Ok, I love the car but I want to upgrade to the Sti rim and tire dimensions. The only problem is I am worried about losing the low end torque and gas mileage. I also read somewhere that the 17s will put much more stress on the drive train since the car has only 170 hp. Anybody else looking to upgrade wheel size?

 

nobody is faced with this dilemna?

 

Hey there,

Where did you pick up that info ?

-scoon

 

In the owners manual.

 

check out the wheel and tire forum, there is a lot of good information. Basically it will be more difficult for your car to accelerate, if you get bigger wheels you will want to find something light to compensate for the bigger diameter. If you drive easily it shoudn't put too much extra strain on your car, but if you drive hard you may wear things out more quickly.

 

That is what I was thinking. The best choice would probably be lightweight 16s.

 

I think you misunderstood what was stated. The manual says mixing tire sizes will do damage. So, if you run out and get 17" wheels and then slap on your 16" spare, stuff will break.

-scoon

 

I'm sure17s all around will work but I'm more worried about losing low end torque since the car is only 170hp. I also wonder how it would alter fuel mileage and what kind of added stress it would put on the drive train.

 

If you run a 17x7 or 17x7.5 you should be ok. The factor will be the weight of the wheel you choose. Choose a heavy wheel and you could see a decrease in gas mileage. Then the other way aroud, choose a light wheel and you probably won't see a difference or it will be very small if there is.

 

ive got the stock 06 wrx wheels on my 2.5i those are 17's right? they are fine... havent noticed any difference in low end

 

most of the time when you get a larger wheel, you end up with a lower profile tire and the overall diameter will ot increase. If it does increase, it will not be by much. Gas milage will only change if the overall diameter changes. You will get better highway gas milage because the car will move farther for every turn of the axel. Your city milage might lower because you will burn more gas, getting your car up to speed after stops, turning a larger wheel.

 

I think they factory wrx and 2.5i are the same 16's. Tho the factory 16's on the 06 are made by Enkei's and are reasonable light as they are. (ya if you look on the inside of the rims (i noticed this when i rotated mine) they have Enkei's stamp right on them)

 

the 06 stock wrx's wheels are enkei's 17's. upgrading to 17 should be fine as long as you find a lighter wheel. having larger wheels means more rotational mass, but if its lighter it'll compensate for it. hell, it might make it quicker.

 

Try getting Rota 17' rims.
Heard those are extremely popular and lightweight as well.

 

+1 I am also considering getting the 17" Rota wheels.
From what I hear they are pretty light for a 17" wheel.