Could anyone tell me what the common tyres sizes are for a MY97 Scoob, my standard one's are 205/55/15. I'd like to know how much difference it would make upgrading to a larger wheel diameter like 16" / 17" /18". I know the tyre profile drops, but surely the overall tyre size increases therefore messing your speedo?
Which size suits the impreza's handling the best, please give me your opinion in this matter. cheers!

It all depends on the tires you choose. If you choose 205/40-17 then you would actually decrease the rolling cirumference by 1.7%. Thus making the cars gearing lower. You could fit 215/35-19 which is 4.4% larger than the 205/55/15 tires.
Basically lower sidewall gives more sensitive steering and higher sidewall gives more comfort. Lowest practical sidewall tire size is probably 225/35/18. But there you run into problems because of tire avalability and room within the wheel arces..

Cheers Sigmund,
I understood the basics but did'nt know the actual %. Don't suppose you know the difference when using 205/45/16.
Which size do you run, Any way thanks again for your reply

I believe the recommended sizes are:-

16" 205/50 (MY98-MY00 came fitted with this size tyre)

17" 205/45 (Pirelli) or 215/40 (Bridgestone, Toyo, etc.)

Cheers,

Ian.

Cheers Ian, Has anyone had any rubbing with 17" on MY97 models

Cat74, 17in is the popular choice - good handling, reasonable comfort and plenty of tyres to choose from. Stick to recommended sizes like 205/45 or 215/40 and you shouldn't get any rubbing problems or speedo errors. Rubbing at the rear is usually caused by having too small an off-set on the wheels. 50-53mm is optimum.

Richard.

I have the same model car as you, a '97 Catalunya.

I was also worried about tyre sizes when upgrading my wheels - there have been many threads debating whether certain wheel/tyre combinations would pose problems.

I put 17" MY01 alloys on the Cat last weekend, the tyre size is the standard Bridgestone tyre at 215/45 R17. This wheel/tyre combibation is 3% larger in diameter than the standard 205/55 R15's that come with the car .... BUT ..... the wheels fit fine! :)

There is no rubbing - had two people in the back yesterday and there was no rubbing on the rear arches. No rubbing on full lock at the front either. Must mention that I have standard suspension - not lowered or anything. And the fact that they are Subaru wheels which probably means the offset is similar.

Yes, the speedo is now out slightly. This means I'm actually going faster than the speedo indicates, but I reckon it's within tolerances anyway ... but I do keep it in mind when going past speed camera's etc.

The ideal sizes to go for are 205/50 R16 or 215/40 R17's. These sizes are closest in overall diameter to the original wheels.

Finally, the ride quality. I have noticed a difference: bumps are much bumpier and the tyres tend to tramline more. I may take a couple of psi out to soften the ride - or maybe I'll get used to it! There is also a noticeable difference in the corners, the car is firmer and "pointier".

Try it!

Thanks to you both Ravster & Hoppy

This link might help you
Tyre Sizes Page

Choose the nearest possible rolling radius to the current tyre size for best effect.

Jon

Polarbearit,
Thank for the reply, could you post the link again as i can't get it to work!
Cheers