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 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch AVID1 AV20 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose AVID1 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 AVID1 AV20 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: AVID1 AV20 on the Scion FR-S Base 2013
I walked up to this FR-S at the last meet and immediately locked eyes with those AVID1 AV20s. Running an 18x8.5 setup at all four corners keeps the handling predictable and the rotation easy. That +33 offset pushes the wheels right out to the edge of the fenders without needing a mallet to clear the metal.
The FR-S platform is notorious for needing just a little extra poke to look right. These 18x8.5s deliver exactly that aesthetic win. You get a flush look that makes the car look like it actually belongs on the road instead of the factory skinny-tire setup.
Clearance around the factory calipers is a non-issue with this specific wheel design. The spokes clear the front brakes with plenty of room to breathe. You will not deal with any annoying interference or scraping against the hardware here.
The hub bore fits perfectly on our 5x100 bolt pattern. No wobble, no vibrations, just a clean mounting surface. I always stress the importance of hub-centric rings, but these wheels seat against the hub like they were cast for the car.
Because we dropped the car on lowering springs, the fender gap is finally gone. You have to watch the inner plastic liner on big dips, but it stays quiet under normal driving. The springs pull the wheel into that sweet spot of the wheel well.
That barrel lip depth provides just enough character without being gaudy. The spokes curve inward just enough to add depth to the profile. It gives the car a sense of movement even when it sits perfectly still.
I advise checking your alignment after installing this exact setup. You want to dial in a bit of negative camber to ensure the tire shoulder misses the fender lip during hard cornering. A sharp alignment turns this build from a show-pony into a canyon-carving machine.
What We Recommend for Scion FR-S Base 2013 Owners
If you want to replicate this look, stick to the 18-inch diameter. It fills the arch better than the 17s without ruining your ride comfort. Keep the width at 8.5 inches to maintain the snappy steering feel that makes the FR-S a blast to drive.
The +33 offset is a total winner for this car. If you go higher, you look like a stock econobox. If you go much lower, you start fighting fender rubbing issues every time you hit a pothole.
We always suggest a square setup for these cars. Staggered wheels on a platform with this little horsepower just create unnecessary understeer. Keep the same width front and rear so you can rotate your tires and save some cash in the long run.
Avoid the temptation to run massive spacers. They put extra stress on your wheel bearings and lead to premature failure. Get the right offset from the start and skip the hardware-store tricks.
For tires, match the width to your rim to avoid the balloon look. A 225 or 235 section tire creates a clean, vertical sidewall that protects your wheels from curb rash. It looks professional and keeps the contact patch right where it belongs.
Do not skip out on quality lug nuts when you swap your wheels. Use a set of steel lugs with a proper seat design. Cheap aluminum hardware snaps under pressure, and you definitely do not want to lose a wheel on the highway.
Style and Build Analysis
The black finish on these AV20s provides a mean, aggressive contrast against the factory paint. It gives the FR-S a sense of purpose that the stock silver wheels just never captured. It feels stealthy, dark, and ready for a night run.
The multi-spoke design echoes some of the legendary wheels from the golden age of Japanese tuning. It pays homage to the drift heritage of the 86 chassis while staying current. It is a design that honestly never goes out of style.
Stance is everything with this car, and these wheels bring the proportions into perfect balance. The dark finish draws your eye toward the tire, making the whole wheel assembly look larger than it is. It gives the side profile a much more planted stance.
Compared to other builds I see, this one succeeds because of its restraint. It doesn't rely on wild camber or massive wings to get attention. The wheels do the heavy lifting by filling the arches just right.
The way the black wheels disappear into the shadows of the wheel wells looks incredible in low light. It creates a seamless flow from the body line down to the pavement. It makes the car look lower and wider than it really is.
You can see the difference in build quality compared to the replicas we often see on these forums. The finish is deep and consistent, not hazy or plastic-looking. It’s a clean build that shows the owner actually cares about the details.
Why We Love This Build
I love this FR-S because it looks like a driver’s car, not a museum piece. The black AV20s give it a sinister edge that begs to be pushed through a tight corner. When the sun hits the spokes, the geometry pops and makes the car feel like a proper sports machine.
We see a lot of these cars at WheelFront, but this one sticks in my mind. It proves that you do not need to drop a fortune to achieve a top-tier aesthetic. It hits the perfect balance between daily-driver comfort and a track-ready presence.
If you own an FR-S, stop overthinking your wheel choice and just do it. This setup is the gold standard for a reason. Grab this look, lower the car, and go enjoy the drive.
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: AVID1 AV20
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 33 / 33
- Wheel Finish: Black
- Tires: BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 A/S 245/40 25.7″x9.6″ / 245/40 25.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Lowering Springs
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 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-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 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
