More of those annoying newbie questions
 

I've just recently picked up a cheap 93 classic wrx import.

Its lowered on suspension of unknown origin over 17" wheels running 215/40 tyres and suffers from some irritating scrubbage. The suspension isn't faulty and doesn't look especially low. What wheel fitment should i be running?

What oil should i use. Car has roughly 100k on it.

How do i remove the dash insert in the middle where the vents/heater controls are? Does it pull out or is it fixed from underneath behind the stereo? I need to replace a bulb.

Thanks in advance for all the help :notworthy

215/40 is right for 17s. use mobil1 oil fully synthetic.

Thanks. I've no idea why its scrubbing then

What wheels are on it? Wrong offset? And where is the scrubbing, inner or outer edges?

BTW: we all have to start somewhere.

And some people post annoying stuff just for fun;)

I had one go with the search system and so much came up i gave up right away. Scrub on the outers. What offset should they run, will get a wheel off tomorrow and see what offset they are.

Offset don't want to be much less than ET40. Most Subaru wheels are from around ET45+. Are they very wide, like 8+ inches? This could exaserbate even a modest ET and still cause the rubbing.

I had 7J" x 17s running 215/40's no problem with rubbing, bottoming out etc. I now have 215/45's on those same alloys - still no problem.

To remove the heater surround, there are two philips screws below the vents and just above the controls once they are out it just pulls out on clips

As for the wheels, if they are rubbing on the outside, could try rolling the arches

Joz your PM box is full!

What ET are your wheels, standard arches and suspension setup?

From memory my 17" x 7J alloys are ET47 (or 48). Running 215/45 R17 Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric.

Yep, std Classic arches... but... lowered by about 1" to 1.5".

Standard ET should be between 48-53 (subaru's specification).

OP, use 10w40 semi synthetic in your engine, nothing wrong with using it ;) its got 100k on the clock, fully synth is going to be wasted in there unless you know its been run on the stuff all its life, if anything your probably better off with millers 10w50 to compensate for a little bit of wear ;) but that is fully synthetic.
I would also replace the belts, 3 years/45k whichever is first, chances are you dont know, the previous owners didnt know so its worth getting done.
A full "major" service from a speciallist will set you back about 500 quid, but its oil changes for the next 2 years then ;) and there are a few procedures you need to do to ensure you dont knacker up the engine, they can be a little tempremental, especially old and tired oil pumps which let go soon after oil changes :(

Tony:)

Classics run 205/45/17 or 215/40/17, newage run 215/45/17 or 225/45/17 (though having never owned a new age wrx afaik you can run 225/45's ok :))

Tony:)

Yeah, unfortunately the F1 Asymms only come in 215/45.... well, they did when I bought 'em about 2 years ago.

I'll prob get Sessantas next... and they now do them in the 'correct' 215/40 R17. :)

Is there any Inovit Tarmac or Rota GTA type alloys in 7x17 / PCD 5x100 with an offset other than 45? Or will these fit with 215x40x17?

There doesnt seem to be much in the way of 7x17 and with an ET approaching 50!

EDIT
Rota GRA is actually available in 7x17 / 5x100 and ET 48....should be ok with 215x40x17 arch clearance wise?

But the 17x7 ET48 isnt listed anywhere for sale! arghhh. 17x7.5 ET48 is listed as fitting the Impreza though, would there be any arch clearance issues there?

I reckon even a ET45 on either 7J or 7.5J rim will still be okay...