About This Subaru WRX/STI GD “Blob Eye” Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Blue Subaru WRX/STI GD “Blob Eye” sits on a set of 17×8.5-inch Rays CE28N wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Rays 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/STI builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the Blue exterior with the Rays CE28N creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Rays CE28N on the Subaru WRX/STI
I walked around this Subaru today and the fitment stopped me in my tracks. These 17x8.5 Rays CE28N wheels sit perfectly flush against the fenders. The +40 offset is the absolute gold standard for this platform.
Most guys mess up the offset, but this setup avoids the dreaded poke. The 245/40/17 tires wrap the wheels with just enough meat to look aggressive. You get zero rubbing issues even under heavy cornering loads.
Caliper clearance is always the big worry with these older Subies. These spokes arch out just enough to clear the stock Brembos without needing spacers. It is a clean, bolt-on solution that keeps the scrub radius intact.
The hub bore matches up perfectly, so we avoid any vibrations at highway speeds. I love the barrel lip depth on these; it adds a layer of depth without ruining the wheel geometry. It is subtle but screams function over form.
The HKS Hyper Max Pro coilovers really dial in the stance here. They stiffen up the chassis and drop the center of gravity just enough. The wheel arch gap is practically non-existent now.
You have to watch the inner fender liner if you drop the car too low. This specific setup manages to clear everything without hacking up the metal. It is a masterclass in proper wheel engineering.
What We Recommend for Subaru WRX/STI Owners
If you want to build a street killer, stay away from massive wheel diameters. A 17-inch wheel is the sweet spot for tire sidewall compliance and weight savings. You want to keep your unsprung mass low for better handling.
Always run a square setup on these cars. Staggered setups ruin the AWD system and create unnecessary understeer. We have tested plenty of configs, and square always wins for daily driving and track work.
Don't be afraid of the +40 to +45 offset range. It keeps the wheels tucked neatly inside the fenders while providing a wider track width. You get better turn-in response without destroying your wheel bearings.
Avoid cheap spacers at all costs. If your wheels do not fit, you bought the wrong specs or the wrong wheels. Proper hub-centric rings are the only hardware you should ever add.
Look for lightweight forged wheels if your budget allows it. The CE28N is a legend for a reason because it shaves off massive amounts of weight. Every pound you drop in rotational mass improves your acceleration and braking.
Style and Build Analysis
The classic Rays bronze finish looks incredible against the deep Blue paint. It provides that iconic rally look that defines the Subaru spirit. Blue and bronze is a color combination that never goes out of style.
The six-spoke design of the CE28N feels timeless. It looks just as good on a track as it does parked at a local coffee shop. These wheels carry a visual weight that commands respect.
Proportions on this car feel spot on. The 17-inch wheels make the car look hunkered down and ready to attack a mountain pass. It does not look cartoonish or overly modified.
We have seen hundreds of WRX builds, but this one keeps it simple. It relies on high-quality parts rather than flashy, cheap aesthetics. The restraint shown here makes the car stand out even more.
This car has a presence that screams intentionality. Every choice, from the tire sidewall to the ride height, serves a purpose. It represents the pinnacle of a well-executed street build.
Why We Love This Build
This Blue Subaru glows under the afternoon sun, especially with those iconic bronze spokes catching the light. It is a functional machine that looks fast even when it is sitting perfectly still. I love how the HKS suspension tightens the stance, making the whole package look like a coiled spring.
This build reminds me why we fell in love with car culture in the first place. It hits that perfect balance between aggressive track aesthetics and daily driver reliability. You can see the soul of the car in every single detail.
If you want to transform your own STI, this is the blueprint you need to follow. Do it right once, and you will never regret the investment in quality. This car is pure perfection on four wheels.
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/STI GD “Blob Eye”
- Vehicle Color: Blue
- Wheel Brand & Model: Rays CE28N
- Wheel Size: 17×8.5
- Offset: +40
- Tires: 245/40/17
- Suspension: HKS HYPER MAX PRO
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Subaru WRX/STI owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 17×8.5-inch wheels fit my Subaru WRX/STI? 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/STI owners run 17×8.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
