Hey folks... I have a stock 2004 RS.

Recently purchased a set of used 17" rims with (almost worn) tires. They're 225/45/17, and came off a '02 WRX.

Now, I'm hearing and reading that the widest I should be going is 215 for this car? Is this true? Does anyone here have experience running 225's on their RS/WRX?

The guy I bought them from didn't have any issues; in fact, he had these on a lowered car. As far as I can tell, there are no signs of rubbing on the tires themselves.

I haven't put the rims/tires on my car yet.

A bit about my driving style:
- typically just me in the car, or me and the lady
- I corner a bit aggressively (is there another way? ), but normal driving otherwise
- no jackrabbit starts or drags

From what I've read and heard, adding weight or spirited driving may lead to rubbing with 225s, so naturally this concerns me (see first two points above).

The tires should be good for about half the season to be honest, so maybe not completely worn just yet. I prefer not to find out that they rub by the 'trial-and-error' method.

Your input is very much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

215 works...i have 225/45/17 and they don't rub
my last tires were 235/45/17 and those didn't rub either

 

What size are your rims ?

I have 17X7 rims and I have 225/45/17 and it works good, a nice big contact patch, NO RUBBING PROBLEMS.

Cheers
Rush

 

On a 2004, you should have no issues at all with 225s. Basically, the tradeoffs are slightly more weight and width from a 225, or slightly shorter OD (shorter gearing) from a 215. However, most of the common performance tires in those sizes are actually very similar. S03s, for example, have less then the expected 10mm of width difference. My old 215/45 S03s were as wide as most 225s were. Basically, unless your wheels have a very odd offset, you shouldn't have any issues at all with either tire.

 

215s are noticeably cheaper, too =)

 

Uh... 17x7 I *think*
They're Rota Downshifts.

Well thanks for all the input guys! I'm feeling much better now actually

 

Also my falken azein sport 225's are wider than most 225's that I have run before.

Austin

 

I've got the same tires I believe

 

I love 'em, for street performance, rain performance (not too shabby), and ok autocross performance and the price ! I love em !!

Austin

 

Uhh... okay... everybody I know loves them for their autocross performance, and lives with the crappy rain performance. The price is a bonus.

 

Yea, I dont think they're going to be anything to talk about in the rain... just judging by the tread pattern.

We'll see... I'll be shopping around for replacements in a couple months anyway...