jdmran

Been searching through build threads and wheel threads for setup advice and I thought I'd post my own for last minute feedback before I pull the trigger.

08 Mercury Metallic, currently stock with 255/275 PSS tires on OEM wheels. I will be installing the new wheel setup along with coilovers at the same time so I can do 1 alignment after fitment. This is my daily driver and won't see the track.

I would HIGHLY prefer NOT to do any fender mods but willing to roll if necessary. Would like to keep camber/toe at OEM spec and not have to buy additional suspension components (camber kit/arms, etc...).

Narrowed it down to these options: (in order of preference at this time)

1. Mildly Aggressive - 19x9.5 +35 Square Setup: Tires- 245/35/19 (F) and 275/35/19 (R) (or should I go 275/30/19 rear)

2. More Functional- 18x9.5 +35 Square Setup: Tires- 255/40/18 (F) and 275/35/18 (R)

3. Conservative- 19x8.5 +35 (F), 19x9.5 +35 (R) Staggered Setup: Tires- 245/35/19 (F) and 275/35/19 (R)

My thoughts on each setup:
- Would really love to run 9.5's all around but worried about fitment (fenders, camber, etc...).

- Never really considered dropping down to 18's until I saw some of the recent threads by guys who made the switch with their F's and did it well. Some angles the wheels look too small for the F (especially the rear) which is a concern.

- The conservative setup seems like the easiest to do without having to worry about additional fender work but 8.5 inch wheels that are concave/aggressive looking are impossible to find.

Thanks in advance for any advice on the setup you guys can provide and thanks for the many threads that have led me to narrow down my choices!

JDMV8

iTrader: (6)

I have 19x9.5 +38 square, and it looks and fits great. no camber or toe mods, only suspension mod at the time was coilovers, sway bars, and USRS. I shaved my rears. No mods to the front wheel wells. Only issues I've ever had was taking banked turns at high speeds (and only then did I rub a bit on the plastic fender liner at the track). 265/30/19 tires all around.

Chris808

I am currently using my old wheels from my WRX; they're 18x9.5 +38 at all four corners. Tires are 255/35/18 and I don't rub at all, but then again I am on the stock suspension.

tas02

iTrader: (2)

If the tires aren't the same size, or the wheels have a different offset front to rear, it's not a "square" setup. Why sacrifice the advantage of rotating diagonally?

And have you considered a "most functional" setup of 18 x 9.5 +45 with 275/35 all around in order to retain stock front wheel offset?

400to300H

What he said ^^^

My car came with new staggered on stock rims, once they wear out Ill be running 19 9.5 with 255s square. I dont track and want to be able to rotate...

jdmran

Thanks for the replies guys! especially JDMV8 that setup looks great nice fitment and nice F! And thanks for the pics Chris808 the matte bronze looks great on white and it seems like most of the nice 18x9.5 square setups I'm finding are made for WRX.

I'm looking for a balance between function and fit, it's a daily driver so a setup purely based on function isn't really necessary for me. The 18x9.5's I'm considering (Gram Light 57DR) are +35 offset so I doubt I can get away with 275's up front without fender/camber mods.

I'm still leaning towards 19x9.5 all around but now i'm re-thinking my tire sizes...

Leander311

iTrader: (2)

Lots of folks here have 19x9.5's +40-45's with square 275/35/19 rubber all around without rubbing issues... Get the best of both worlds, function and fit. Have *and* eat that cake, bud!

Also FWIW, in going down to 18's, many here have reported brake caliper interference issues up front. So by sticking with 19's, you're sure to avoid that.

SeanO

iTrader: (1)

I run your conservative setup - except my rear wheels are +45 offset - you will need to do some fender work in the rear with a +35 wheel. Unless you step down to a 265/30 tire.. but I wanted the 275

My fronts are 19 by 8.5 with a +35 offset and they're nicely flush

SeanO

iTrader: (1)

MileHIFcar

Sean, your car looks clean with those wheels!! Good choice

ShuBoxInc

iTrader: (1)

jdmran

thanks so much for all the replies! just what i was looking for when I started this thread. I will update the post with my setup once everything comes in and gets installed.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Base offsets on the IS350 are different than an IS F. I wouldn't take this as a fitment that will work/look the same on our cars.

SeanO

iTrader: (1)

Care to elaborate? how much do the offsets differ?

jdmran

there is a difference in the stock wheel setup and amount of room for aftermarket wheels since the fenders are different on the base IS vs. ISF

IS250/350:
17 x 8 45mm (both AWD/RWD)
18 x 8 45mm (both AWD/RWD)
18 x 8.5 50mm (RWD's rear)

ISF:
Size: 19 x 8 Front, 19 x 9 Rear inches
Offset: 45mm Fronts / 55mm Rears