I wanted to know what is the best tire size to use with rota slipstreams in 16X7 with a 48mm offset for my 02 wrx wagon?


225/50/16

215/55/16

215/50/16

215/55/16

any ideas? thanks

 

The 225/50 R16 should be almost exactly the same diameter as stock.. like within 0.1%. So your speedometer won't be reading incorrect speed and mileage.

215- size tires would be a better fit for your rims width wise, but you either have to make a choice of running a slight bit too big or a slight bit too small.

If you go with the 215/50 R16, then the tire would be smaller then stock, reading 1.7% too fast. So generally if you are traveling 60mph you are actually travelling 59mph. And if you were to go with the 215/55 R16, it would be the same amount bigger, and your speedometer would read 1.7 too slow; going 60mph would read 61 on your speedometer.

I guess it isn't that much of a difference, and 1mph is acceptable since there is some speedometer error anyway.

You would just have to decide if you want a 225 or 215

 

but I want to also know if the 225 will rub in the back being I have a wrx wagon. and my car is lowered with Tanabe springs on stock struts, any ideas? thanks for your knowledge!!!!

 

I *think* that the wagons do rub with 225's in the rear. I'm not 100% on that but it's better to be safe then sorry.

 

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Sorry about just jumpin' in this just like that...but I have a similar question. But first, those 225's...Would they rub on the rear of the "wagon" before or after lowering?...How about the front? The reason I ask is because I've been running with 215/55R16 on stock wheels and no noticeable problems. Mine is an '02 WRX wagon (not lowered!)-Can I go bigger on the tires? Would I need spacers if I do? I'm clueless about tire sizes!...So, if you increase the height of the tire, Does it automatically increase the width as well? I basically want to go as high and wide as my "stock" wheels and fenders allow me to!
Thanx in advance for any help/suggestions.

 

<----------------------sold tires for three years


Tire width vs. height actually works opposite the way you've described. If you maintain the same profile, but use a wider section width, the height of the tire grows slightly. There's a complicated math formula for this, but in layman's terms, tire aspect ratios are *roughly* an equivalent percentage of section width.

For example: P205/55R16

aspect ratio ~ 55% of 205mm = ~112.75mm sidewall height

Actual sidewall height varies due to manufacturing tolerances, and the fact that different manufacturers may use different rim widths as a base to quote section width (i.e. 6.5" rim vs. 7" rim). Hope this has been helpful.