a whole new car after that list is installed.

[TrickyDik]

Ya I didn't take your comment as rudely at all Terry. Just figured it'd be easier for people to see where I'm heading with this build. Plus I don't want anyone to think I'm going looks any way. I think my power to suspension to look ratio is heading in the correct route.

I'm not sure if I'm going with a color matched lip yet Mike. I really enjoy the flat black look but figured I'd have it painted one way or the other by who ever does my bumpers.

[mdungelman]

Ah I see. I was just assuming that it'd be the same color as the bumpers. I thought you did a good job painting it yourself. No need to have a pro do it, unless its for free.

[etaks99rs]

http://www.wheeldude.com/catalog/popup_image.php?pID=1025&image=0

p45F in bronze

[TrickyDik]

Wheels ordered last night! Shipping out today. Big props to Dan over at wheeldude for providing me picture after picture of examples.

[Murphy2012]

What did you go with?

[mdungelman]

Bump! I'm interested to know.

[TrickyDik]

What did you go with?

Bump! I'm interested to know.


:D

[Murphy2012]

So you ask us all for your help, then dont tell us what you get? JERK. :)

[Subaruwrxparts.com]

A set of 18x8.5 Full Royal Sports Bronze Rota Torques with 3mm spacers will be shipping out from california on their way here!

I'll be ordering some General Tire Exclaim UHP 255/35/18 Tires to pair up with them.

-Nick

love you terry!

So you ask us all for your help, then dont tell us what you get? JERK. :)

[Murphy2012]

Nice work! I am sure you will love them! What are the plans for the old Torques?

[Subaruwrxparts.com]

They are being sold to one of the techs here at the shop with the tires that are on them for a heck of a discount because I'm a nice guy like that.

[Subaruwrxparts.com]

Oh and the reason for the spacer is that the 18x8.5 Rota Torques in 5x100 are +48 offset which tuckes them under the fender slightly. The same size Torques in STi fitment are +45 and look like the following:

http://wheeldude.com/gallery2/d/84012-1/2008_09_20_2785_6_7Enhancer.jpg

So if I add a 3mm spacer to each wheel I'll be running the same offset as the STi version. In addition the 3mm spacer is small enough to keep the wheel set-up hubcentric. I'm not a fan of spacers but anything 5mm and under is ok to use so I'll give it a go.

[Murphy2012]

Nice man congrats! The wheels are going to look great! I hope to get a set of 17x9 torques or something, someday. My plans this year, mostly because I am trying to spend as little on the car as possible now are: 255 or 245 Azeni RT 615's on my 17x8's, ALK, new rear sway, and a tune. IF I can afford it, a 6 speed, but most likely not.
I can't wait to see your car with those wheels and the new drop! Are you planning on running the coils year round or swap out in the winter?

[Murphy2012]

+1 with the spacers....not a fan but if it must be done! I had thought of using those to go to 255 tires. There is like a 75ish dollar difference between 245 and 255 azenis, though.

[mdungelman]

Nice Nick! Gonna look sweet!

[Subaruwrxparts.com]

I'll be running the coils year round. BC Racing has a great rebuild policy, send you brand new coils when they need the rebuild for $90 a side. Plus if I routinely get under washes and bring the car into a car bay every couple weeks to spray water on the coilovers to remove the salt it will keep them running no worse then if I lived in Florida.

I always suggest to customers to wash down the coilovers every 2 weeks during the winter and I have no doubt that they will last just as long as a warm weather driven car.

[Subaruwrxparts.com]

Oh and the sways and endlinks will go on the same day as the coilovers, wheels and tires. It will come into the bay as a stock WRX running H-techs and come out as a brand new car suspension wise. I'm excited.

[SteelWRX]

Nice. I can't wait to see this setup. I've been thinking about going with a 8.5" width wheel as well, and it will be much easier to make a decision seeing these in person.

Will the +45 offset with 255 width tires require any fender rolling or will you be increasing the rear camber to avoid any fender work?

[TrickyDik]

Nice. I can't wait to see this setup. I've been thinking about going with a 8.5" width wheel as well, and it will be much easier to make a decision seeing these in person.

Will the +45 offset with 255 width tires require any fender rolling or will you be increasing the rear camber to avoid any fender work?

I'm going to see what I can do. I'll have the coilovers with camber plates so options are on the table.

[TrickyDik]

Tires arrived yesterday! 255/35/18 General Tire Exclaim UHP. The Wheels arrive to work today however I'm off today and won't seem them until tomorrow.

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c283/TrickyDik/Car/IMG00057.jpg

New Bulbs also came yesterday.