Doormouse

iTrader: (3)

morning all!

bought my first impreza 3 days ago. its a 2003 blobeye wrx wagon. really enjoying it but it is in need of new front tyres.

it has a set of 18'' OZ superturismo (sp?) wheels attached which are currently wrapped with 215/35/18 falkens.

id like to up the profile to 40 as the ride is a touch harsh for me and my motorway miles......

i phoned my regular tyre place who suggested that a set of 225/40s may be my best bet.

is this a sensible move in terms of ride quality, handling and dare i say it, aesthetics?

thanks in advance.

Fangoria

iTrader: (1)

I dont think thats a good size
225/35 would be slightly better for your kind of driving as with 225 at least you get 3.33m more side wall height

225's can rub but should generally be ok

dunx

iTrader: (3)

Prodrive fit the size advised, so won't be far off !

IMHO

dunx

360ste

iTrader: (1)

Doesn't changing the aspect ratio change the rolling circumference of the tyre making the speedo inaccurate? If going higher on the aspect ratio that will mean the car is going faster than indicated.

MrNoisy

iTrader: (28)

Isn't that actually just as close to the original dimensions?
The original size fitted to the 17's on the car are 215/40 I believe.
I have 225/40 18's on mine and didn't find the ride any better or worse until I lowered the suspension, after which it became a little harder.
The tyres you pick will also determine have a factor in determining how hard the ride is and how much road noise you'll get.
Oh and the difference it makes to your speedo will be negligible.

I've just bought a set of second hand WRX alloys, and am fitting 4 budget winter tyres of size 225/55's to em as they were all I could get.
The speedo will be around 5% out, meaning that at 60mph I'll actually be doing 63mph. I think I can live with that if it means I get better grip in these conditions.

MaDaSS

original fitment on a 2003 is 215/45/17
Prodrive fit 225/40/18 to the 18" rims. Although this does not equate to the same rolling radius, 235/40/18 works out better.
BUT, if it is good enough for Prodrive........................................

daijones

Got to be a bit careful on the wagon to avoid the wheels rubbing, cos it hasn't got the blistered arches. More of a problem with lowered suspension, but 235s may be too wide

Doormouse

iTrader: (3)

cheers for the advice.

bought 4 pirelli p zero rosso's in 225/40/18 and had them fitted. standard suspension and clearance is good. can also report much improvement in ride quality.

bad news, 2 out of the 4 wheels, which are oz ultraleggeras not superleggeras have cracks to rear inner rim edge.... and the osf wheel toe out was over 15deg wrong.