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 19×8.5 / 19×9.5-inch MST LeMans wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose MST 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 MST LeMans creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: MST LeMans on the Subaru WRX Base 2017
I walked around this VA-chassis WRX for twenty minutes just taking it all in. We see a lot of builds, but this staggered setup on the MST LeMans wheels really caught my eye. Running a 19x8.5 up front and a 19x9.5 in the back gives this car a purposeful, aggressive stance that the stock wheels just can't touch.
The +35 offset is the secret sauce here. It pushes the wheels right out to the edge of the fenders without needing a crazy pull. You get that flush look that makes the car look planted and wide on the asphalt.
We checked the clearance on those front calipers, and these wheels clear them perfectly. You don't need any annoying spacers to get these to sit right. The hub bore matches up tight, so you won't deal with any nasty vibrations at highway speeds.
The 19-inch diameter fills the arches much better than the factory 17s. We noticed the barrel lip depth on the rear 9.5s adds a nice layer of depth to the design. It gives the car a classic, multi-piece aesthetic that really pops when the car is rolling.
Since this owner is running coilovers, the fitment is dialed in perfectly. They dropped the height just enough to close that wheel gap. It makes the MST LeMans look like they were made specifically for this frame.
Watch out for rubbing if you decide to go this route. The rear quarter panels are tight, so you might need a slight roll if you go with meatier tires. Just keep an eye on your alignment specs to make sure you stay clear of the liners.
Overall, this setup is a masterclass in aggressive street fitment. It isn't just about the numbers; it's about how the car actually sits. This build proves that you can run a staggered setup on a WRX if you play your cards right.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX Base 2017 Owners
If you want to replicate this, stay within the 18 to 19-inch range. We find that 18s are better for track performance, but 19s like these MST LeMans are the kings of street style. Don't go too wide, or you will fight with the fender liners every time you hit a bump.
Stick to an offset between +35 and +40 for the cleanest look. Anything lower than +30 will poke way too far and look like a mess. We always recommend a square setup if you plan on rotating your tires, but there is no denying that the staggered look on this build hits different.
Don't skimp on your tire choice when you swap wheels. You want a decent tire with a slight shoulder round-off if you are running this close to the fender. A massive square-shouldered tire will rub constantly, and that gets old fast.
Avoid cheap spacers at all costs. If you buy the right offset from the start, you won't need them. Spacers just introduce more points of failure and mess with your scrub radius.
Get your coilovers installed and settled before you order your final tire size. Suspension geometry changes everything once the car drops. We always tell guys to install the coils, get an alignment, and then measure for the exact tire clearance.
Style and Build Analysis
The Silver finish on these MST LeMans wheels is a total throwback in the best way possible. It glows against the WRX body paint, especially when the sun hits the spokes. It feels clean, bright, and classic compared to the sea of flat black wheels we usually see.
The spoke design mimics those high-end, vintage racing wheels we all love. It breaks up the angular lines of the VA body perfectly. It gives the car a bit of elegance that balances out the aggressive front bumper and hood scoop.
Proportions are everything in this game, and this car nails it. The 19s fill the space without making the car look like a donk. It strikes that perfect balance between a show car and a weekend warrior.
We see a lot of builds that go too hard with the colors or the poke. This car keeps it simple and lets the design of the wheel do the heavy lifting. It feels cohesive from the front bumper all the way to the rear diffuser.
The road presence is undeniable. When this WRX rolls into a meet, people stop to look at the wheels first. It proves that you don't need a crazy widebody kit to make a WRX look like a million bucks.
Why We Love This Build
We love this build because it captures the spirit of a true enthusiast car. The silver MST LeMans wheels catch the light in a way that makes the whole car look fast even when it is parked. You can see the reflection of the pavement in the polished barrels.
The way the wheels fill the arches is just perfect. It transforms the base WRX into something that looks like it belongs on a magazine cover. It’s clean, it’s sharp, and it stays true to the roots of the platform.
This car is the kind of build that makes you want to go out and buy a set of wheels for your own daily. It just works. Stop overthinking your fitment and get after it.
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: MST LeMans
- Wheel Size: 19×8.5 / 19×9.5
- Offset: 35 / 35
- Wheel Finish: Silver
- Tires: Nankang NS-20 235/35 25.5″x9.3″ / 235/35 25.5″x9.3″
- Suspension: Coilovers
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 19×8.5 / 19×9.5-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 19×8.5 / 19×9.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
