Badone

Decided to go for 18s on my 03 WRX wagon and 215s have been fitted. Most people seem to run 225s on 18s here so is this a problem?

RRH

If it is lowered 225s will rub the rear arches

ozzy

depends on the width of the alloy. Anything wider than 7.5" will stretch the tyre too much. Also, a 215/40 will have a lower profile than a 225/40 tyre, so you may need to watch the kerbs.

Only other thing to check is the rolling radius to see if your speedo will be out. I think most fit 215/35's to be closer to original, but you can check with an online calculator.

Stefan

Badone

Thanks for that. It is lowered with Prodrive springs so I guess that's why they fitted 215s then.

I have the new Dare (similar to Prodrive) 7 spoke wheels - note sure what width they are but the tyres do not protect the rims.

ozzy

I run 225/40/18's on my RB5 with Eibach springs and don't get any rubbing. I know some others do, but can be a bit hit 'n miss.

Stefan

ozzy

Check the width. A 215 tyre on a 7.5"/8" wheel can make the car handle pretty badly as it can overstretch the tyre.

I remember Elmer Fudpucker advising me against this when I was looking at fitting my 18" WRC1 OZ wheels.

Stefan

gpssti4

iTrader: (6)

I have a classic - type R. I've just bought some new Dare & spoke (like the Prodive's) 18 x 7.5. The offset is 45mm. Where I bought them suggested 215 - either 35 or 40 profile. Are people now saying that 215's are too narrow for this rim? A friend trial fitted an old 225/40 and it cleared both arch and strut. However this was a very 'worn' tyre, so with an extra 6-8mm of tread I don't know. Who can suggest a 'narrow' tyre - as some have that extra bead as a rim protector.

Badone

I went back to the company who fitted these same wheels and their view is that 215/40/18 is best for the car in order to keep the speed reading the same and to avoid possible rub when under load. They fit these as standard policy so are obviously happy that they will work without problems.