Installing rims...but correctly

[Bhatman]

So trying to get my rims finally fitted after purchasing them awhile ago (work sucks...), a few questions have arisen due to getting it done right and working in manufacturing where tolerances and quality are quite important.

Have a set of Rota Slipstreams, 16x8s +48 offset and there trying to be installed on a modified 02 Subaru Outback BH. The BH has JDM Bil-steins with H&R struts. Currently riding on Outback wheels and tires (225/60)


Now that I am lowered and no longer running Outback suspension, can I now look at the vehicles tire setups as a Legacy GT wagon/hybrid since the suspension has changed?



Bhatman

[kimokalihi]

I don't understand your question.

[Bhatman]

I don't understand your question.

Sorry! I rephrased the question in the OP.

[Thomistopheles]

Your speedometer would not read the correct speed if you use Legacy GT size tires, they are a smaller diameter.

[Bhatman]

Your speedometer would not read the correct speed if you use Legacy GT size tires, they are a smaller diameter.


That's due to the speedometer calibrated to the Outback wheel diameter?

[GTDrifter]

Your speedometer would not read the correct speed if you use Legacy GT size tires, they are a smaller diameter.
Shouldn't make too big of a difference. Maybe 1-2 mph

You could always get a speedo corrector kit. Mightycarmods has a diy of these on YouTube

[Thomistopheles]

It's a bigger difference than that. Your speedometer would read 6.6% higher than your actual speed.

[Bhatman]

I get the fact my rolling size does change with the diameter of the tires, but im trying to also factor in suspension since most tire stores see - "Subaru Outback" oh! Its then on high suspension and is along the Outback criteria for tires. But with the suspension changed to a lowered Legacy GT, does that play a factor with tires since im not in the Outback criteria?

[GTDrifter]

I get the fact my rolling size does change with the diameter of the tires, but im trying to also factor in suspension since most tire stores see - "Subaru Outback" oh! Its then on high suspension and is along the Outback criteria for tires. But with the suspension changed to a lowered Legacy GT, does that play a factor with tires since im not in the Outback criteria?
If you're lowered I would run 205/55. So you minimize the chance of rubbing.

Bhatman, I ran 17s and personally didn't see much of a change in mph. But then again its hard to estimate the difference without actually measuring it.

If you change the tire size take it for a drive with a GPS and look at the differences in speed between the GPS and speedo

[Huffer]

Now that I am lowered and no longer running Outback suspension, can I now look at the vehicles tire setups as a Legacy GT wagon/hybrid since the suspension has changed?

Bhatman

Not really. You have to look at it in two ways:
1. Your rolling diameter for the speedometer calibration can change.
2. Your suspension clearances have changed.

So in order to look at tires and wheel setups, you have to factor both 1 + 2.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Please just use this tool while calculating tire sizes:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

This will help you find a size in 17" tires that will roll close to your stock tires. It won't help you with lowered suspension tire clearance but if you don't go too much wider than stock, you shouldn't have issues. There are many discussions about rubbing and tire sizes around this forum.

[Bhatman]

^Ive been looking at that calculator plus this one which you can plug in rim sizes and offsets: http://www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp.

I understand that there are plenty of discussions on the forums for rubbing and tire sizes, I was mainly trying to figure out a proper combination and since that have figured out the combo which fits Huffers points. Plus im running 16"s for overall look and good tire options. My biggest worry is the width of the rim since its a 16 x 8 and the stock width is 6.5. So far with my research and talking with a few people have pointed towards it will not rub.