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STL97outback
03-03-2009, 10:36 AM
So I have finally decided on size (17s), but can't decide on wheels. Some OEM wheels look good, then some don't. Car will be lowered.

I always liked fat 5 spoke wheels, but then I see SYBIR's wagon and couple others with multi spoke wheels (i.e 7-10 spokes) and those look good.

Anybody have thoughts, opinions?

Lots of 5x100 BBS STi wheels, not sure how that would look on a wagon. Also lots of 17" 5 spoke Subaru Legacy GT wheels.

Problem is, I can't find the weight of my 15 inch wheels (base model 97 outback), as I don't want to pile on a lot of unsprung weight on the car.

Thanks.
jey
03-03-2009, 11:14 AM
This page has a few OEM wheel weights: http://wac.addr.com/auto/obs/wheels.html

Subaru wheels actually are really light for an OEM wheel. It lists 18 lbs as a guess for the 15" wheels and that sounds right.

I'm a big believer in the OEM Subaru wheels, and like you said there are plenty of GT 17x7 wheels around. The BBS STi wheels are 17x7.5 so you get a little extra width there, might be nice.

Unless there is a certain look you are looking for I just could never justify buying aftermarket wheels for the Subaru. They end up being more expensive, sometimes heavier (or way more expensive if you go lighter), and not up to the same durability as an OEM wheel.
STL97outback
03-03-2009, 11:17 AM
It is a beater. Not going for any particular look. Just something sporty.

What suspension do you have on yours? Saw yours on auto-x pic with wrx wheels, looked good. :)
99SUS SFD
03-03-2009, 11:18 AM
I was pleasantly surprised by the weight of the JDM 17's I picked up.
jey
03-03-2009, 11:19 AM
What suspension do you have on yours? Saw yours on auto-x pic with wrx wheels, looked good. :)

Stock. The WRX wheels are 16", and there are tons of cheap tires available in that size. (And cheap WRX wheels too.)
STL97outback
03-03-2009, 11:29 AM
What suspension do you have on yours? Saw yours on auto-x pic with wrx wheels, looked good. :)

Stock. The WRX wheels are 16", and there are tons of cheap tires available in that size. (And cheap WRX wheels too.)

Wow your car looked lowered in the pic I saw.

If I could find any cheap 16 inch Sub wheels I would pick them up.
jey
03-03-2009, 11:38 AM
Wow your car looked lowered in the pic I saw.

If I could find any cheap 16 inch Sub wheels I would pick them up.

Well the Outback does ride higher than the regular Legacy wagon.

There was just recently some selling of 16" wheels on STLSubaru, you can also check NASIOC, esp. if you're willing to drive a little to Chicago:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1705400
STL97outback
03-03-2009, 11:51 AM
I am willing to drive 5 hours for a set of good wheels. Not sure how those meshies would look, as they have been for sale for a long time.

I realized being in midwest, how hard it is to get parts. I am so used to instant gratification in CA
STL97outback
03-03-2009, 11:52 AM
Locally I found a Legacy wheel 16s..I think from 05 or 06 model..they are the split spokes.

Thoughts on those?
rougeben83
03-03-2009, 01:16 PM
How about these wheels: http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k153/rougeben83/P1070464.jpg

They might be going up for sale soon. I need money for exam fees :roll:
STL97outback
03-03-2009, 01:24 PM
Hook it up Ben. Send me the details via PM. Size of tires/condition, or just wheels only, and all that.
rougeben83
03-03-2009, 07:23 PM
Hook it up Ben. Send me the details via PM. Size of tires/condition, or just wheels only, and all that.

Yeah, theyre wheels only, I don't think you'd like DD on racing slicks in this weather :smt005 PM'ed you back though...
STL97outback
03-03-2009, 09:53 PM
Hook it up Ben. Send me the details via PM. Size of tires/condition, or just wheels only, and all that.

Yeah, theyre wheels only, I don't think you'd like DD on racing slicks in this weather :smt005 PM'ed you back though...
My Lotus runs A048 Yokos all around, pretty close to racing slicks if you ask me :smt026
OutbackMat
03-09-2009, 03:50 PM
I'll whore my Outback a little more. These are '06 Impreza wheels on my lowered (with WRX struts/springs):
http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/3567 ... 87sdr4.jpg (http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/3567/cimg0187sdr4.jpg)

I found them on I-Club for $250 with tires (had maybe 5K miles on them) in perfect shape. They are no longer in perfect shape thanks to my wife, who decided that the curb wasn't close enough until it ground into the spoke. :roll:

Anyway, these are 16s and I'll get you another picture if you'd like.