If you're on the hunt for a new set of FK8 or FL5 Type R wheels, here's a great place to start.
If you're still stock, you've most likely asked yourself some version of the question, "What's the best wheel size to get on my Type R?"
There are many features to consider - spoke design, wheel material, multi-piece construction, forged, hub bore, weight, concavity, etc. The wheel makers usually take care of most details when they're designing the wheel for the various cars it will end up on. You usually don't have to shop for all those specs. And the style is your preference.
We are simply recommending a size based on what we think most people care about - alignment with the fender and going wider. There are many other sizes that can be used for whatever reason you see fit. But this is a proven and popular path.
Make sure you're looking for wheels and lug nuts with these specs.
✅ 5x120 Bolt Pattern
✅ M14x1.5 Stud
✅ 64.1mm Hub Bore or Higher
I've seen many people mention offset as if it's the only important metric. But an 8.5" wheel with a +40 offset is much different than a 9.5" +40. In fact, that 9.5" wheel would be exactly 1/2" further in and out than the 8.5". So it's critical to choose the right combination.
Offset is how far away from center the mounting face is, front to back. The lower the value, the further out the wheel goes.
For both FK8 and FL5, the community tends to go in a similar direction. I agree with them.
⚡ 18x9.5", +35 to +45 offsetor the FL5 specifically, there are many people choosing to stay with the stock diameter of 19". When you look at some of the samples, it's easy to see why. The 19" looks more at home on the FL5 than the FK8, in my opinion. For the sake of this blog, we are more focused on offset and width, since there are many more options with those specs compared to diameter. So we'll leave the 18 vs. 19 choice up to you. What you choose will change the tire size required but the offset and width will remain the same recommendation between both generations. One other note, it does seem that more people aren't choosing to go with +35's on the FL5 nearly as much as the FK8. It seems to push a little further out than ideal compared to the FK8. But anything from about +38 to +45 is in the swee
| For the FL5, many choose to stay with the stock 19" diameter and it's easy to see why. The 19" looks more at home on the FL5 than the FK8, it seems. For this blog, we are more focused on offset and width. We'll leave the 18 vs. 19 choice up to you but the offset and width will remain the same recommendation between both models. One other note, the +35 offset on the FL5 isn't quite as popular as it is on the FK8. It seems to push a little further out than ideal compared to the FK8. But anything from about +38 to +45 is in the sweet spot for the FL5. |
This covers a long list of wheel options. Wheel companies respond to what people want and for the Type R, this is a highly selected wheel size range.
During your search for the right wheel, you'll most likely find some with +38 or +42 offsets. Anything in the +35 to +45 is within range.
The +45 offset will sit 10mm further inside the fender than the +35, giving you a handful more tire sizes to choose from. You may even be able to get the car a touch lower, if that's what you're after.
The +35 has the eye appeal many enthusiasts really appreciate and will work fine. However, you probably can't put the widest tire you can get for a 9.5" wheel on a +35 offset. It's right on the edge of impractical, which is why we put a 18x9.5 +45 on our own FK8.
Tire sizes are standardized globally, but they're rarely the exact same dimensionally. With the variances between all the brands, there will be some common tire sizes that will rub the fenders with more aggressive offsets.
Check out the differences below between two different FK8's with identical tire sizes and only a 2mm difference in offset. The offset difference is hardly noticeable, but the tire gives it a different look. Camber can play a role in fitment, but you don't want to be too far off, just to fit a tire. You also don't want to choose your tire based on looks. But the tire you do want might require you to have a certain wheel fitment. So if the wheel offset is more important to you, just know that not every tire is equal when fitting aggressive offsets.
With the wheel size we suggested, you should stick to a 255-275 width tire. Anything more or less isn't ideal for a 9.5" wheel. 245's technically work and are common for those in varying climate conditions that run the same aggressive all-season tire all year.
Unless you're swapping out to a full winter setup on the same wheels, I don't think a 245 is the way to go. The Type R has an engine that needs all the tire you can get, especially with FWD.
You'll be deciding between a couple different sidewall profiles, a 35 or a 40.
If you run a +45 offset wheel, you can get away with a 40 aspect ratio on the 255 or 265 tire. But a 40 aspect ratio on a 275 is too much tire without much wiggle room inside the fender.
If you choose a 275 tire, the 35 ratio tire is the right choice for any pretty much any offset you choose. If you had the more aggressive +35 offset, a 275 tire might not work regardless. Again, tire brand might play a role.
⚡ 265/35-18 - Most versatile, reliable tire for this wheel.
On our own FK8 shop car, we run a 265/35-18 on our 18x9.5 +45 wheel. Using only math, it's very close to the stock overall diameter with the 20" stock tires. But look up the specs on the manufacturer's website for the tire we chose and you'll find they list the overall diameter at about an inch and a half shorter!! And it looks that way on the car.
If it's important to you, be a little nosy and research actual diameter before you choose the right tire, just so you know what you're getting. If you plan to lower the car though, that can eliminate many concerns about what the tire height is going to be.
Above: 18x9.5 +38mm, 255/40-18 tires
With stock suspension, you'll be able to fit almost any combination mentioned with the exception of a 275/40-18. That would probably roll down the road just fine but they might be a little too bulky for the fender when it squats.
I don't think that's the right size. It might look goofy anyway which is why you don't really hear of too many Type R's with that size.
If you know you're sticking with stock suspension, I like the 265/40-18 option. The sidewall will soak up more of the space in the fender and will provide tolerance for rougher roads. This is closer to stock height. The 265/35-18 is still a very reliable size mixed with stock suspension. You won't have any clearance or rubbing issues.
When you lower the car, tire size limitations start to creep in. Rubbing during a lock to lock of the steering wheel isn't much of a concern here. Hitting dips and bumps at speed and taking high speed sweepers is where trouble starts. This causes the tire to make contact with the top of the fender.
Some will tolerate it in exchange for a really tight fender gap. But I don't like that. My style is function and form, without sacrificing function too much, if at all. Rubbing tires is not acceptable. It's like nails on a chalkboard when you hear it, plus it makes string cheese out of your sidewalls. It only gets worse with passengers or gear in the back.
If you choose a +35 offset, a 265/35-18 might just be a touch too aggressive if you're going pretty low, depending on the tire brand. A 255/35 might be your only choice if you don't want any rubbing issues while maintaining a lower ride height.
If you're swapping to a winter setup every year, here's my favorite size.
18x8.5" +35ish with a 225-235 width with a full winter tread pattern is going to prance through the snow better than Bambi, as long as you're not using the front lip as a plow. Fitment will still look decent while remaining fully cold weather functional with some gap to let that snow pack get out. I wouldn't be afraid of a 245 in the snow either though, which would also fit the wheel perfectly.
If you're dead set on using this wheel setup for the summer too, here is my recommendation for both the 8.5" and 9.0" wheel widths. Keep in mind, the FL5 comes with a 9.0" so you'd be reducing the width by choosing a 8.5" width. On the FK8, 8.5" is the factory width.
My offset and tire preference for 8.5" and 9.0" width wheels, if you must.
⚡ 18x8.5" +35ish, 245/45-18 Tires
⚡ 18x9.0" +40ish, 255/40-18 Tires
Feeling confident picking out your new wheels now? Check out our selection of Type R wheels right now. If you have questions, don't hesitate to ask.