blu_foz Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 Hi Everyone, I've tried searching for this answer just about everywhere thinking someone would've tried this before, but I have been unsuccessful in finding an answer. I did the poor man's brake upgrade on my Forester by upgrading to LGT brakes instead of the full STI upgrade, and I am curious if it would be possible to get 16" wheels to fit over these brakes. My Forester has the 4EAT, and 2nd gear is too tall for autocross, I'm thinking I can cheat the system a little by going from 18" wheels to 16". This would improve acceleration and help with my gearing. It may also give me a little more clearance to run a wider tire, just thinking out loud. Has anyone done this? Usually forum topics are "how big" or "how wide" can I go before rubbing, etc. How small????????? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blu_foz Posted June 17, 2015 Author Share Posted June 17, 2015 Think I found the answer: "16 in. rims (for 2.5i, 2005-on) only" Used the wrong search text apparently... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted June 17, 2015 Share Posted June 17, 2015 since you are doing this for autox, its not about the rim, its the tire, and the overall diameter of the wheel/tire assembly. what size tire, not rim, are you running now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blu_foz Posted June 18, 2015 Author Share Posted June 18, 2015 My current autox tires are 235/45-18 RS-3's, which have a diameter of 26.4" What I have been considering is going to Hoosier A7's on 17x9 RPF1's with a size of 275/35-17, which has a diameter of 24.7". More grip, smaller diameter. I've never hit the top of second autoxing, so I know I can reduce the diameter without restricting myself. I've not been able to find a good tire for a 16" wheel that does not have more sidewall and a greater overall diameter than the A7's I mentioned already, so it may not matter at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted June 18, 2015 Share Posted June 18, 2015 the 275/35/17 is the right size to run. that is the solution on a 17" wheel. you can also do 285/30/18 as well depending on how wide your current 18's are. that diameter is around 25" If you are considering running r-comps, you may not want to kill top speed in 2nd too much. that added grip may get you to the end of 2nd with a taller tire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blu_foz Posted June 19, 2015 Author Share Posted June 19, 2015 My current 18's aren't wide enough for a 285. I will admit, I had not considered the fact that the added grip of r-comps would lead to higher exit speeds and coming closer to the top of second without changing diameter. I think I am still safe with the 275/35-17 since the difference compared to what I have now is only -6.5%. I've never gotten above 6k RPM in second. So I have the wiggle room to support this change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted June 20, 2015 Share Posted June 20, 2015 go for it. if you hit the rev limiter, you know what you have to do Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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