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pros and cons of installing bigger wheels?

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Old Aug 29, 2009 | 05:42 PM
  #1  
WRX409's Avatar
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From: Allentown,PA
Car Info: 04 WRX
pros and cons of installing bigger wheels?

It's finally time for me to replace my stock 16X6.5 wheels since
two of my wheels are bent on the inside of the wheel and
I can't get an alignment until I replace all four wheels.
To the guys here how have already swapped out their
stock wheels was your speedometer off by running a
17"+ wheel? Was your car slower in acceleration after
swapping to bigger wheels?
I'm looking for a reputable vendor to purchase my wheels
from and any suggestions on brand would be appreciated.
Old Aug 29, 2009 | 05:56 PM
  #2  
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From: on the way to lake tahoe to shread! turbo beast
Car Info: 2016 WRX, 2014 lifter forester XT, 2005 JDM207 WGN
I know with w/ my wheels ssr gt2's I feel a lot faster only like 17lbs and thats about 4 lbs less than the stockers
Old Aug 29, 2009 | 06:35 PM
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if you have the correct size tire, the speedometer should not be off. there is a site somewhere where you can calculate the optimal size based on the size of the wheel you are getting.
Old Aug 29, 2009 | 06:44 PM
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Originally Posted by indolegend89
if you have the correct size tire, the speedometer should not be off. there is a site somewhere where you can calculate the optimal size based on the size of the wheel you are getting.
Any links to that site?
Old Aug 29, 2009 | 07:05 PM
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they are all over but here is one i quickly found:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
Old Aug 29, 2009 | 07:08 PM
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From: We need more subies on Kauai
Car Info: Impreza Wrx 2002 Stage2 (bugeyed brother)
www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
this was the best ive seen so far so here you go
Old Aug 29, 2009 | 07:09 PM
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From: We need more subies on Kauai
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lol
Old Aug 29, 2009 | 08:04 PM
  #8  
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^ Thanks.
Old Aug 30, 2009 | 04:37 PM
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Car Info: 2011 Impreza 2.5i Dark Gray Metallic
Originally Posted by WRX409
...since two of my wheels are bent on the inside of the wheel...
bigger wheel = smaller sidewall = more chance of BENDING the wheel!!!
Old Aug 30, 2009 | 10:40 PM
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From: Union City, CA
Car Info: 2015 FR-S
225/45-17 on Enkei RPF1 17x7.5

Tire diameter is almost identical to stock. Wheel weighs only 15.2 lbs.
Old Aug 30, 2009 | 10:48 PM
  #11  
WRX409's Avatar
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From: Allentown,PA
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Originally Posted by Fendyman
bigger wheel = smaller sidewall = more chance of BENDING the wheel!!!
Two of my stock 16" wheels were bent because of the terrible
quality streets we have here in PA.
Maneuvering around potholes and dodging large rocks in the
middle of the road is no fun.
I am thinking about getting a set of 17X7" or 17X7.5" wheels
to replace my stock wheels. My Subaru is Aspen white.
Old Aug 30, 2009 | 11:03 PM
  #12  
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Car Info: 2011 Impreza 2.5i Dark Gray Metallic
Originally Posted by WRX409
Two of my stock 16" wheels were bent because of the terrible
quality streets we have here in PA.
Maneuvering around potholes and dodging large rocks in the
middle of the road is no fun.
I am thinking about getting a set of 17X7" or 17X7.5" wheels
to replace my stock wheels. My Subaru is Aspen white.
Then I'd stick w/ 16" wheels (used Subaru OEM wheels are cheap & easy to find) & get stiffer sidewall tires. Oh yeah, 16" tires are cheaper, too.
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