Any 02-05 wrx's wearing 06-07 wrx wheels

shamrock · 02-03-2009, 07:44 AM

For any of the 02-05 guys/girls who have switched to a larger 06-07 wrx wheel 17x7. Did you notice any difference. The reason I ask is because the 02-05 wheel weights 16.5lbs and the larger 06-07 wheel weight 23.5 lbs. Fora car thats a DD, Would you really notice it? I like the way the wheel looks. And I have heard they are made by Enkie. Would this be considered an upgrade to the 16in wheel or no?

boo-key bear · 02-03-2009, 04:51 PM

Personally I dont think it would be considered an upgrade, because of the weight. Stickier tires would be a better upgrade. I agree about them looking better. Yes, they are made by enkie. Does anyone know if you did change wheels, and the wheel/tire diameter changes will this mess with your differentials?

mosc · 02-03-2009, 05:28 PM

Changing the tire diameter messes with the diff. Changing the wheel diameter does nothing as long as you pick an appropriate tire sidewall accordingly. Maintain stock diameter and you'll be fine whither it's a 15" rim or a 20" rim. Course, I don't recommend 30 sidewall tires...

turmic · 02-03-2009, 05:30 PM

Let me steal from the sticky: Wheel / Tire FAQ

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

The 06-07 WRX use 17x7 rims weighing 23.5 lbs with a 5x100 bolt pattern and +55 offset. The tires are Bridgestone RE92 All Season Tires 215/45/17

As long as the tire's total weight (tire + rim) is close to the old weight. You probably won't notice a huge difference as far as weight is concerned. The Unsprung weight sticky explains that. But....since the offset is with in the -/+ 5 threshold. It won't mess with the diffs at all, as long as you change all 4 rims and tires. There's stickies for a reason people.

Edit: Yes. I did forgot to mention that picking a appropriate tire size is required. I just saw mosc's post.

mosc · 02-03-2009, 05:31 PM

I just checked and 205/25/21 comes out to 25" exactly so if you can track down that tire size (impossible) and a 21" rim with some offset (fat chance) you could run 21s on a WRX. I'd run from a pothole though.

EDIT: Tirerack does have some 225/30/20 tires (25.3") so I guess 20" is possible even if 21 is a joke.

boo-key bear · 02-03-2009, 07:08 PM

I dont want to change my wheels. I was just curious.

shamrock · 02-04-2009, 06:42 AM

Why the heck did the 06-07 get so heavy

But I think I am going to get them, and they are powder coated black and a great price. My car is just a DD so I dont think there will be much of a difference

mosc · 02-04-2009, 10:19 AM

I think the 06+ are 3-piece and the 02+ are 2 piece. Also, they're bigger and wider which adds weight.