Can anyone tell me why Subaru recommend 18-inch wheels are fitted when getting the PPP (03 STi)? I thought it might be to do with greater rolling circumference equalls lower engine rpm at higher speed. Am I on the right track?

Hmm
Think its more to do with the handling, but i know someone else on SN will know for sure :)

Because it lines their pockets with another £1800 odd ;)

They do handle better on 18's but make more of a "drivers car" when fitted as they are so nervous of painted lines on the roads makes upgrading needing more thought first.

scoobyslut

I take it you have driven on both? Do you think the 18's are worth getting? I get a bit nervy when a dealer says "we recommend". I take yer point Chris, dealers like the colour of yer dosh but the statement was in the STi brochure and I am not sue what disadvantage I will be at getting the PPP and not the wheels. I can get the car to drift nicely on the 17's on the right bends. They dont make me loose confidence (most fun I can get with me clothes on)but 40 more horses might change that.

They drift on the left bends too clanger!;)
soory couldn't resist:p

ITS ALL TO DO WITH MONEY

If the car is so sh1t on 17's why do they sell it with them on!

Maybe Subaru should sell the car with 18's as standard if it improves the handling so much :rolleyes:

IMHO:

Geometry/springs for cost effective suspension improvement.
18" wheels for looks (but beware 8" wide wheels on new wagons).

GTMR - Do you want to expand on that? As far as I was aware the scoob dealers dont do sussie upgrades. Just wheels. Dyou reckon the wheels will do nothing for the handling of the car?

I reckon its well poncy that dealers wont warrant upgrades made elsewhere cos there are probably businesses that know more about tuning their cars than they do.

the P1 was designed to run on 18s, but couldnt pass an EU law regarding fitment of snow chains, so had to be offered as an 'upgrade'

Shouldn't be any significant difference in rolling circuference, or at least no more than you might see between new tyres and worn out ones. The sidewalls of the 18s are lower beacuse of the lower profile, os the diameter should come out the same to within few %