18x7.5 on a lowered STi
- Front and rear
- 18 × 7.5 inch, ET48 · 215/35 R18
A ScoobyNet member runs these on a MY99 STi saloon lowered slightly on BC coilovers and reports no arch rubbing.
1992–2000 · saloon / estate / coupe
Subaru Impreza / WRX / WRX STI GC/GF wheel fitment
The first-generation Impreza covers the saloon, the GF estate-hatch and the coupe, from base models to the WRX, STi and the US 2.5RS. Every version uses 5x100 with high-offset 16-inch wheels on the sporting models, and the arches are tight, so most owners stay at 17 or 18 inches and around 7.5 to 8 inches wide.
5x100 bolt pattern · 56.1 mm centre bore · Stock wheels: 16 × 6.5, 16 × 7 inch · Stock tyres: 205/50 R16, 205/55 R16
Updated 2026-10-31 · Medium source confidence. Check your exact trim and market. How we check specs
Quick specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Bolt pattern | |
| Stock tyre sizes | |
| Centre bore | 56.1 mm |
| Fastener and thread | Wheel nut, M12x1.25 |
| Tightening torque | Confirm in your handbook |
Stock wheels and tyres
Factory options vary by trim and market. Match your car to the row below and check its tyre placard before using it as a baseline.
| Trim | Axle | Wheel | Tyre |
|---|---|---|---|
| WRX, 16-inch | Front and rear | 16 × 6.5 inch, ET55 | 205/50 R16 |
| JDM WRX STi Version III–VI, 16-inch | Front and rear | 16 × 7 inch, ET53 | 205/50 R16 |
| US 2.5RS (1998–2001) | Front and rear | 16 × 6.5 inch, ET55 | 205/55 R16 |
Explained in our guides
Read these before choosing wheels for the Impreza / WRX / WRX STI: they explain the offset, fitment and hub numbers in this guide.
- Wheel offset explained: choosing ET without guessingUnderstand positive and negative wheel offset, calculate inner clearance and outer position, and choose an ET using measurements from your own car.
- Flush, poke and tucked fitment: measure the whole tyreUnderstand flush, poked and tucked wheels, calculate how width and offset change the look, and check clearance beyond a parked side-on photograph.
- Hub-centric vs lug-centric wheels: choosing hub ringsLearn what hub rings do, how to specify their inner and outer diameters, and why centring, wheel seats and vibration need separate checks.
Popular community setups
Starting points for a build. Read the notes with each setup, especially if your car is lowered or has different brakes.
18x8 on standard suspension
- Front and rear
- 18 × 8 inch, ET50
Another ScoobyNet owner shows a classic Impreza on 18x8 ET50 wheels on the original suspension. Forum members there put 8J as the practical limit for 18s without arch work.
18x9 with camber
- Front and rear
- 18 × 9 inch, ET48 · 235/40 R18
An RS25.com owner runs 18x9 ET48 with 235/40 R18 tyres, using -2.5 degrees of front camber, -1.5 degrees at the rear and a slight roll on the rear arches.
Width and offset guidance
Offset range
Check the exact setup
There is no confirmed range for this car yet. Compare a known wheel with your proposed size and measure both sides.
Common width limit
Measure before ordering
A maximum width has not been confirmed. Tyre shape, ride height and alignment all change the available space.
These figures belong to the setups described here. Combining the widest wheel with either end of the offset range does not guarantee a safe fit. For how ET moves the wheel in and out, read wheel offset explained; for how far the tyre can sit out, see flush, poke and tucked fitment.
Clearance notes
- The rear strut is the tight point. On RS25.com, an owner on 17x9.5 ET38 says the tyre came within about 5 mm of the strut and still stuck out past the arch.
- Another RS25.com owner fits 17x8 ET35 with 225/45 R17 tyres without rubbing, but only after rolling and pulling the arches and adding camber bolts.
- On ScoobyNet, members advise 205/45 R17 or 215/40 R17 for a classic on 17s, and report 225/45 R17 and even 215/45 R17 catching the arches on some cars.
- Sources disagree on the US 2.5RS tyre: US retailers list 205/55 R16, while one GC fitment guide gives 205/50 R16 on the same 16x6.5 ET55 wheel.
- All GC and GF cars use 5x100. Later Impreza STIs moved to 5x114.3, so their wheels do not bolt on without changing hubs.
- The hub bore is 56.1 mm and the wheel nuts are M12x1.25. Wheels with a larger bore need hub-centric rings.
- We have not confirmed a factory wheel-nut torque for this generation. Use the figure in the owner's handbook or service manual.
- Check full steering lock and suspension travel with the car loaded. Match wheel load rating, tyre load and speed ratings, fastener seats and brake clearance.
See it on your car.
Upload a photo and start with a look that suits the Impreza / WRX / WRX STI. Try the wheels, colour and stance before you spend on parts.
An AI preview shows the look. It cannot verify physical fitment.
Run the numbers
These tools start with the WRX, 16-inch front size. Choose your own trim or axle in the calculator if it differs.
Questions
What is the bolt pattern of the GC8 Impreza?
5x100, with a 56.1 mm centre bore and M12x1.25 wheel nuts. This applies to the saloon, the GF estate and the coupe.
What wheels did the GC8 WRX STi have?
The Japanese STi Version III to VI used 16x7 ET53 wheels with 205/50 R16 tyres. The WRX used 16x6.5 ET55 with the same tyre size.
What is the widest 18-inch wheel that fits a classic Impreza?
Owners run 18x7.5 ET48 and 18x8 ET50 without arch work. An 18x9 ET48 has been fitted, but with extra negative camber and a slight roll on the rear arches.
Do newer STI wheels fit a GC8?
Not later 5x114.3 STI wheels. Earlier 5x100 Subaru wheels bolt on, but check the offset and the brake clearance.
What size tyres does the Subaru Impreza / WRX / WRX STI GC/GF have?
Factory tyre (tire) sizes for the 1992–2000 Subaru Impreza / WRX / WRX STI GC/GF are 205/50 R16 and 205/55 R16, depending on trim. Your tyre placard shows the size for your car.
What wheel size does the Subaru Impreza / WRX / WRX STI GC/GF use?
Factory wheels are 16 × 6.5 inch and 16 × 7 inch, depending on trim. The stock table lists the offset for each.
What is the Subaru Impreza / WRX / WRX STI GC/GF centre bore?
56.1 mm. Aftermarket wheels with a larger bore need hub-centric rings sized to it.
Specs checked against
- Subimods: GC chassis wheel fitment guide (factory sizes, bore, thread)
- TireWheelGuide: 1998 Impreza WRX STI sizes, bore and thread
- TireWheelGuide: 1998 Impreza sizes by market
- TireSize.com: 2000 Impreza 2.5RS coupe OE tyre
- Mavis: 1999 Impreza RS standard tyre size
- ScoobyNet: show me your wheels, GC8 fitment
- ScoobyNet: 225/45 R17 on GC8 fitment
- RS25.com: the most aggressive wheel for a GC8
This guide is a starting point, not a fitment guarantee. Specs can differ by market, trim and previous modifications. Confirm all sizes, clearances and fastener requirements with a qualified wheel and tyre professional before buying or fitting parts.
Related cars
More guides from Subaru or cars with the same bolt pattern. A matching pattern alone does not make a wheel interchangeable.