There are a couple of threads with "tire calculator" in them.
I want to go to a 18x 8 - 8.5 wheel for summers and the size I am going to use is 45/245/18. Which is almost the stock diameter as per the tire calculator. I also compare revolutions per mile on the tires to get an idea of how close I am to the stock size.

Dave

 

i got set of 235/50/18 dunlop summer performance with these cool looking wheels I actually havn't put them on yet. Gotta wait till spring

I like the gold idea though

 

I'm thinking of trying a 19" so I can fill the wheel well up a bit. Also I'm at stock height and not sure if i ever want to drop it at all, between the crap roads and weather I get in my area I don't think it would be a smart investment. If i go 19" how wide should I go to get a somewhat flush look? Seems my choices are 8.5" or 9.5".

 

My only complaint with 19's is they typically are not as popular and tire selection is less. I say put 20's on it!

 

If you go to a 9.5" wide, you will most likely need to roll/pull your fenders. The offset is easier to create the flushness you want.
If you have crap roads and don't want to lower the car b/c of that, I would imagine that going to a larger wheel with a lower profile tire won't be helpful to you and could damage tire/wheels quicker.
In addition, if you keep the tire diameter and suspension the same, the "filling" of the wheel wells is only psychological b/c the tires will have the same gap.

Not trying to be a downer but you are having the same thoughts I went through about 2 years ago and waiting to wear out my stocks before making the swap. Will go to Rota SVN(unless I get a deal on RE30's) 18x8.5 +48 wheels on 245/45/18 Conti DWS or DW.

There is an aggressive tire thread. That might give you an idea what you are looking for and there are a few helpful comments on size and what they did to make them fit.

Dave

 

If I feel froggy later I will fit the 18x9.5's we have on our 2010. Just by looking at it the wheel wells are huge. I would bet a 10 fits nicely.

 

I would get something with a little more than 5 spokes for a foz in my opinion

 

From my understanding, using the stock suspension and a 9.5" wide rim and appropriate tire. You will come into issues with the rear before the front. I concluded that I didn't want to roll my fenders when I thought about the process.
Will be happy to see the results of 18/9.5's. Also, please post the tire size.

 

Tire size currently is 245/40/18. I will try and bolt em on and snap a few photos.

 

I am looking for an affordable wheel that is gold with a machined/chrome lip. I think that would look best on a white xt. Anyone got any suggetions beyond the 962's I found above.

 

I'm running Oz Racing Ultraleggera rims in 19 x 8 +48 offset with 245/40/19 tyres. I am on coilovers and have rolled the front guards. Previously I ran Rota SVN 18 x 8.5 +48 offset on 245/45/18.

Fitment in the rear will be your issue if you go wider than 8.5 and near on flush fit in that width would be +45.

 

So i can run 18x8.5 +48 offset without any modification? Can I stretch to a 8.75? Also is that going to be flush? I may consider 09'+ wrx suspension to kill the gap a lil bit.

Or

 

pics of 18 x 8.5 +48 rotas on stock suspension

now with coilovers installed

Current 19 x 8 +48 offset rims

 

Nice!
I think the 19" look the best fitment wise. Did you have to roll the fenders?
I want your sides, and rear underspoilers, in white of course...I wish I could buy them in the states.

 

Thanks that is my thoughts as well.
Fronts were rolled when I changed to 19" rims. Rears did not require this.

 

Thanks for the pics, Aussie Dave. The 18's on stock are just about the look I've been wanting, nice to see what they actually look like. Any rubbing? I also notice you've got the s-Drives. How are they? Any good off-road? (JK--but I have been ogling them for a summer road tire.)

I was initially worried 18s might look too pimpmobile, but 17s are stock on everything but mine (2.5X base).