Tech guide · Wheels
Impreza wheel fitment guide
Getting wheels right on an Impreza comes down to four numbers: the stud pattern (PCD), the centre bore, the offset and whether the wheel clears your brakes. This guide gives the factory figures and the common traps.
At a glance
56.1 mm
The Impreza centre bore. Use spigot rings on wheels with a bigger bore.
M12 × 1.25
Wheel stud thread on every model.
17″ for Brembos
STI Brembos need at least a 17″ wheel, and not every 17″ clears.
The basics
| Spec | Impreza | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stud pattern (PCD) | 5×100 or 5×114.3 | All classics and WRXs up to 2014 are 5×100. STIs changed to 5×114.3 from June 2004 (series E). All VA STIs are 5×114.3 |
| Centre bore | 56.1 mm | Use spigot rings if your wheels have a bigger bore |
| Wheel studs | M12 × 1.25 |
Factory wheel sizes
| Model | Wheel and tyre | Offset | PCD |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic WRX / Turbo | 15×6 or 16×6.5 195/55 R15, 205/50 R16 | +53 to +55 | 5×100 |
| Classic STI (Version III–IV) | 16×7 205/50 R16 | +53 | 5×100 |
| Classic STI (Version V–VI) | 16×7 or 17×7.5 205/50 R16, 215/45 R17 | +53 | 5×100 |
| 22B STI | 17×8.5 235/40 R17 | +48 | 5×100 |
| New Age WRX (2002–05) | 16×6.5 205/55 R16 | +53 | 5×100 |
| New Age WRX (2006–07) | 17×7 215/45 R17 | +55 | 5×100 |
| New Age STI (to mid-2004) | 17×7.5 225/45 R17 | +53 | 5×100 |
| New Age STI (mid-2004–07) | 17×8 225/45 R17 | +53 | 5×114.3 |
| GR / GV WRX (2008–14) | 17×7 or 17×8 205/50–235/45 R17 | +53 to +55 | 5×100 |
| GR / GV STI (2008–14) | 18×8.5 245/40 R18 | +55 | 5×114.3 |
| VA STI (2014–18) | 18×8.5 (19×8.5 on some later cars) 245/40 R18, 245/35 R19 | +55 | 5×114.3 |
Figures are from factory specifications; UK and Japanese-market versions sometimes used different designs of the same size.
Will it clear my brakes?
| Brakes | Smallest wheel |
|---|---|
| Classic WRX / early UK Turbo (277 mm front discs) | 15″ |
| 4-pot front (294 mm) on classic STI, MY99 UK Turbo and New Age WRX | 16″ (some 16″ wheels hit the caliper) |
| STI Brembo (326 mm) | 17″ (not every 17″ clears) |
| VA STI 6-pot Brembo (340 mm), big-brake kits | 18″ or larger |
Common traps
- 5×100 to 5×114.3: fitting later STI hubs or Brembos to an older car changes the stud pattern, so your old wheels will not fit. Adapters exist, but quality matters.
- Offset: lower offsets push the wheel out. Below about +35 on a classic, expect arch rubbing unless the arches are rolled.
- Tyres: keep all four the same size and make, and similar tread depth. The four-wheel-drive system does not like mismatched rolling circumference.
- Spacers and adapters must be hub-centric and properly rated. Cheap ones are an NCT and safety risk.
- Insurance: declare non-standard wheels to your insurer.
More guides
Impreza brake disc sizes by model
Subaru Impreza wheel alignment guide
Buying a used WRX or STI
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