I know this question has probably been asked many times but I am planning on changing the wheels on my MY97 from the standard 15 inch to 17 inch. What is the correct wheel size 17*7 or 17*7.5?, and what is the correct tyre size - 205/40/17 or 205/45/17?

I am planning on getting a wheel and tyre package, probably the BK Racing 238's in silver with Toyo T1s.

 

Either wheel size will fit.

205/45/17's or 215/40/17's

205/45/17's are the 'OFFICIAL' size, but there is a better selection of the 215's.

Dan

 

DSHD,

Been there, done that. But I stoped off at 16" on the way.(only for 6 months though).
Danny is quite correct.(for once)

When you've done the wheels you'll be able to get bigger brakes and........
Watch out, once you start modding its a slippery slope which ends in you turning into Andy Tang!!!
Iain.

 

DSHD,

The Subaru option wheels in 17" are 7" wide.

Make sure you get the correct offset as well. ET45 may catch the rear arch, if you are using a 215/40R17 tyre.

I think Subaru use ET53 offset, but anything down to ET48 should be fine.

Subaru/Prodrive recommend the Pirelli PZero 205/45 R17 tyre.

Although as Danny has pointed out the 215/40 R17 tyres offer a larger selection of tyres. The brands of choice are Bridgestone SO2 PP's or the Toyo Proxies TS-1's.

Other options that seem popular are the Goodyear F1's.

Hope this helps
Andy

PS - Iain, does that mean if you start modifying your car, you become fat and Chinese???

 

Andy,
I'm getting fatter by the minute and the wallets getting thiner I can't comment on the Chinese bit as I avoid mirrors

Iain.

[This message has been edited by Dyney (edited 10 August 2001).]

 

As well as offsets, other things to watch for are load rating and weight. I don't know about the UK, but in Australia if you have a crash and your tyres load ratings are less than manufacturer's spec you can forget about making an insurance claim. It's also illegal if anyone is interested in that. On the weight side of things, expect an extra 3-5kg of unsprung weight per corner. If you go with nice shiney wheels, maybe more which will have serious implications for suspension efficiency and braking.

 

Thanks to everyone for all the advice, now its getting the right looking wheels for the car. The BK 238's look great in the magazines but i'm not sure how good they will look on the car (MY97 in silver).

 

DSHD

As an aside, I toyed with getting BK121's but was put off after being told by two wheel & tyre dealers that BK use a soft alloy that does not stand up to potholes etc too well.

You may want to check what the word on the street is on this...