Choosing the right bolt pattern for your BRZ wheels isn’t always straightforward. Many car owners find themselves unsure about measurements, compatibility, and proper fitment when looking for new wheels.
Understanding your BRZ’s bolt pattern doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right information, you can make informed decisions about wheel selection and ensure a perfect fit for your vehicle.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about the BRZ bolt pattern, including the standard measurements, compatible wheel options, and important factors to consider when selecting new wheels.
We’ll walk through the basics and share practical tips to help you make the right choice for your BRZ.
What is the Bolt Pattern for a BRZ?
The bolt pattern of a BRZ represents how many lug nuts secure your wheel and their arrangement on your vehicle.
For all Subaru BRZ models from 2013 to present, the bolt pattern is 5×100, meaning it has 5 lug nuts arranged in a circle with a 100mm diameter.
This specification plays a vital role in wheel selection and fitment. The ‘5’ indicates the number of lug nuts or bolt holes, while ‘100’ represents the diameter in millimeters of the circle formed by these holes. Think of it as a circle drawn through the center of each bolt hole.
For BRZ owners, understanding this pattern becomes essential when buying new wheels, installing spacers, or switching to winter tires.
Getting it wrong isn’t just about fitment issues – it’s about safety. Your wheels need to mount securely to maintain proper handling and prevent potential hazards on the road.
Understanding BRZ Bolt Patterns and Wheel Compatibility
When shopping for new wheels, the BRZ’s 5×100 bolt pattern opens up many options. This pattern matches several other cars, making wheel shopping easier and giving you more choices.
It’s like having a key that fits multiple locks – your BRZ can use wheels from various vehicles as long as they share this pattern.
Many Subaru models use this same bolt pattern, including the WRX (2014 and earlier) and Impreza.
Toyota GT86 and Scion FR-S owners can also swap wheels with BRZ drivers since they share identical patterns. This means you can find wheels from different brands and styles that will fit your car.
However, bolt pattern is just the starting point. When picking new wheels, you need to think about:
- Wheel size (diameter and width)
- Offset (how far in or out the wheel sits)
- Hub bore (the center hole size)
- Tire clearance with your car’s body
Remember to check these measurements before buying. Even if the bolt pattern matches, other factors affect how well the wheels fit your BRZ.
List of the Correct Bolt Pattern for Different BRZ Models
Let’s clear up a helpful fact – every BRZ model from 2013 to 2024 maintains the same 5×100 bolt pattern.
This consistency makes wheel selection simpler for all BRZ owners. Let’s break down the ideal setups based on how you use your car.
| Setup Type | Wheel Size | Offset | Tire Size | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily Driver | 17×8″ | ET45 | 215/45R17 | Comfortable ride, good fuel economy |
| Track Setup | 17×9″ or 18×9.5″ | ET35-38 | 245/40R17 or 255/35R18 | Better grip, improved cornering |
| Style-focused | 18×8.5″ to 18×9.5″ | ET35-38 | 225/40R18 to 245/35R18 | Balance of looks and function |
*Note: All setups use the standard 5×100 bolt pattern. Style-focused setups may require fender modifications.
How to Identify the Correct Bolt Pattern for a Specific BRZ Model
Measuring your BRZ’s bolt pattern is straightforward, but accuracy is key. Here’s how to do it right:
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Measuring tape/ruler | For taking accurate measurements in millimeters |
| Paper and pencil | To record your measurements |
| Jack and jack stands | To lift and secure the car safely |
| Safety gloves | To protect hands during measurement |
Step-by-Step Measurement Guide:
- Center Position: Start from the center of one lug hole to the center of the opposite hole
- Straight Line: Ensure you measure in a straight line across the center
- Convert: If your tape shows inches, multiply by 25.4 to get millimeters
- Verify: You should get approximately 100mm for all BRZ models
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Measuring edge to edge instead of center to center
- Using the wrong measurement units
- Forgetting to count all lug holes (should be 5)
- Not checking hub center bore size (56.1mm for BRZ)
Quick Tip: If you’re unsure about your measurements, take a clear photo of your wheel with a ruler in the frame. This helps when consulting with wheel shops or online retailers.
Comparisons Between BRZ and Other Brands’ Bolt Patterns
| Vehicle Model | Bolt Pattern | Wheel Compatibility | Price Range* | Direct Fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru BRZ | 5×100 | Base model | $150-300 | Yes |
| Toyota GT86 | 5×100 | Direct fit | $150-300 | Yes |
| Scion FR-S | 5×100 | Direct fit | $150-300 | Yes |
| Subaru WRX (pre-2015) | 5×100 | Direct fit | $200-350 | Yes |
| Honda Civic | 5×114.3 | Needs adapter | $175-325 | No |
| Mazda Miata | 4×100 | Not compatible | $150-275 | No |
| Nissan 370Z | 5×114.3 | Needs adapter | $250-400 | No |
| Toyota GR86 | 5×100 | Direct fit | $200-350 | Yes |
*Price ranges are per wheel and vary by brand, size, and market conditions
Adapter Information:
- 5×100 to 5×114.3 adapter cost: $50-100 per wheel
- Additional offset change: 15-25mm per adapter
- Professional installation recommended
How to Maintain Bolt Patterns on Your BRZ
Regular Maintenance Schedule:
- Check lug nut torque every 5,000 miles with a calibrated torque wrench.
- Inspect wheel components monthly for any signs of wear, corrosion, or damage.
- Clean all mounting surfaces thoroughly during each wheel change or rotation.
- Examine wheel studs and nuts during tire rotations for signs of damage.
Common Issues and Solutions:
- Use a torque wrench to ensure even pressure on all lug nuts.
- Clean contact surfaces before each wheel installation.
- Start all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading.
- Replace any damaged studs or nuts immediately.
- Follow the star pattern when tightening lug nuts.
Spacer and Aftermarket Wheel Tips:
- Select quality wheel spacers from trusted manufacturers.
- Verify all fitment measurements before installation.
- Follow proper torque settings from your manual.
- Check all bolts after driving the first 50 miles.
- Have a professional handle complex installations.
Conclusion
Understanding your BRZ’s bolt pattern remains key to making smart wheel choices. By following proper measurement techniques and maintaining regular checks, you can prevent costly mistakes and ensure your wheels stay secure.
The 5×100 bolt pattern offers BRZ owners many wheel options, sharing compatibility with several popular sports cars.
Whether you’re looking to boost performance, enhance looks, or both, knowing your bolt pattern helps you make informed decisions.
Ready to upgrade your BRZ’s wheels? Start by checking our recommended wheel setups in the table above.
For more guidance, visit our wheel fitment guide or leave a comment below with your specific questions. Share your wheel setup experiences to help fellow BRZ owners make better choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Car is Identical to The Brz?
The Toyota 86 (formerly Scion FR-S) is identical to the BRZ. Both share the same design and components, with minor differences in trim options.
Which is Faster, Brz or 86?
Neither is faster. Both cars use the same 2.4-liter engine with 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
Does BRZ have a Toyota engine?
No, both BRZ and Toyota 86 use Subaru’s 2.0-liter boxer engine technology.
Is the Brz a Real Subaru?
Yes, the BRZ is a genuine Subaru with their signature BOXER engine. It’s developed and built by Subaru, though it’s a joint project with Toyota.