17" Rims on 02?

[AllExtinct]

I know the bolt pattern is 5 x 100 on 02's.
Will there be any issues with putting 17" 2011 WRX oem rims on my 02?
Tires are 235-45.

Thanks guys.

[man show]

There shouldn't be any issues: Wheel / Tire FAQ

The 02-05 WRX use 16x6.5 wheels weighing 16.5 lbs with a 5x100 bolt pattern and +53 offset. The tires are Bridgestone RE92 All Season Tires 205/55/16

The 2011 WRX use 17x8 wheels weighing 22 lbs with a 5x100 bolt pattern and +53 offset. The tires are Dunlop SP Sport 01 Summer Tires 235/45/17

The 2011 wheels are a little wider, but not enough to worry about fender clearance with the offset of +53 and the tire size is appropriate for the wheel.

[bad grocerygetter]

Nice and wide . I like.

[BLAZE2099]

I run 18x8 with zero issue due to the size, on the other hand my offset is way off speck.
+38

[man show]

Just curious, what size tires do you have on those wheels Randy?

[AllExtinct]

Yeah my worry was fender clearance but looks like its no worries now.
Thanks guys.

[turmic]

I'm running 235/45/17s on my BBS wheels that came on my STI. I like them and its not going to rub.

[BLAZE2099]

Originally Posted by man show

Just curious, what size tires do you have on those wheels Randy?

225/40 with a 38 offset, the wheels are a generic, that I got to hold me over till this summer.
I still have a bit of clearance so no need to roll. They sit just right for my personal taste.

On the note of my offset, it is highly NOT recommended due to extra wear on wheel bearings because of the stress it puts on them. I just dont mind buying new parts here and there as long as my car is what I want it to be.....but that's just me. Besides, its not like I have even blown one yet in a year of running the wheels, nor am I seeing any effects yet.
Is it worth it for most, probably not. But to each his/her own

[mosc]

I would recommend less sidewall for the 02-05 WRX, especially compared to the late model years with taller tires. The EJ205 is fairly laggy and shorter tires help reduce gearing. 235/40R17 is in my opinion the optimal tire size for the 02-07 WRX sedan. The 2011 WRX wheels are fine for that size and have a nice offset (though a little heavy). I would try to avoid using the stock 2011 WRX tires on an 02-07 WRX if you can. If the 02-05 WRX's suspension is stock the tire size should not cause any rubbing, but it's not ideal.

The 04-07 STi has much shorter gearing and benefits greatly from the taller 235/45R17 tire. Different gearing, different answer.