Largest tire on stock suspension (09 2.5i)

[upstate2.5i]

After looking into different options for my 2009 2.5i, it looks like I would rather put a larger all terrain type tire on my car rather than my old ways of bigger wheels and "drop it like its hot". Living in upstate New York we have some gnarly winters and some great fishing spots that need to be driven to, and rather than having my car an inch off the ground I'm looking to make it work for me all year round. I did many searches on many forums and haven't found if anyone has put a 215/60/16 on the stock wheels and suspension. This combo is just a hair over 1 inch taller than the factory tires and half an inch wider. Has anyone done this size or larger??? It seems as though it should work with no problems. There is a local used tire shop near me that I may stop in at to see if they have any 215/60/16's laying around so I could test one out. It will be a lot cheaper than buying a brand new set if it doesn't work out. BTW the 215/60/16 is the stock tire size for my in-laws 06 forester 2.5x. The tire I'm interested in getting is the Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S. If anyone has used this tire I'd also like your feedback on them. Thanks

[08 Beast]

I live in AZ so i don't know too much about winter driving but wouldn't it be better to go wider than taller??

[Newk_Rally]

in snow you actually want thinner to cut through the snow

[Rally OBXT]

I say try it out at the local tire shop. If it works, the great. If not, look into lifting your car a little with a Jackson rally lift kit or fozzy suspension.

[upstate2.5i]

I say try it out at the local tire shop. If it works, the great. If not, look into lifting your car a little with a Jackson rally lift kit or fozzy suspension.


That's what I am thinking, I know my sister is getting me tirerack gift certificates for Christmas so that would be a perfect chance to pick up the new tires.

[upstate2.5i]

I'm thinking of getting a new set of 16" wheels but getting a lower offset so I won't have strut clearance issues. The strut really seems to be the only thing in the way with using the stock wheels, but if I get a 16x7.5 with a +48mm offset it should work with the larger tire. This stuff has been keeping me up all night hahaha, I'm so torn between getting a set of 17" wheels and doing handling mods or getting the a/t tires and just having fun. Tough choices!

[debevemos]

I picked up some 16" WRX wheels which I'm eventually going to put Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S 215/60R-16's on but I am waiting for either the JacksonRally kit or if that takes too long I'll go with Forester struts/spings.

[upstate2.5i]

I picked up some 16" WRX wheels which I'm eventually going to put Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S 215/60R-16's on but I am waiting for either the JacksonRally kit or if that takes too long I'll go with Forester struts/spings.

The 16" wrx wheels are 16x6.5 +55 offset, that's the same exact size and offset as a stock 2.5i alloy wheel. When are you looking to do the lift??? I'm curious to see what you end up doing...

[debevemos]

I want to do it soon but I'm going to wait a bit and see if that Jackson Rally kit ever gets made. Probably within the next few months.

[GClark]

I have 215/65/16 on my wagon and its a very tight fit.(I have 1in lift too) I would defiantly test fit it first. Oh and dont listen to tires places about will fit and what wont fit. They said my grabbers wouldn't fit and refused to try, so I went over to Subaru dealership and sure enough they fit.

[debevemos]

Actually, after looking at some more stuff today I might go ahead and buy a set of Swift Springs (http://www.mann-engineering.com/products/product.asp?cid=25&ID=189) and try them with my stock Impreza struts. These springs are supposed to drop a forester aprox .75 in. and retain the stock ride quality. See here (http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f118/swift-sport-springs-2009-foresters-group-buy-48894/)

Although I am worried I could wear out my struts quickly by using these springs, if that happens I'll just replace them with some KYB's when they do.

Can anyone here elaborate on what sort of issues I might have by only replacing the springs and not the entire strut assembly?

Edit:Thanks for the warning GC, I have thought about going and seeing if I could actually fit them with my stock setup (actual diamater is 1.08" larger than the stock 17's) but I think it would be better it just hold off till I address the ride height. Your size is almost a full 2" bigger than my stock setup and .85" bigger than what I would like to go with.

[08 Beast]

in snow you actually want thinner to cut through the snow

Did not know that, thanks.

[upstate2.5i]

Actually, after looking at some more stuff today I might go ahead and buy a set of Swift Springs (http://www.mann-engineering.com/products/product.asp?cid=25&ID=189) and try them with my stock Impreza struts. These springs are supposed to drop a forester aprox .75 in. and retain the stock ride quality. See here (http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f118/swift-sport-springs-2009-foresters-group-buy-48894/)




I wish I knew more about our suspensions, That sounds like a great idea though.

[Rally OBXT]

Ahhhhh, Forester lowering springs would be a nice small lift on an Impreza.

[upstate2.5i]

Ahhhhh, Forester lowering springs would be a nice small lift on an Impreza.


What size drop??? and would there be any problems with brake lines or anything else?

[Rally OBXT]

Read post #11 again....it says the Forester Swift springs lower it about .75". What that probably means is that it will raise an Impreza about 1.5 - 2.5".

As for brake lines and such, just make it work. Use your imagination and zip ties! :D

[Guero]

I don't believe lifting struts with taller springs cant do the type of damage that lowering springs do. If anything I would think it would relieve stress on the struts. But I'm no mechanical engineer!

I've had a similar idea, except I want forester XT struts with forester lowering springs. I do believe just regular forester struts would be too high to be helpful. I wouldn't be as worried about lowering springs on a 200~lb lighter car either.

[Rally OBXT]

So Forester XT uses shorter struts than regular Forester huh? That could work quite well.

[upstate2.5i]

Sooooooooooo who's going to be the first to do this??? :)

[Rally OBXT]

you

[WRXCMM]

^^^this, i want to know too:eek:

[Guero]

I've been thinking about finding someone on the Forester forums for a while that's interested in a direct swap. I'm posting there now to get someone to take some measurements I will also be taking on my car tomorrow. I wanna see if this could work!

[debevemos]

After the holidays I am going to sell my stock wheels and buy the swift springs. Going to see how the car feels without replacing the struts (for now at least) and decide if I need to go ahead and replace them or if I can use what I got for now. If it doesn't work out I'll just pull them again and go back to stock until I'm ready to do it all.

[upstate2.5i]

Awesome man, I can't wait to see how you make out. Another thing I thought about is what would we do if we got a flat with that large of a tire?? I mean our stock donut would be way too small to use in that case. I'm not really cool with the idea of putting a full size spare in there if it does not fit in the hole perfectly either.

[debevemos]

I'm definitely going to have a full size spare when I get new tires.

[08 Beast]

Awesome man, I can't wait to see how you make out. Another thing I thought about is what would we do if we got a flat with that large of a tire?? I mean our stock donut would be way too small to use in that case. I'm not really cool with the idea of putting a full size spare in there if it does not fit in the hole perfectly either.

Keep the tire in the roof rack..lol
Makes even more free space in the trunk.

[upstate2.5i]

Well I bought a set of wheels that should be here sometime next week. They are 16x7.5 with a +48 offset. I found a 215/60/16 tire at my work that I'm going to see if I can use for mock-up once the wheels get here. I'm pretty sure that's going to be the largest tire that I will personally want to use, for the simple fact that I own a automatic 2.5i and can't really afford to have that much power robbed. I will keep everyone posted and will post up some pictures hopefully next week of a wheel on.

[upstate2.5i]

Soooo, For whatever reason I decided today to read my owners manual. In my earlier posts I think I mentioned that I was unsure of what to do in case of a flat tire with having larger tires on than stock. Not sure if anyone else is aware or not, but in the manual there is a whole section on flat tires and it shows that I can install a fuse that turns my car into FWD only. Has anyone done this?? Obviously it is true and this is GREAT news for having larger tires on our cars and not having to worry about messing the AWD system up if we get a flat.

[upstate2.5i]

So I test fit a 215/60/16 on my car tonight mounted on my new wheels and they fit and look great.

[debevemos]

Nice. I'm ordering my 215/65R16's tomorrow and picking up springs around the 25th.

[CRF136n]

Nice. I'm ordering my 215/65R16's tomorrow and picking up springs around the 25th.

You did see my update with my '08 lifted and 215/65-16's, right?...

http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad292/crf136n/IMG_0886.jpghttp://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad292/crf136n/IMG_0887.jpg

And what I had to do to make it fit...
http://i945.photobucket.com/albums/ad292/crf136n/IMG_0891.jpg

Just wanna be sure your prepared for this possibility :muhaha:

[upstate2.5i]

You did see my update with my '08 lifted and 215/65-16's, right?


Just wanna be sure your prepared for this possibility :muhaha:


When I put my larger tires on, I noticed only a clearance issue when the car was jacked up. once on the ground that area that you had to cut was not an issue at all. So I'm wondering if someone could get away with the same size tire as you just no lift. I think its totally possible.

[debevemos]

I'm also not going to be running a 1.5" spacer in the back.

[CRF136n]

True, while you are running stock suspension (or minor lift for debevemos, once you get the springs), I just wanted to point this out for concideration for suspension flex. I suppose if you stay on flat and level tarmac all the time and don't take turn fast, you should be fine...but if you take a turn through a dip in the pavement, turning into a driveway or whatever or even get into ripping up some twisties hard, realize that rear tire will drop down with suspension flex. I just wanted to point this out if you hadn't seen it so you don't accidently widen your fender in an unwanted way :shock: :mrgreen:

[08 Beast]

So what do guys think of a 225/50 17?? Fit? yes or no
Should i go to 215/50 17?

[CRF136n]

Awesome man, I can't wait to see how you make out. Another thing I thought about is what would we do if we got a flat with that large of a tire?? I mean our stock donut would be way too small to use in that case. I'm not really cool with the idea of putting a full size spare in there if it does not fit in the hole perfectly either.

For anyone considering the 215/65-16 size. I did some junkyard hopping today and I found a '97 Chrysler Town and Country AWD that has that size stock. The spare on the van is a 16" donut size 155/90 D16; the diameter is a perfect match to the full size tire. I also found an '05 Impreza RS, which has a 16" donut (I think we all got 17" donuts with our body style). Pick and Pull wanted $13.00 a piece. I took my loot back to the shop and swapped the larger tire to the Subaru wheel...and even better, it fits perfectly in the spare tire compartment (except I forgot to get the smaller round tray for the jack and tools, etc :shootsself:) Anyway, hope is not lost for a compact spare in the correct size :D

[upstate2.5i]

For anyone considering the 215/65-16 size. I did some junkyard hopping today and I found a '97 Chrysler Town and Country AWD that has that size stock. The spare on the van is a 16" donut size 155/90 D16; the diameter is a perfect match to the full size tire. I also found an '05 Impreza RS, which has a 16" donut (I think we all got 17" donuts with our body style). Pick and Pull wanted $13.00 a piece. I took my loot back to the shop and swapped the larger tire to the Subaru wheel...and even better, it fits perfectly in the spare tire compartment (except I forgot to get the smaller round tray for the jack and tools, etc :shootsself:) Anyway, hope is not lost for a compact spare in the correct size :D

Great info! That is another good way to get around the spare tire dilemma. Not sure if you saw my post #28 so i'll put it up again...

Soooo, For whatever reason I decided today to read my owners manual. In my earlier posts I think I mentioned that I was unsure of what to do in case of a flat tire with having larger tires on than stock. Not sure if anyone else is aware or not, but in the manual there is a whole section on flat tires and it shows that I can install a fuse that turns my car into FWD only. Has anyone done this?? Obviously it is true and this is GREAT news for having larger tires on our cars and not having to worry about messing the AWD system up if we get a flat.

[upstate2.5i]

Sorry my cameras batteries died as soon as I started to take some pics... Here is my Stock 09 2.5i with a 16x7.5 +48et wheel and 215/60/16 tires. Next week I will be buying a set of Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S. Overall I think they fill out the wheel wells PERFECT and can't wait to get these on my car.

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/dgage3/newwheels2.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/dgage3/newwheels1.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/dgage3/newwheels.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/dgage3/newwheels3.jpg

[debevemos]

I bought those tires yesterday!

[CRF136n]

WOW!, those look great!!! I DIG the wheels too, where did you get those and who makes them!?!

Ya, I did see the post on the AWD bypass, and am aware of that. I just still can't come to putting a 3" dia smaller tire on the rear. Something about it just concerns me too much, even if the AWD is disconnected, there is a differrential there still...and I dunno about two different size tires on the same axle going through the diff.

[debevemos]

I'll be getting my full size spare mounted asap after my install is done and aligned.

[dunkinuts]

anyone have the king springs installed?


/thread jack

[debevemos]

I'll be picking mine up between the 25 and 27th.

[dunkinuts]

awesome keep me updated.

[upstate2.5i]

WOW!, those look great!!! I DIG the wheels too, where did you get those and who makes them!?!

Ya, I did see the post on the AWD bypass, and am aware of that. I just still can't come to putting a 3" dia smaller tire on the rear. Something about it just concerns me too much, even if the AWD is disconnected, there is a differrential there still...and I dunno about two different size tires on the same axle going through the diff.


I got them off of tirerack. They are sport edition CE and only $89 each! and 19lbs. I also thought about going to a junkyard and getting a sparetire out of a older forester and that should be a great fit.

[debevemos]

Well my Geolandar's arrived from OnlineTires.com today. I ordered from them despite some of the negative things I had read about shipping and customer service. Order was placed AFTER business hours on Friday and arrived today, even with the Monday holiday in there. Should hopefully be picking up my springs this Tuesday or Wednesday!
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_XvAqygL0zQg/S1iqANNIJKI/AAAAAAAABHE/9sXrEu-x6IA/s576/DSC01350.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_XvAqygL0zQg/S1iqBKxagEI/AAAAAAAABHI/oj0QmOEAmj4/s800/DSC01351.JPG

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/t7hnvRcHP8kHIn7pgQjJVg?feat=directlinkhttp://lh3.ggpht.com/_XvAqygL0zQg/S1iqBm_oGXI/AAAAAAAABHM/xqBJzARSnqM/s800/DSC01352.JPG

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1NwUOeERemHrUoI2LqXapw?feat=directlink

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8QILHFAY8QD1WF6ZBXEP7A?feat=directlink

[upstate2.5i]

Awesome man! I just got done placing my order for my geolanders a few mins ago on tirerack. I can't wait.

[debevemos]

I picked something up yesterday....


http://lh5.ggpht.com/_XvAqygL0zQg/S2DIIN8oj8I/AAAAAAAABKY/j6PhJjvOoYg/s720/DSC01374.JPG


http://lh5.ggpht.com/_XvAqygL0zQg/S2DIIaD_PAI/AAAAAAAABKc/1bY7iWrdi0w/s720/DSC01376.JPG



King lift springs that should hopefully be installed this weekend!

Big thanks to Paul at Primitive Racing!

[dunkinuts]

get before and after shots and measurements!!!

[debevemos]

get before and after shots and measurements!!!

Lol, that's the exact same thing Paul asked me for before I left. I am planning on documenting my install which should be happening Friday/Saturday. :headbang:

[GClark]

I'd love to get some King Springs! You said you got them from Primitive?

[debevemos]

Yes, they aren't cheap because they ship from Australia but from what I've read they are a great company/product. If you interested in them talk with Paul at Primitive.

[GClark]

Yes I've done business with Paul before, great guy. I just checked the website, I might be getting some new springs soon, I wanna see how these do on your rig

[Rally OBXT]

Do you have a listing of the spring rates on those?? I have always been curious.

[Guero]

+1 for pictures and measurements!

[upstate2.5i]

So DEBE whats the deal with the stock struts on those springs??? how do you think they will hold up?? Any reason you went with springs over the coil spacers like the ones subtle sells?? Can't wait to see the car lifted man, I'm excited!

[08 Beast]

So DEBE whats the deal with the stock struts on those springs??? how do you think they will hold up?? Any reason you went with springs over the coil spacers like the ones subtle sells?? Can't wait to see the car lifted man, I'm excited!

Can't both be used?? What is the lift with the springs suppose to be?

[dunkinuts]

Can't both be used?? What is the lift with the springs suppose to be?

yeah I am looking at using both once I see how much lift the springs give.

[upstate2.5i]

Well I got my tires last week and finally had them mounted and balanced yesterday. I love the way everything looks and can't wait to put them on my car, still not sure if i'm going to wait for spring or not.


http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/dgage3/geolander1.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/dgage3/geolander.jpg

[dunkinuts]

I think I just got some wood............

[debevemos]

KING SPRINGS ARE INSTALLED! Not going to post a write up yet since I need a few more after shots (can't since its dark) but you can look at the pics in my web album if you're antsy and can't wait.

I'm getting my tires mounted and my alignment done in the morning.

http://picasaweb.google.com/devobad/OBSUpgrade#

[RS MN]

looks good man! cant wait to see more shots.

[upstate2.5i]

KING SPRINGS ARE INSTALLED! Not going to post a write up yet since I need a few more after shots (can't since its dark) but you can look at the pics in my web album if you're antsy and can't wait.

I'm getting my tires mounted and my alignment done in the morning.

http://picasaweb.google.com/devobad/OBSUpgrade#


Awesome man!!! I can't wait to hear your review of the springs!

[dunkinuts]

awesome looks like you got a good inch of lift. but once they settle maybe more like a half to 3/4 but still a good lift.

[debevemos]

They already settled a bit and the front is right at an inch right now and the rear looks like about an inch and a third. Tires are getting mounted/balanced/aligned as we speak.

The ride is definitely stiffer, I was actually worried about how stiff it was last night. After driving it down to the shop today it actually felt really good. The body didn't roll nearly as much as it did with the stock springs and the ride really didn't feel any harsher at all. I'm sure it is going to be somewhat harsher but doesn't seem like its going to be much worse at all. I'd trade less body roll for a slightly harsher ride personally.

[Rally OBXT]

Did King Springs send you any literature on the springs? I wonder how much stiffer they are than stock.

[dunkinuts]

They already settled a bit and the front is right at an inch right now and the rear looks like about an inch and a third. Tires are getting mounted/balanced/aligned as we speak.

The ride is definitely stiffer, I was actually worried about how stiff it was last night. After driving it down to the shop today it actually felt really good. The body didn't roll nearly as much as it did with the stock springs and the ride really didn't feel any harsher at all. I'm sure it is going to be somewhat harsher but doesn't seem like its going to be much worse at all. I'd trade less body roll for a slightly harsher ride personally.

:eek: pics pics pics pics pics :mrgreen:

[debevemos]

The springs I got were ordered by Paul @ Primitive and designed for the 08's. They didn't have springs already made but he had them produce a few sets because he felt there would be a market for them here in the US. I don't knoe the exact specifications but when I contacted King directly this is the email I got.

Devin,
At this stage we do not manufacture a raised coil, but can custom build if you wish. The coils would be a 20mm lift and have an increase in spring rate of around 20%.
Costs are as follows:
Front Coils AUD $ 280.00 per pair
Rear Coils AUD $ 280.00 per pair
FedEx Air (3-7 days) AUD $ 245.00 per (set of 4 coils)
Total del. you is AUD $ 805.00 (set of 4 coils)
Payment can be made via credit card or direct business account deposit.


http://www.x-rates.com/calculator.html


I would assume they would follow the same 20% increased spring rate but Paul might be able to be more specific.

[Rally OBXT]

Ok, we just need to find out what your stock spring rates are and then we will know what the King rate are. :D

[debevemos]

Still not doing the write up right now but I uploaded all the after pics today

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_XvAqygL0zQg/S2XdY27ZpxI/AAAAAAAABZo/Vq2ToNHZ7jw/s800/DSC00311.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_XvAqygL0zQg/S2XdTEyjlNI/AAAAAAAABZY/FxrsDbXQ8tg/s800/DSC00314.JPG

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_XvAqygL0zQg/S2XdWUD-sBI/AAAAAAAABZk/uTZao3OvRKo/s800/DSC00312.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_XvAqygL0zQg/S2XdUaN4opI/AAAAAAAABZg/BBWlRRnhUOg/s800/DSC00313.JPG

[Rally OBXT]

Hmmmmm beefy!! :D

[RS MN]

looks great man!

[dunkinuts]

I have been looking at what the possibilities are on keeping the 17" wheels (stock) and getting the springs and 1" spacers. But if I go from 25" overall diameter to a 27" diameter (wheel and tire) would the 3/4 inch lift (springs) and one inch lift (spacers) not cause it to rub?

[CRF136n]

Looking good!!! Now I'm not alone in this :lol2: It doesn't appear to have dropped your rear wheel closer to the fenderwell as much as it did for me; maybe there is some difference in the outback or hatch model vs the base sedan?
To be honest though, I wanted to go 2", but the longer I have the 1/1.5 with the 215/65's, the more I love it! It handles great both on and off road, it looks tough and seems like it can go through anything. If you want to go higher, maybe consider some of those rear leveler spacers to scoot the tail up just a hair, it'll make the whole car seem a little higher and sit level if you have a minor load in the rear.?. With the extra 1/2" in the rear, mine has a slight and barely noticeable rake...I think it makes it look mean :twisted:
Gotta love that front tire to strut clearance :mrgreen:

[Mr. Two-E]

Awesome man!!! I can't wait to hear your review of the springs!

Have you installed these on your car yet or are you waiting till spring?

I was actually going to order those same rims and tires and since you have the same color as I do I was curious what it looked like.

CRF136N and Debe :headbang::headbang::headbang: sweet rides!

[upstate2.5i]

Have you installed these on your car yet or are you waiting till spring?

I was actually going to order those same rims and tires and since you have the same color as I do I was curious what it looked like.

CRF136N and Debe :headbang::headbang::headbang: sweet rides!


As much as it is killing me, I am waiting for spring. I'll most likely install these in the middle of march just because I cannot wait any longer. I'm thinking the 20th of March they should be on.

[Wagonguy98]

Does anyone know of a tire company that makes an A/T tire in 215/60/17 or something comparative? All i can find are 235/60/17 and I think that might be a little to wide with stock struts.

[Mr. Two-E]

Goodyear makes the Wrangler tire in 215/65/17

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Yokohama&tireModel=Geolandar+A%2FT-S&partnum=16HR7GEOATS&vehicleSearch=false&fromCompare1=yes
The Geolandars come in 215/60/17.

[Wagonguy98]

Im thinking that size should fit on my obs with stock struts and springs with the one inch lift. Do you think there will be any problems?

[debevemos]

No, they won't fit.

Stock size (205/50R17) is 25.07 inches in diameter
Mine (215/60R16) are 26.15in. in diameter
Yours (215/65R17) are 28in. in diameter

I think 215/65R16 (27in. diameter) might be able to fit on my car with the springs, but it would be really tight which is why I decided to go with the smaller tires. There is no way (no reasonable way) you can get AT tires on your car with 17" rims (even the 215/60R17's are 27.15in. and would be a tight fit).

my 2 cents...

[Wagonguy98]

The more I look around the more it looks like you need to go with 16" wheels to run an A/T tire. New wheel time I guess.

[upstate2.5i]

The more I look around the more it looks like you need to go with 16" wheels to run an A/T tire. New wheel time I guess.


Now that's thinking with your dipstick JIMMY!

[debevemos]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

rofl

[Mr. Two-E]

As much as it is killing me, I am waiting for spring. I'll most likely install these in the middle of march just because I cannot wait any longer. I'm thinking the 20th of March they should be on.

Did you get these badboys on yet?

[upstate2.5i]

Did you get these badboys on yet?


I actually did, I pick up my rally armor flaps this weekend and i'll take some pics of my car. I like the look a lot!

[dunkinuts]

pics!!

[Guero]

I'd like to see pictures too. :waving:

[upstate2.5i]

Here are some boring pics with my junky camera. But you guys will get the idea...



http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/dgage3/S5034076.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/dgage3/wheel.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/dgage3/side2.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/dgage3/Side1.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/dgage3/rear.jpg
http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l299/dgage3/profile.jpg

[dunkinuts]

^^ so what is done to the car at this point (in the shots)?

[upstate2.5i]

^^ so what is done to the car at this point (in the shots)?


Just wheels and tires, and rally armor UR mud flaps.

[08 Beast]

What size are the tires?

[azchris]

What size are the tires?
i'm 90% sure they are 215/60R16. This is the stock size for the 08 and older foresters

[upstate2.5i]

i'm 90% sure they are 215/60R16. This is the stock size for the 08 and older foresters

^^^ yup. Real nice tire.

[azchris]

so upstate, hows the road maners of those tires? I am about to buy a set on thursday but discount tire is out of stock on them and they will have to order them.

[upstate2.5i]

so upstate, hows the road maners of those tires? I am about to buy a set on thursday but discount tire is out of stock on them and they will have to order them.


They have been AWESOME for the first 1,000 miles. I drive pretty mellow and they still feel really nice in turns and on back roads. They aren't as aggressive of a tread pattern as i'd like, but i guess i'll take their quiet and smooth ride over a more aggressive tires. I recommend them!

[azchris]

sweet thank you. that is what i wanted to hear. i am building my car up, but i do drive it on the street 98% of the time. so i need a tire that has good road maners. thank you again upstate. you car looks sweet with the wheels you chose and those tires. i like it.

[dunkinuts]

have you tried them off road yet? any reviews?

[upstate2.5i]

have you tried them off road yet? any reviews?


Not in anything crazy, but they went real well. I HIGHLY recommend them!

[upstate2.5i]

have you tried them off road yet? any reviews?


Took the car offroad/rally style driving yesterday on muddy/gravel roads in the rain and the tires were AWESOME. Not once did the tires make me lose any confidence at all.

[dunkinuts]

good to hear!!

[archdude]

One night when I was driving 4 other people in my 2009 2.5i, the rear tire kept rubbing the wheel well every time I hit a small bump only going about 30-40. My new wheels are only 0.1" larger since I have 225/45/17 instead of 205/55/16. Definitely going to have to do some suspension work.

[upstate2.5i]

One night when I was driving 4 other people in my 2009 2.5i, the rear tire kept rubbing the wheel well every time I hit a small bump only going about 30-40. My new wheels are only 0.1" larger since I have 225/45/17 instead of 205/55/16. Definitely going to have to do some suspension work.


What width/offset are your new wheels??? Mine are 7.5 +48et and tire is 1 inch taller and I only rub slightly with 4 adults in the car on hard bumps. Maybe you had some really heavy people with you??? IDK

[archdude]

What width/offset are your new wheels??? Mine are 7.5 +48et and tire is 1 inch taller and I only rub slightly with 4 adults in the car on hard bumps. Maybe you had some really heavy people with you??? IDK

17x7 45mm the tires actually come out a bit from the rim and have also have a rim protector. only one guy was sort of heavy but I guess I was up there almost if not more than the 900lb "limit". Some parts of NYC are almost like being off road (especially downtown) lol

[upstate2.5i]

So I put my stock tires/wheels on this weekend and my MPG jumped up 5-7 mpg. Not sure what i'm going to do yet, I'm either going to just use my bigger tires/wheels for the winter or end up just using them year round. Anyone try the larger tires yet on stock wheels??? that wouldn't be a bad option for me either, but i don't wanna go through the hassle of having 2 sets of wheels unmounted and balanced.

[debevemos]

That MPG estimation on the dash is not as precise as you might think, especially after switching the size of your tires. Your tires are bigger now so each revolution the car is traveling farther than it "thinks." So you are actually putting more miles on your car than your OD is telling you and that MPG number is skewed because your tires are larger than the car thinks. You can expect to have slightly worse MPG with the new tires but I doubt its as much as the gauges are telling you.

[azchris]

yea what he said ^^^^ lol. if you really wanted to you could have the speedo re calibrated.

[upstate2.5i]

AHHH I completely forgot about the speedo being off... haha. It actually wasn't off that bad when I had my GPS in the car, maybe 1-2 mph off at 65. Went fishing yesterday at some real back country spots and really wish I had the Geolanders back on the car. So they will be back on within the week.

[Guero]

http://www.3gwrx.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=869

http://www.3gwrx.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=933

Stock vs Ordered
http://www.3gwrx.com/forum/MGalleryItem.php?id=932

Lets see what happens. :crazy:

[dunkinuts]

take a lot of pictures of that tire! I want a full review also :D I have been looking around for months. My new job will be paying me this week!!! can't wait I don't know what I want to buy first!

[Rally OBXT]

Guero, what program or website is that with all the info?

[Guero]

Rims n' Tires Tire Calculator (http://www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp), I don't think its perfect, but its good for giving you a general idea! I'm going to take a ton of pictures. My main build thread is here on 3gwrx.com (http://www.3gwrx.com/forum/index.php?topic=14597.0) But I'll be sure to post a lot of stuff here as well!

[Guero]

My wheels came but the tires did not! The wheels look amazing for how cheap they were!

How do I make images smaller on here? Until I figure that out, here's a link! (http://www.3gwrx.com/forum/index.php?action=media;sa=item;in=947)

[Guero]

Mounting them at midnight, when I get off. I'll be sure to report back here, but if you want to keep a closer eye check out my build thread. (http://www.3gwrx.com/forum/index.php?topic=14597.0)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy70/GueroHeizer/IMAG0004.jpg

[upstate2.5i]

Guero, You're going to LOVE those tires. I just put those on my wifes TSX last Friday and was really impressed with them. Can't wait to see those huge tires on your car.

[Guero]

I still need to get some hub centric rings and lug nuts, but I got the tires mounted and balanced. They turned out just the way I wanted!
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy70/GueroHeizer/IMAG0005.jpg
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy70/GueroHeizer/IMAG0006.jpg
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy70/GueroHeizer/IMAG0007.jpg

[RS MN]

looks good man!
cant wait to see them on the car!

[upstate2.5i]

Those tires look AWESOME that fat, love it. BTW i'm going to attempt to put 225/60/16s on my car tomorrow at work, we'll see how that goes.

[Moby45]

those look like good rally-x tires. I am happy to see somebody try out the COnti DWS.

[upstate2.5i]

Those tires look AWESOME that fat, love it. BTW i'm going to attempt to put 225/60/16s on my car tomorrow at work, we'll see how that goes.

This size fit on my stock wheels but was VERY tight. I'm not sure if I would risk the damaged parts by trying to run this size.

[Guero]

Double post, result pictures on the next page!

[Guero]

http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy70/GueroHeizer/?action=view&current=4886809587_2351b974cb_b.jpghttp://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy70/GueroHeizer/4886809587_2351b974cb_b.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy70/GueroHeizer/4886811825_93c64385ff_b.jpg

It happened in this order:
:p:bs::crazy: :muhaha::bow::shock: :shocked: :rofl: :drooling: :love: :jack::cheers::headbang::FU: :thumbsup:

[upstate2.5i]

Now that your tires are on backwards/wrong, you don't have the rim protector to help save the wheels.

[Guero]

The tires are non-directional. You can mount them however you like. Before mounting I checked the tires very thoroughly. They're the same on both beads/sidewalls. One side says outside but that's just a suggestion. I mounted them the way I did to reduce stress on suspension components at lower speeds. Besides, with these tires, I'm really not worried about curb damage.

[upstate2.5i]

The tires are non-directional. You can mount them however you like. Before mounting I checked the tires very thoroughly. They're the same on both beads/sidewalls. One side says outside but that's just a suggestion. I mounted them the way I did to reduce stress on suspension components at lower speeds. Besides, with these tires, I'm really not worried about curb damage.


I'm gonna go ahead and say that its way more than a "suggestion" LOL! Continental tire engineers > you. Sorry man but I don't see how you can even think you are getting a better performance out of these tires mounted completely INCORRECTLY and thinking there will be less stress on your suspension. This logic simply blows my mind and I hope nothing bad happens as a result of this pipe dream idea.

[Guero]

They're non-directional tires so they can roll either way. They designed the tire the way they did to improve dry performance. The only issue I can see existing is worse dry performance and increased wear. The tread rating is 540 so I'm not worried about wear and I like the snow/dirt tread pattern on the outside because it bites better in dirt and is a looser pattern reducing low speed scrub. I'm not worried about structural integrity because 2 of the tires are rated for enough weight for the entire car. I understand your concerns, but I'll be just fine. I understand the engineers intended the tires for something else, but anyone with snow tires will tell you they're great for rally-x and gravel too.

[Guero]

Short update on the wheel/tire combo. These things stick like glue in gravel! 60 feels like 35 now. They're different on asphalt, still testing them. They absorb bumps really well, I still feel the bumps, but they aren't intrusive like tires with super stiff sidewalls. it makes driving fast over rough stuff a lot easier. After I go back to asphalt from gravel they hold onto small pebbles. :D

I've been running different pressure in the tires to see how they react. They do best in gravel at 37PSI, and best on asphalt at 40PSI. On asphalt at 40PSI at first you can tell they're kinda snow tires, but as you heat them up they seem to get taller and stiffer, its really interesting. At the limit on asphalt instead of squeeling they have a low pitched squal, it sounds crazy! I can really throw the car past the limit with these tires because they scrub speed off very well. So far I'm satisfied with them. Springs and swaybars should make them even better!

[domino]

anyone try a 215/65r/16 on a 2.5i at stock height yet? thinking about getting some grabbers

[Rallyme02]

on my 02 wrx i have the 215/65/16 grabbers ats look mean handle great no rubbing

[domino]

on my 02 wrx i have the 215/65/16 grabbers ats look mean handle great no rubbing

nice, looks great man. Love the tires and hoping they fit on an '08+ at stock rims

[upstate2.5i]

Post pics when you get them on!

[upstate2.5i]

nice, looks great man. Love the tires and hoping they fit on an '08+ at stock rims


Did you get them yet?

[etcatmeat]

http://s778.photobucket.com/albums/yy70/GueroHeizer/?action=view&current=4886809587_2351b974cb_b.jpghttp://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy70/GueroHeizer/4886809587_2351b974cb_b.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy70/GueroHeizer/4886811825_93c64385ff_b.jpg

It happened in this order:
:p:bs::crazy: :muhaha::bow::shock: :shocked: :rofl: :drooling: :love: :jack::cheers::headbang::FU: :thumbsup:


very nice, makes me second guess going 15"