About This Scion FR-S Base 2013 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Scion FR-S Base 2013 sits on a set of 17×9 / 17×9-inch SSR GTX01 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose SSR for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Scion FR-S Base builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the SSR GTX01 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: SSR GTX01 on the Scion FR-S Base 2013
I stood right next to this FR-S at the last meet, and the 17x9 square setup on the GTX01s is pure perfection. Running a +38 offset on all four corners fills those factory arches exactly how Toyota and Subaru intended for a track-focused build. The fitment sits flush without screaming for attention, keeping the aggressive stance functional.
The 17-inch diameter keeps the rotating mass low, which helps the FR-S keep its sharp handling profile. That 9-inch width allows for a meaty tire that provides the grip this chassis desperately craves. You gain a wider contact patch while keeping the steering feel crisp and responsive.
We checked the caliper clearance and the SSR design clears the stock brakes with room to spare. You will not deal with any annoying interference issues here. The hub bore matches up perfectly, so you get a smooth ride without chasing down vibrations from hub rings.
The concave face of the GTX01 looks incredible in this size. SSR nailed the spoke design to ensure the wheel looks purposeful rather than just aesthetic. It pulls the visual weight toward the center of the car, giving it a planted look even when parked.
Because you are running coilovers, you need to watch the clearance on the front strut housing. With a 17x9 +38, you might get close depending on the spring diameter of your coilover brand. Keep an eye on your alignment settings to prevent any rubbing on the inner fender liner.
The rear fitment is spot on, but don't go too crazy with tire width. If you run a tire wider than 255, you might need a slight roll on the rear quarter lips. Stay with a 245/40/17 for a clean look that clears the arches under heavy compression.
This setup works because it avoids the common mistakes of excessive poke. It keeps the scrub radius within a manageable range for daily driving and track use. It is truly the gold standard for anyone wanting a high-performance look on a stock body.
What We Recommend for Scion FR-S Base 2013 Owners
If you own an FR-S, stop buying wheels just because they look cool in a catalog. You need to prioritize weight and offset to keep the car's balance alive. The 17x9 size remains the undisputed king for this platform for a reason.
We suggest sticking to the +35 to +40 offset range for a square setup. Anything lower than +30 will require fender work that ruins the clean lines of the car. Avoid the staggered look on these, as it just creates understeer and makes rotating your tires impossible.
Always pair these wheels with a high-performance summer tire to unlock the potential of your coilovers. A 245/40/17 tire offers the perfect balance of grip and sidewall support. Avoid heavy run-flats that kill the steering feedback the FR-S is famous for.
Do not forget your alignment when you bolt these on. You need at least -2 degrees of camber up front to clear the fenders and improve turn-in. Without a proper alignment, you will chew through tires in a single season.
Many guys make the mistake of buying cheap, heavy cast wheels that ruin the suspension geometry. The SSR GTX01 is a flow-formed piece, so it stays light and strong. Spend the extra money on quality wheels because your unsprung weight directly impacts how the car feels in corners.
Style and Build Analysis
The Silver finish on these SSRs is a classic choice that never goes out of style. Against the factory paint, it creates a clean, race-inspired contrast that looks professional. It screams Japanese tuner heritage without being loud or tacky.
We love how the thin, multi-spoke design of the GTX01 frames the brake rotors. It gives the car a delicate yet technical appearance that feels right at home in a paddock. The silver powder coat catches the sun beautifully, showing off the intricate barrel design.
This build proves that you do not need wide-body kits to make an FR-S look aggressive. Proper fitment and a solid wheel choice do all the heavy lifting. The stance is low, mean, and perfectly calculated to hug the pavement.
We have seen hundreds of FR-S builds, but this one sticks in our minds. It avoids the "all show, no go" pitfalls that plague the scene today. It looks like a car that gets driven hard on a twisty mountain road every single weekend.
The proportions remain balanced, which is the most important part of car design. The wheels don't overwhelm the body, and the body doesn't hide the wheels. It is a harmonious package that highlights the best design cues of the 2013 model year.
Why We Love This Build
I stopped in my tracks the moment I saw this FR-S roll into the show. The Silver GTX01s glow under the streetlights, giving the car a sophisticated, high-end presence. It feels like a genuine factory-backed project that prioritizes function over trends.
The way the fenders sit perfectly over the tires makes the car look hunkered down and ready to pounce. It is the kind of build that respects the engineering of the chassis while adding a layer of aggressive personality. Seeing it in person reminds me why I fell in love with car culture in the first place.
This build hits the sweet spot between a street car and a track weapon. It makes you want to grab the keys, head to the canyon, and drive until the sun goes down. Perfection is rarely this simple.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Scion FR-S Base 2013
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: SSR GTX01
- Wheel Size: 17×9 / 17×9
- Offset: 38 / 38
- Wheel Finish: Silver
- Tires: Federal 595 RS-R 255/40 25″x10″ / 255/40 25″x10″
- Suspension: Coilovers
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Scion FR-S Base owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 17×9 / 17×9-inch wheels fit my Scion FR-S Base? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Scion FR-S Base owners run 17×9 / 17×9-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
