About This Subaru WRX Base 2017 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Subaru WRX Base 2017 sits on a set of 18×8.5 / 18×8.5-inch Enkei TS-5 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Enkei for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Subaru WRX Base builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the exterior with the Enkei TS-5 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Enkei TS-5 on the Subaru WRX Base 2017
I walked up to this WRX at the meet and immediately noticed the stance. These Enkei TS-5s in 18x8.5 with a +38 offset sit right where they should. They give the car a much wider, more purposeful look than the skinny stock wheels.
The +38 offset pushes the wheels out toward the fender edge perfectly. You get that flush look without needing to touch your fenders with a roller. It is the ideal setup for someone who wants performance without the headache.
The 5-spoke design of the TS-5 creates massive open space. This makes cleaning your calipers a total breeze after a long track day. I checked the clearance, and you have plenty of room for those base brakes.
Hub bore is a huge deal on these Subarus. Enkei nails the fitment here, so you do not deal with annoying vibrations at highway speeds. Just grab some hub-centric rings and you are good to go.
Since this car runs the stock suspension, the wheel gap is still there. The 18-inch diameter fills the wheel well nicely, though. It keeps the car looking aggressive without turning it into a low-speed rock crawler.
You might worry about rubbing if you drop the car later. With this specific offset, you should stay clear of the inner fender liners. Just watch your tire width if you decide to go wider than a 245 section tire.
The concave profile on the TS-5 is the real highlight here. Even at 8.5 inches wide, the spokes dive toward the hub. It gives the car a deep, muscular aesthetic that screams Japanese performance.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Base 2017 Owners
Stick to a square setup on your WRX. Running the same size at all four corners makes tire rotations easy. It also keeps the handling neutral and predictable when you push the car hard.
Aim for that +35 to +38 offset range. It puts the wheel flush with the body line every time. Anything higher starts looking tucked and boring, while anything lower invites unwanted fender rubbing.
Do not go overboard with tire stretch. Stick to a 245/40/18 or a 255/35/18 to protect the rim lip. You want a meaty sidewall that handles potholes and canyon roads without bending your hardware.
Avoid cheap spacers at all costs. They mess with your scrub radius and add stress to your wheel bearings. Quality wheels like the TS-5 are designed to bolt straight to the hub for a reason.
If you plan to lower the car, budget for coilovers and a proper alignment. You will need a bit of negative camber to tuck the tires under the fenders. A good alignment shop is your best friend during this phase.
Most guys make the mistake of buying wheels that are too wide. An 18x9.5 sounds cool, but it requires fender work and aggressive camber settings. Stick to the 8.5-inch width if you want a daily driver that actually works.
Style and Build Analysis
The Bronze finish on these TS-5s transforms the entire vibe of this WRX. It adds a sophisticated, rally-inspired flair to the raw Subaru lines. Bronze just hits different when the sun catches it in the parking lot.
This design is clean and uncomplicated. I hate wheels that look like a spider web. The simple five-spoke layout emphasizes the mechanical nature of the car and feels timeless.
Proportions are everything in a build like this. The 18-inch diameter matches the scale of the chassis perfectly. It does not look like a cartoon, yet it demands attention from every car guy walking by.
I have seen a dozen WRX builds this month, but this one stands out. The color coordination between the body paint and the wheels creates a cohesive, factory-plus look. It feels like a special edition from the showroom floor.
Road presence is all about the details. The way the bronze spokes contrast with the dark brake calipers creates depth. You see the movement in the wheels even when the car is sitting completely still.
This build proves that you do not need a widebody kit to look fast. Thoughtful wheel choice and correct offset do the heavy lifting. It is a masterclass in clean, functional modification that works for the street.
Why We Love This Build
This WRX stops me in my tracks every time I see it. The bronze finish glows against the paint, and the wheels fill the arches just enough to look mean. It is the perfect blend of utility and pure, unadulterated style.
I love seeing a car that stays true to its roots. This owner kept the stock suspension but made the right choice with the Enkei wheels. It is a reminder that you do not need to break your back or your wallet to build a legend.
The whole car feels like a cohesive unit. It is fast, functional, and looks like it belongs on a rally stage. Build it exactly like this and you will never regret turning the key.
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: Subaru WRX Base 2017
- Vehicle Color:
- Wheel Brand & Model: Enkei TS-5
- Wheel Size: 18×8.5 / 18×8.5
- Offset: 38 / 38
- Wheel Finish: Bronze
- Tires: Goodyear Eagle Sport AS 245/45 26.7″x9.6″ / 245/45 26.7″x9.6″
- Suspension: Stock Suspension
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru WRX 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 Subaru WRX 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 Subaru WRX 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.
