Important Question Please Reply

[03BlackWRX]

I finally found wheels and tires that I like. 17x7.5 inch wheels and 215/40/17 tires. But there seems to be a problem, the owner of the shop from which I have been getting my parts says that he won't sell me a 215/40/17. He told me that if you get a tire with a sidewall smaller than 45 it will mess up a WRX. He says the ABS will screw up and whole s**t load of other stuff. I find this to be rediculous but he seems to know what hes talking about. Can someone please help me out.

[Subie Gal]

got your email..

the shop owner is technically correct...

the diameter is thus that the radius is waaaay off from OEM...
your speedo will be way off my friend....

best fit is probably 215/45x17 - which equates to about 626mm rolling radius.

OEM - 205/55/16 = is a rolling radius of 633mm

the ones you're after - 215/40x17 = 606mm
see the difference here???

also, be sure to go with a wider wheel.. 7.5" would be best...

hope this makes some sort of sense.
buying wheels/tires and getting it "right" is a big headache.


Jamie

[iceNine]

Stock size on Subaru 17 inch wheels (not in US on WRX of course) is 215/45-17. For more info on what sizes are usually recommened you can find out from Tirerack's website (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Select...&autoYear=2002). An important thing that most people who go with really low profile tires forget is you often sacrifice load bearing capacity of the tire. If you go too low this is actually hazardous because the tires will no longer be able to safely support the weight of the car. You can find a tire size's max load bearing capacity in the Specs section of TireRack's descriptions.

Dale