Subaru BD + 17" wheels + Eibach Springs...what size tires?

[d1giPhux]

I'm currently running 215/45/R17 tires on my 17" Wheels on my 99 Subaru Legacy GT. The suspension is Eibach PRO KIT springs + KYB GR2 struts.

I need to buy some new tires, however, I don't think I want to go with 215/45/R17's again, as they seem to rub when taking hard turns.

What tire should I get? Need some suggestions.

Was looking at 205/40/R17.. however, not sure if I can run those, or if it would just be a waste of money since they don't really have any meat on them. Does anyone run that size? I dont care if the new tires are 'super wide' and 'cool' looking, I would rather they function properly and not rub under hard turns in parking lots, etc. Currently when taking hard turns (like parking in a parking spot) they seem to rub / have a jumping and clunking sensation. I don't like that.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I want to get some tires that will make for a nice ride, and give some cushioning from the road, but not rub. Is this possible being lowered on eibachs?


Thanks!

[Huffer]

205/50/17 is the stock width for 09 Legacy SE 17x7 wheels. IIRC, you have a set of 17x7 GTB wheels, ET 53?

I'm running 205/50/17 on my 17x7 ET 55 wheels and am lowered on Kings Springs + GR2 struts. You should be fine.

Edit: had the wrong tire size. Corrected it.

[httrdd]

Why not roll them? Problem with rubbing is only from the lip. I bet you are the same height as me and I am running 225s. I only rub on big bumps. Going to get mine professionally rolled.

[d1giPhux]

Don't want to bother with rolling right now.

Huffer: Any pictures of your car on the 205/40/R17s?

I am on the GTB wheels.. and yeah, i think they are ET 53

How does your ride feel on the 40 series tires? They are definitely low pro right? Seem much cheaper then 215/45/R17's as well.. so thats a plus. What type are you running? How has your tread wear been?

Thanks.

[d1giPhux]

Anyone ever try running 205/50/R17?

[mycargoesvroom]

I ran 215/45/17's on 17x7 et55 06 WRX wheels on H&R springs/GR2's with no rubbing. I had 225's and only got slight rubbing at full lock and over hard bumps. I'm pretty sure the drop on the H&R's is a bit more then the Eibachs so I'm unsure why you would be rubbing.

Anyway, if you are rubbing I'm sure it's only on the inside lip of the fender which you can easily bend, or hammer back and not notice from the outside of the car.

If I'm not mistaken, Sears will let you test fit tires before you buy.

[ouch1011]

Anyone ever try running 205/50/R17?
That would be the correct size to run in order to keep the correct diameter.

Stock tire size for the 05+lgt is 215-45-17

[TGX4776]

i did not rub on my 215/45/17's

[d1giPhux]

ouch: interesting.. but would that cause problems while being lowered? i think i will just end up going with 205/40/R17.. they are cheaper.

[ouch1011]

I run 225-50-17s on my BD with Sti wheels. They also fit with 05 lgt wheels. Widest I've run was the 235-45-17 off my friends 04 Sti and they didn't rub either. But I also run coilovers, and I trimmed a bit off the lip on the rrear fenders.

Whether or not the tires will rub really depends on the wheel offset. If you run a Subaru friendly offset, then you shouldn't have an issue. If you run a lower, more typical after market if set, they might rub the fenders

But 205-40-17 are like 2 size steps down from an already small stock diameter tire. My opinion is that it will look a bit goofy

[d1giPhux]

Yeah.. but you do realize.. I'm lowered right? Also, running subaru rims. Not sure why it would be rubbing. I could care less how wide my tires are, or if they look cool really. I just want to get a damn proper size that wont rub. Not sure why the 215/45/R17s rub. Mostly in the front however.

I would love to try some 205/50/R17's.. anyone running those that have pics?

[Huffer]

Shoot us a pic of where it's rubbing.

[d1giPhux]

Thats the weird part.. I cant seem to find WHERE its rubbing. Its only when I'm taking sharp turns.. like into parking spots. Otherwise, looking at it just sitting it doesnt seem to rub anywhere. Not sure why it would be doing that. I'll try to go out tomorrow and grab some pics.. or something.

[subiman2005]

I ran 225 45 17 on 46mm et with sti suspension and barely rubbed on really big ass bumps....ran same tires on 06 wrx wheels that are 55mm et and about 1 inch drop springs zero rub....I currently have 214 40 17 48mm offset with car still lowered and have never rubbed

[httrdd]

I am going to run some saggy butt spacers to prevent rubbing in the rear. Maybe try the same. My fronts don't rub at all though.

[redlegacygt]

i run 215/45/17's on my 05 lgt's and now my rota sdr's and dont rub and i'm on whiteline flatouts which is a pretty low spring. Dont know if this helps you at all.

[Huffer]

If you have no visible damage or wear on the fender, tire or strut - then you are not rubbing and all you are hearing is tire noise.

[d1giPhux]

Thats quite possible. I sometimes wonder that myself. What type of damage do you think it would really do to tires? I don't even scrape them that much, you have to be at quite a turn to do it. Its possible my eibach springs are getting worn since they have some miles on them, just not sure how long they should last? Either way.. I know it rubs every now and again.. but yeah, theres not really any damage on the fender either. Maybe a pushed in fender liner tab and that's it.

[dodik]

if you rub you'd see a shiny metal on the wheel well, strut tower, if its on the plastic you'd see streaks and lines on that. Have a friend turn wheel all the way left and hold there and you run your hand around the wheel to check for clearance issues if your hand fits all the way around then go to the other side and do the same if all is good do the same process only turn wheels to the right. now its possible that its only rubbing under full lock AND under compression so in places that felt the tightest look for any visible damage if none then you probably need alignment or new tires.

[Baddog]

So none of you are really having any issues running 225/45/17's while being lowered?

[alexandermf]

Ive run 215/45/17, 235/45/17 and am lowered with kyb gr2's+prodrive lowering springs and have never rubbed.... IF you have mudflaps though and you hear a "rubbing" it could be your tire on the mudflap, happens with my rally armors all the time

[mshriver]

40 series will look stupid if your just on springs. You need to be really low on coilovers to pull them off.

[alexandermf]

^true story, and to clarify im on sti bbs rims