Yay LC Lemans!

 

I've settled on a set of LC Lemans as my wheel of choice. 18x8.5 et 45 on stock suspension.

 

Question now is what tire to wrap. I've been through Keefer's sticky - great stuff, feel fairly confident about going 245/35.

 

18 in. rims (for GT 2005-on):

235/35/18 (rare size, but closest to OE tire sizing to keep the spedometer reading correctly)

245/35/18 (common autocross, performance size, very good for daily driving)

 

Also, I've spent hours searching this forum. I have yet to find someone who has actually mounted my interested tire size on this size rim...

 

So, my question, has anyone tired it already? I'd like to know how it turned out. Discussing with Keefer, the wagon/sedan rears are probably similiar enough so that it wouldn't matter. So whoever you are, if you've done this with wagon or sedan, please speak up!!

 

My main concerns:

 

1. fitment - did you have to roll any fenders?

2. ride quality - just anything to note. Maybe you owned the car long enough so that you ran 18" 40 series? or others?

 

And any other notes you can add.

 

I'll have them within about a week, so I have some time to decide. on the fence for 245/35 or 235/35, but would prefer the 245.

 

Thanks everyone!

I had 245/35/18 sdrives on 18x8 tarmac3s. I had to roll my rear fenders, but I think that had more to do with being pretty low on coilovers.

 

something to consider, is that not all 245s are the same width...varies by manufacture. I say go 245 it will fit perfect on a 8.5 wide rim.

For all those I've contacted, and anyone else looking for wheel fitment reference...

 

As stated above, stock suspension, 245/35, 18x8.5 et 45.

 

Rear Fitment:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4943731878_3ae67be862.jpg

 

Front Fitment:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4943732040_7dca16c3ab.jpg

 

Rear:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4943732418_74792fe6dc.jpg

 

Front corner:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4943146841_f20a6dc574.jpg

 

Driver's Side:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4943146487_7b1e9cdc01.jpg

 

With respect to the rears rubbing, honestly haven't had a chance to really push it, but with normal driving with no weight in back, no troubles. I took an on ramp at a good clip, sharp turn early - no rubbing. So far Keefer is right on!

 

I must say, as time is going on, I'm being converted into a Legacy fan, more than the Impreza - 20 month old helps!!! Seriously, ride quality is freaking great! Even compared to a standard outback, like a totally different vehicle. Going to 18" didn't adversely affect ride quality.

 

Overall like it.

Looks great!

Glad to hear you are loving the car. As for the wheels... You can take the boy away from the racer, but you can't take the racer out of the boy.

Best,

T

Awesome! I'm glad everything turned out great. Enjoy the rims and avoid curbs! I was so damn anal about them

Looking good Bill! I'm happy to see everything fit well

 

-Dan

Finally packed the car - four of us, rears rub (barely) while rolling the body on a turn - not even that fast, otherwise OK. If I ever go JDM suspension, will probably roll the rears.

I have 245/35's on 18x8 et48 rota formula mesh wheels. Lowered on Bilstiens and Prova springs. Never had rubbing issues.

Guessing the 3mm or nearly 1/8" et just makes the difference.

long time bump but Schism and/or suds2250, how much room did you have between the tire and the strut?

 

how much camber were you running suds2250?

long time bump but Schism and/or suds2250, how much room did you have between the tire and the strut?

 

Stock suspension, should be plenty. I had no rubbing issues, didn't check. The tire/wheel well calculator shows room. On stockers with winters now.

 

I may not be able to answer this, as I'm on a track to install Billsteins this spring.