Want to run wider tires on your 2005+ Impreza WRX STi that is still using Stock wheels and Stock (or stock replacement) Struts?
Using the following setup it is possible to easily run a 245/40/17 or 255/40/17 Tire
1.) Stock 17×8 +53mm wheels (BBS or Enkei)
2.) Stock Struts (or stock replacements, such as Ohlins)
3.) Lowering Springs (90% of lowering springs will work, only the softest and Lowest will cause issue).
4.) Performance alignment (dialing in as much as possible using the stock front camber bolts ~ -1 degrees is normal, using aftermarket Camber Plates or Camber Bolts can be used to gain more camber).
Quality Summer 245 and 255 tires.
Bridgestone RE01R 245/40/17 or 255/40/17
Yokohama Advan AD07 245/40/17 or 255/40/17
Hankook Z212 RS2 245/40/17
Falken Azenis RT615 255/40/17
Dunlop Z1 Star Spec 245/40/17
All five of the tires listed are great tires. When considering if they will work on a you 2005+ STi you need to consider the use. If you’re Autoxing in STU you can’t go wider than 245, so running a 245/40/17 would be the best idea.
Also, if you plan on using the tires on new wheels that are wider and have a lower offset and you don’t plan on changing your suspension, you may want to avoid the 255’s as it can cause rubbing issues even with high offset 8.5″ wheels.
As Usual if you’ve got specific questions on fitment don’t hesitate to shoot me an email.
It really depends what length springs you have on the coils. A standard length spring will rub on the tire when going to a 255 at +53mm offset. I’d stick with the 245/40/17. The RE71R is a big step up from the RE11 even in the same width.