I've just purchased a new 2006 WRX Wagon after getting rid of my old one some time back...(it was a 2001 wagon)
One thing I've noticed is that the wheel/tire set up on my new rex is really different than the old. I have low-profile tires and 17" wheels, and I'm pretty sure I had 16" wheels, and much beefier tires on my 2001 wagon. I have done zero research on the following matter, so bear with me here. I'm going to start researching this, but thought it would be nice to receive some opinions on here as well as formulate my own opinion.
Question 1-if I went as far as trading in my wheels and tires to downgrade for some smaller wheels and beefier tires, would I need to adjust the camber of the car, or purchase new control arms? Would the car have negative camber if I change out the wheels and tires, and do not purchase adjustable control arms?
Also, I have my handbook in the car, but as I'm stuck at work, I'm assuming I would void the warranty if I swapped out the rims and tires, no?
What does everyone here think about the notion of swapping out the wheels and tires? It just seemed like the setup on my old wrx performed better on dirt and gravel roads, which is much of what I drive on daily. It seems like a street set-up on the new one, which is kind of innapropriate for much of the driving I do.
I know this would best fit in another forum, but any suggestions for a way to alter the front bumper on my '06 so that I do not have an enormous, flared lip that scrapes on every rock? I wish it was just a lip attachment, but the flared lip is part of the bumper, and it is driving me insane. Again, the old rex didn't have the same bumper; I've already torn up the new one pretty badly.
Thanks in advance to any feedback!

 

I'm sure you had a MY02 WRX since didn't exist in 01. but the offset and bolt patterns are the same for all subarus except 05+ STI's and the SVX. They can't void warranty for wheel and tire change. They can void the warrenty on your suspension if something related to the suspension fails because you changed out the springs and struts. You'll have problems putting 16's on your car due to the bigger brakes. The 98-01 RS 16x7 wheels fit. The tires are the same except they are on 17's and a size wider.

 

That's too bad if the 16's that came on earlier WRX's don't fit over the new brakes...sombody would have defintately been happy to trade with you.

 

Oops...yah, '02 WRX! Thanks for helping a girl out; I suppose I could look into some 2.5rs wheels, but at the same time I can also just keep mine and deal with it, which may have to be the case. What about changing out the tires to something a little more sharp-pointy-rock friendly? Does anyone think that would be helpful, or a good idea for my car? How would it affect the cars performance and ride? Thanks again!

 

Definately! I've heard good things about Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3's from people who Rallycross and they work well in the dry too.

 

Yes the Dunlap M3 wintersport is an Amazing tire. it may be the very best snow tire you can buy for Dry road traction, wet road traction. it has Very good packed snow traction. deep snow traction is good. Slush / ice could be better. Dirt and mud it also has great traction.

Uhm since when did the WRX get larger rotors? on the 05 you could go down to 15's and MAYBE 14's (maybe) i'm sure you can put 16's on your 06, as i **think** the 17 rims are an optional package.

Okay i just checked on tire rack and their automated web application correctly will not list anything below a 17" for the STI. and it says you can put a 15" on the 2006 WRX Wagon. I'de go with at least a 16" and 15's if you do a lot of snow / dirt driving. (it could be wrong, but i just don't think the wrx has gotten huge rotors ?)

you rock Go Dirt Lovin subaru Go !

btw can you go out to your car and just visually look at your rotor size and how much space is left between your brake caliper and the inside of the rim? on my car i have Maybe enough space to slide a pen in there.

 

wow, awesome feedback, thanks!!!
I need to do a lot more tire research, but so far these look like a great option. I'm torn as to whether or not I'd want to go with a smaller wheel, but knowing I have the option is very cool. All the help and individual research done by all is so completely appreciated, thanks again! I love other suby owners...we're the best, aren't we?

 

:LOL: Yah, we rock.

www.tirerack.com is a great site to see unbiased reviews and they also have a good tool to see what wheels look like if they were on your car. Hopefully they have that available for the 06's...

 

If you plan to drive in the dirt /snow much. you should really go with the smaller rims. you will loose a bit of 'feel' and responsiviness from steering inputs, but you gain some more shock absorption via the taller sideways a higher profile tire gives. this will improve traction over very very rough terrain, and it could save your rims from becoming damaged.

If possible keep the 17's for summer/ paved road driving. and get 15's for snow /Dirt / Mud (or 16's ) I would do a quick double check of how much space is inbetween the caliper and rim . if you have over a full inch with 17's on. then 15's will fit. if its just over a 1/2 inch, then 16's will fit.

 

The 06's come with the big brakes. Just one of a few changes that were made.

 

lucky bastards

 

Lucky is right lol.

 

can you get some pictures of what you've done to the front end and maybe we can give you tips on how to change it.
I would personally keep the 17" but thats my pref to driving on 99.8% paved roads.