6th Gen Legacy Wheel Thread

[Kay2DaA]

I'm telling you that car looks way sexier with 20s.

[au_liberty]

Hello all,

 

Awesome thread!

 

I joined purely to participate in this thread haha.

 

I recently purchased my nwe Liberty 2.5i and would love to swap out the wheels to one of the sexy WRX rims out there as many of you have done.

 

However I am a total amateur regarding rims and suitability.

 

Was hoping I could get some advice on whether any of the below options I found on Ebay would be suitable for my car?

 

Option 1:

4x 17inch SUBARU WRX 2015 Alloy Wheels SET 17 X 8 GENUINE ENKEI

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4x-17inch-SUBARU-WRX-2015-Alloy-Wheels-SET-17-X-8-GENUINE-ENKEI-/122338085423?hash=item1c7beb0a2f:g:sk0AAOSw44BYgotF

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/sk0AAOSw44BYgotF/s-l1600.jpg

 

Option 2:

4x NEW GENUINE SUBARU IMPREZA 18" | RIMS & HANKOOK | TYRES | LIBERTY WRX 5X100

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4x-NEW-GENUINE-SUBARU-IMPREZA-18-RIMS-HANKOOK-TYRES-LIBERTY-WRX-5X100-/252685301073?hash=item3ad537b551:g:yEEAAOSw44BYVKMO

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/0P8AAOSwOtdYVKL-/s-l1600.jpg

 

 

Alternatively, where would I go about finding WRX wheels to purchase?

 

Thanks in advance!

[au_liberty]

My other question was whether anyone had painted/plastidipped the stock wheels of the 2.5i to black and might have pictures of this, as this is the other route I am considering.

[tigger73]

I recently purchased my nwe Liberty 2.5i and would love to swap out the wheels to one of the sexy WRX rims out there as many of you have done.

 

Was hoping I could get some advice on whether any of the below options I found on Ebay would be suitable for my car?

 

Option 1:

4x 17inch SUBARU WRX 2015 Alloy Wheels SET 17 X 8 GENUINE ENKEI

 

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/sk0AAOSw44BYgotF/s-l1600.jpg

 

These will fit but are 17" and will look small on the Liberty. Also just remember that if you're looking to fit these up with the existing tyres, the tyre size for WRX is too small for the Liberty. So you'll need to factor in buying new tyres on top of the price for these wheels.

 

Personally I'd be looking for 18" WRX/STI rims. Current WRX will fit but only the older STI wheels are OK (these all use 5 x 114.3 bolt pattern). You can then save a few $ by fitting up your stock tyres if you need to save a few $ if you buy 18's.

 

Alternatively just take the stock wheels off including tyres and park them in your shed/garage ready to fit back on when you sell the car.

 

 

 

Option 2:

4x NEW GENUINE SUBARU IMPREZA 18" | RIMS & HANKOOK | TYRES | LIBERTY WRX 5X100

 

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/0P8AAOSwOtdYVKL-/s-l1600.jpg

 

These won't fit. All older gen1-5 Liberty wheels are 5x100 bolt pattern (5 bolt holes at 100mm diameter) compared to gen6 which are 5 x 114.3 (still 5 bolt holes but at 114.3mm diameter). You can get adapters/change hubs but there's a decent range of 5 x 114.3 wheels available so just have to pick one that is correct fitment.

 

Alternatively, where would I go about finding WRX wheels to purchase?

 

I bought mine from a dealer who had taken them off a car. Otherwise try ebay/gumtree and/or WRX groups:

 

http://home.wrx.org.au/

 

http://forum.wrx.com.au/

 

 

My other question was whether anyone had painted/plastidipped the stock wheels of the 2.5i to black and might have pictures of this, as this is the other route I am considering.

 

Plasti-dip is OK to test out a look but looks pretty average quickly. I personally wouldn't be painting the stock wheels unless you were 100% certain on the look as it is permanent.

 

Better off getting a (cheap) set of wheels and painting them black if you want that look. I don't think it works unless you also black out all the chrome trims on the car black to match.

Edited March 24, 2017 by tigger73

[au_liberty]

Thanks for the advice - so something like this would fit perfectly then??

 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Subaru-WRX-STI-GRB-OEM-alloy-wheel-set-5-x-114-3-/331910343446?hash=item4d4765eb16:g:VAsAAOSwtnpXii-j

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/VAsAAOSwtnpXii-j/s-l1600.jpg

[tigger73]

Thanks for the advice - so something like this would fit perfectly then??

 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Subaru-WRX-STI-GRB-OEM-alloy-wheel-set-5-x-114-3-/331910343446?hash=item4d4765eb16:g:VAsAAOSwtnpXii-j

 

Yes these will work. I think if you look through this thread you'll find someone has already fitted this design up - albeit with stock (undersize) WRX spec tyres.

 

These wheels do have quite a bit of gutter rash. To get these looking great you'll have to get them sanded back/rash fixed and repainted. I'd factor this into the price that you're willing to pay. Also the shadow chrome finish is a pain to work with (and match) so likely anyone painting these would do the complete set.

[au_liberty]

Ok i think I have found the rims I am happy with:

 

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/231738525435

 

Just wondering, is it perfectly safe to swap these right over with my stock tyres and everything will run and operate as normal?

 

Thanks for the advice!

[tigger73]

Ok i think I have found the rims I am happy with:

 

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/231738525435

 

Just wondering, is it perfectly safe to swap these right over with my stock tyres and everything will run and operate as normal?

 

Thanks for the advice!

 

Yes you can swap your stock tyres over onto these without a problem. Or maybe the shop can do it for you as part of the deal

 

The STI rim is 8.5" wide compared to stock Liberty/Legacy is 7.5" so your stock 225/50R18 tyres will be slightly stretched on the STI rims. A few people have done it and they run OK.

 

The only real downside is that you end up with less rim protection from the tyres and the lip on the rim is a bit more "exposed". When you need to replace the tyres then get some 245/45R18's which are probably the better fit for an 8.5" rim.

[au_liberty]

Yes you can swap your stock tyres over onto these without a problem. Or maybe the shop can do it for you as part of the deal

 

The STI rim is 8.5" wide compared to stock Liberty/Legacy is 7.5" so your stock 225/50R18 tyres will be slightly stretched on the STI rims. A few people have done it and they run OK.

 

The only real downside is that you end up with less rim protection from the tyres and the lip on the rim is a bit more "exposed". When you need to replace the tyres then get some 245/45R18's which are probably the better fit for an 8.5" rim.

 

Thanks for the details, I appreciate the shared knowledge!

 

By the way, in the below photo from earlier in the thread - are this the same 17" WRX rims I posted a couple posts above?

 

[tigger73]

Thanks for the details, I appreciate the shared knowledge!

 

By the way, in the below photo from earlier in the thread - are this the same 17" WRX rims I posted a couple posts above?

 

 

Yes I think these are the WRX 17's in the picture above. Just keep in mind if you buy a set of these, you'll need to factor in the purchase of a set of 225/55R17 tyres to fit up. You can't swap your 18" tyres onto 17" rims

 

 

If you try and run the standard WRX tyres then this is the end result (other photos here http://legacygt.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5298316&postcount=3):

 

 

The car ends up getting "lowered" due to the smaller diameter wheel and it looks small in the wheel well. These are the 18's you were looking at before running WRX spec 40 profile tyres.

 

The rims from the tyre shop are "retail" pricing so they're a bit more expensive but do look in good condition. These sets do come up reasonably regularly as the WRX/STI guys are often upgrading to aftermarket wheels with more aggressive offsets.

 

You should be able to pick up a decent set for $600-$800 if you're prepared to wait and buy from a private seller.

[au_liberty]

Yes I think these are the WRX 17's in the picture above. Just keep in mind if you buy a set of these, you'll need to factor in the purchase of a set of 225/55R17 tyres to fit up. You can't swap your 18" tyres onto 17" rims

 

 

If you try and run the standard WRX tyres then this is the end result (other photos here http://legacygt.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5298316&postcount=3):

 

 

The car ends up getting "lowered" due to the smaller diameter wheel and it looks small in the wheel well. These are the 18's you were looking at before running WRX spec 40 profile tyres.

 

The rims from the tyre shop are "retail" pricing so they're a bit more expensive but do look in good condition. These sets do come up reasonably regularly as the WRX/STI guys are often upgrading to aftermarket wheels with more aggressive offsets.

 

You should be able to pick up a decent set for $600-$800 if you're prepared to wait and buy from a private seller.

 

 

Hmmm I don't mind a bit of extra rubber.. to me the tyres in the picture above of the 18" rims looks to be really low profile - I honestly would prefer a little more rubber than that.. hmm

 

So the 17" WRX wheels I really like the look of. These come with the original Dunlop tyres from the WRX and are listed at $670

 

Whereas the 18" black STI wheels have no tyres and are listed at $999.. however the owner has said he would accept a trade in of my stock wheels which he has offered a trade in price of $750 for my wheels without tyres.

 

Decisionso, decisions haha...

[au_liberty]

Following on from my post above.

 

If you look at this photo below of my car with its stock wheels, it appears that my wheels have a thicker profile than the tyres on the 18" STI rims above - would you agree?

I wouldnt want it any lower profile than it is currently.

 

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae108/muncee/Mobile%20Uploads/received_10158494840435284.jpeg

[tigger73]

Following on from my post above.

 

If you look at this photo below of my car with its stock wheels, it appears that my wheels have a thicker profile than the tyres on the 18" STI rims above - would you agree?

I wouldnt want it any lower profile than it is currently.

 

 

Yes you're currently running 225/50R18 and these WRX 18's are fitted with 245/40R18.

 

First number is width in mm.

Second is aspect ratio = height/width as %

Third is nominal wheel diameter in inches

 

Why we have a mix of metric and imperial units I don't know.

 

The height of your stock tyres is 112mm compared to the WRX spec of 98mm. If you put these into a tyre calculator it works out to around 4.5% difference in speedo reading: http://www.willtheyfit.com/index.php?width=225&aspect=50&diameter=18&wheelwidth=7.5&offset=55&width2=245&aspect2=40&wheel_size=18&wheel_width=8-5&offset2=55

 

So whatever WRX rims you get you'll need to change the tyres (or fit your Liberty stock ones). Otherwise you'll end up with a look like the car above and speedo error.

 

That's why if you go with the 17's, you'll have to strip the tyres and fit new rubber.

 

That store selling rims also has a set of Gen6 OEM Liberty rims for $999 so his offer to you isn't great if he's only giving you $250 for your rims.

Edited March 29, 2017 by tigger73

[RobbieGT]

Figured I'd post the actual specs up here...

 

Type: Vossen VSF1

Size: 20 x 9 ET40

Tyres: Nitto NT555 G2 245/35r20

[Jsmith]

RGT, too bad you couldn't mini golf and jump on the carousel this time of year...lol I'm surprised I haven't seen you cruising around yet

[The Grey Goose]

Scored these off CL. They're off a 2012 WRX STI, and the tires are 245/40r18. Going to be getting a set of 245/45r18 in the upcoming weeks. If anyone cares, I use Chemical Guys tire dressing. It's some good stuff that doesn't look too greasy or anything.

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww76/ticonderoga16/IMG_0728_edited-1_zpsvf3g9qve.jpg

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww76/ticonderoga16/IMG_0732_edited-1_zpswyuwslzw.jpg

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww76/ticonderoga16/IMG_0729_edited-1_zpsfyleplja.jpg

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww76/ticonderoga16/IMG_0734_edited-1_zpsh5tiikht.jpg

[leolfds]

Came across a set of 2014 STI bbs, rims only, no tires. Specs 18x8.5 5x114.3 et55. He is asking for $1k. Claims they are "like new" I am waiting on better pictures and confirmation of any damage to the rim. Just want to bounce it off you guys what you think. Overpriced much for what it is?

[The Grey Goose]

Came across a set of 2014 STI bbs, rims only, no tires. Specs 18x8.5 5x114.3 et55. He is asking for $1k. Claims they are "like new" I am waiting on better pictures and confirmation of any damage to the rim. Just want to bounce it off you guys what you think. Overpriced much for what it is?

I really like that style. I think if they're in pretty much perfect condition, then go for it. If not, use it as a haggling point if it's an acceptable amount of blemishes. Either way try and knock it down $100-$200.

[tigger73]

Agree they're a nice rim. Grnlantern1 had them on his car on the first wheel change - check out the first page of this thread for pics.

 

I wouldn't expect these to go for quite that much, though to sell without tires works in your favour as the price isn't inflated by tires that you can't use.

 

The thing the seller has to realise is that these won't fit up on many Subies so he's dealing with someone that wants to put a Subaru rim on another brand car or a small market of STI owners. I'd offer $800 if these were in mint condition, but as always something is only worth as much as someone is prepared to pay for it and what the seller is prepared to let it go for.

[leolfds]

I really like that style. I think if they're in pretty much perfect condition, then go for it. If not, use it as a haggling point if it's an acceptable amount of blemishes. Either way try and knock it down $100-$200.

 

Agree they're a nice rim. Grnlantern1 had them on his car on the first wheel change - check out the first page of this thread for pics.

 

I wouldn't expect these to go for quite that much, though to sell without tires works in your favour as the price isn't inflated by tires that you can't use.

 

The thing the seller has to realise is that these won't fit up on many Subies so he's dealing with someone that wants to put a Subaru rim on another brand car or a small market of STI owners. I'd offer $800 if these were in mint condition, but as always something is only worth as much as someone is prepared to pay for it and what the seller is prepared to let it go for.

 

 

@GreyGoose, @Tigger73 Thanks for the feedback guys. That was kind of what I figured. Finding used STI BBS in good conditions are tough. $800 sounds more reasonable.

[andrew_l_s]

@GreyGoose, @Tigger73 Thanks for the feedback guys. That was kind of what I figured. Finding used STI BBS in good conditions are tough. $800 sounds more reasonable.

 

FWIW after finally selling the tires it worked out to be a net of $825 into my WRX 18s and they were the definition of pristine.

 

Aim for $800-850, but if the lowest he'll go is $900 I wouldn't walk away over 50 bucks. Just get the best price you can:cool:

[redlegacygt]

Scored these off CL. They're off a 2012 WRX STI, and the tires are 245/40r18. Going to be getting a set of 245/45r18 in the upcoming weeks. If anyone cares, I use Chemical Guys tire dressing. It's some good stuff that doesn't look too greasy or anything.

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww76/ticonderoga16/IMG_0728_edited-1_zpsvf3g9qve.jpg

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww76/ticonderoga16/IMG_0732_edited-1_zpswyuwslzw.jpg

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww76/ticonderoga16/IMG_0729_edited-1_zpsfyleplja.jpg

http://i707.photobucket.com/albums/ww76/ticonderoga16/IMG_0734_edited-1_zpsh5tiikht.jpg

Damn that looks perfect. Did you plastic dip the edge of the grill? Great looking car!

 

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[The Grey Goose]

Damn that looks perfect. Did you plastic dip the edge of the grill? Great looking car!

 

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Thanks man! I did use plasti dip on my grill. Not just the edges though. I had to do the whole thing.

[Solkid212]

I searched and wasnt able to find any info so i figured i would ask. I have ordered a set of 18x8 MSW type 77 with 245/50 with a 45mm offset was wondering if anyone had rubbing issues with going to this tire with the stock suspension and ride hight. Edited April 14, 2017 by Solkid212

[tigger73]

You should be OK in terms of rubbing as this wheel size/fitment has been run successfully before by a number of people. Check the first post as I've included all the rim sizes that have been fitted without clearance issues (ones highlighted in red required guard work)

 

The only thing I would have done was chosen 245/45 R18 tyres instead as they are closer to the stock diameter. Have a look at an online wheel/tire calculator: http://www.willtheyfit.com/index.php?width=225&aspect=50&diameter=18&wheelwidth=7.5&offset=55&width2=245&aspect2=50&wheel_size=18&wheel_width=8&offset2=45

 

I'd contact the company you're buying the wheels from and see if they can swap tire sizes. But if they can't it's not the end of the world as you'll just end up with your speedo reading slightly slow.

Edited April 14, 2017 by tigger73