Tire and Wheel size guides - Subaru Enthusiasts Car Club of the Sierras

sperry · 2005-08-26, 02:11 PM

Here are some resources for calculating tire sizes and wheel offsets:

Edit: Here's a neat graphical wheel & tire calculator: http://www.wheelsmaster.com/rt_specs.jsp

Tire size calculator: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Wheel offset clearance calculator: http://marksink.com/tire_wheel_offset/offset.html

Feel free to add links to other resources!

Kevin M · 2005-08-26, 02:20 PM

My favorite wheel/tire calculator

http://gs.tolan-hoechst.com/tirecalc.htm

M3n2c3 · 2005-08-26, 09:12 PM

Helpful!

100_Percent_Juice · 2007-04-11, 09:25 AM

2 questions.
How wide is the stock 02-05 wrx 16" wheel?
What is the general rule as far as wheel width vs tire width?

This tire looks too narrow...

This tire looks too wide...

This tire looks just right...

Kevin M · 2007-04-11, 09:36 AM

Actually the middle is about right.

WRX wheels are 16x6.5

Nick Koan · 2007-04-11, 09:39 AM

Stock WRX wheels for that MY range are 16x6.5. There are plenty of charts out there on width of wheel versus width of tire, but I think on 16x6.5 anywhere between 195 and 215 depending on sidewall height.

Here is a more indepth chart from Yokohama
http://www.yokohamatire.com/utrimwidth.asp

And I would also disagree about the middle picture being too much tire. I think both the second and third pic look just about right (with the third pic maybe on the small side).

sperry · 2007-04-11, 09:40 AM

IIRC, WRX wheels are 16"x6.5".

Your second picture is the only one w/o stretched tires.

Here's a set of 255 Azenis on an 8" wide wheel. That's a little too wide. 235 or 245 is right for 8" wide.

100_Percent_Juice · 2007-04-11, 10:47 AM

thanks for all the response.

I guess what I was getting at with the pictures is not which one is the correct size, but which look I like the most. Out of the first 3 pictures the one i like the best is the bottom. The look I would like to get(with aftermarket 18") is as wide as I can go while keeping somewhat of a rounded look to the tire. Not the square look like in the second pic or the super streched like in the first.

MPREZIV · 2007-04-11, 11:21 AM

The "rounded look" you speak of is bad for the tires, potentially. If you plan on driving *hard* on them, i.e. auto-x, then there's a good chance of F*ing up the tire's sidewall rolling them over...

cody · 2007-04-11, 12:43 PM

I like the rim protector effect though.

I run Toyo Proxes 4's on my stock WRX rims in 225 width. Apparently they're designed for "plus-fitment applications". They squirm a bit, but the handling and wear is superb.

Bob Danger · 2007-04-11, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 100_Percent_Juice

thanks for all the response.

I guess what I was getting at with the pictures is not which one is the correct size, but which look I like the most. Out of the first 3 pictures the one i like the best is the bottom. The look I would like to get(with aftermarket 18") is as wide as I can go while keeping somewhat of a rounded look to the tire. Not the square look like in the second pic or the super streched like in the first.

So you wanted to ask people which "look" you like most?

100_Percent_Juice · 2007-04-11, 05:25 PM

No basically I showed 3 different looks and said which one I want to go for. I have no experience with what a certain size tire would look on a certain size wheel so I was asking for advice on that.

Nick Koan · 2007-04-11, 05:31 PM

Looks aside, you'd probably want to go with a tire sized similarly to the second picture. Unless the way your tire appearance is more important than shortened lifespan due to uneven wear. If that's the case, then by all means do whatever floats your boat man.

MattR · 2007-04-11, 05:34 PM

I love the way my 18x8's look with a 245...

100_Percent_Juice · 2007-04-11, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nKoan

Looks aside, you'd probably want to go with a tire sized similarly to the second picture. Unless the way your tire appearance is more important than shortened lifespan due to uneven wear. If that's the case, then by all means do whatever floats your boat man.

No Koanbone appearance isnt more important to me then tire life. tire life floats my boat

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattR

I love the way my 18x8.5s look with a 245...

Do you have any pics?

MattR · 2007-04-11, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 100_Percent_Juice

Do you have any pics?

They're on here somewhere, but I'd have to look for them...I'll check when I get home from work unless anyone else feels ambitious.

Nick Koan · 2007-04-11, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 100_Percent_Juice

No Koanbone appearance isnt more important to me then tire life. tire life floats my boat

Hey, I'm not here to roll eyes at you or anyone. I'm just trying to help. From a tire life perspective, you probably want to get properly sized tires and not buy ones that will show up stretched or bulged on your wheels. Its just a small warning since you posted that you thought the third pic had the best fitment.

Forgotten · 2007-04-11, 05:53 PM

It all depends on what size rim you are looking at, as well as your current suspension set up. I personally would try and run a wider tire such as 255/40/17 on a 17x8.5 or a 245/40/18 on a 18x8.5. Both of these set ups depending on how much camber you run will probably require fender rolling. If you didn't want to worry about that go with a 225/45/17 or 235/4017 on a 17x8. You have to take into consideration how wide the tires you are buying run, as well as ride height and suspension stiffness.
It's really easy to recommend rim and tires and sizes etc if you give us what you want to use them for and set up, rather than post 3 pictures.

100_Percent_Juice · 2007-04-11, 05:59 PM

I appreciate your help. I honestly didnt think the third picture was that stretched. Pictures can be deceiving anyways and thats why I posted. So i could get help from those of you who are more experienced with wheels then I.

100_Percent_Juice · 2007-04-11, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Forgotten

It's really easy to recommend rim and tires and sizes etc if you give us what you want to use them for and set up, rather than post 3 pictures.

Ok
I want 18" wheels and they are going to be for my 04 wrx that will have Tein coilovers possibly superstreet. The suspension will be set at the highest level for the coilovers because 99% of my driving is on city streets and I dont like to scrape. weather or not I have to roll the fenders is not an issue with me. If there is anything else that will help determine my setup for wheels just ask.

100_Percent_Juice · 2007-04-11, 06:08 PM

I like this profile. Is this setup bad for tire life?

Nick Koan · 2007-04-11, 06:29 PM

Nice widebody.

Anyway, personally I think those tires could stand to go another size wider. But, with wheels and tires that wide, it might not have been an option.

wrxkidid · 2007-04-11, 09:04 PM

with a 18x9 could you run 265s?

MattR · 2007-04-11, 09:25 PM

Here...Rota 18x 8's with Falken ZE512 in 245-40-18.

100_Percent_Juice · 2007-04-11, 09:49 PM

Thanks Matt that gives me a better idea. So lets say I got a set of 18x7.5(because the wheels I want only come that big with 5x100) would I buy a 235/40/18 tire to get the same look you have?

Also are your tires taller then stock? It looks that way to me in the pic.

2005-08-26, 02:11 PM	#1
sperry The Doink Real Name: Scott Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 20,335 Car: '09 OBXT, '02 WRX, '96 Miata Class: PDX/TT-6 The way out is through	Tire and Wheel size guides Here are some resources for calculating tire sizes and wheel offsets: Edit: Here's a neat graphical wheel & tire calculator: http://www.wheelsmaster.com/rt_specs.jsp Tire size calculator: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html Wheel offset clearance calculator: http://marksink.com/tire_wheel_offset/offset.html Feel free to add links to other resources! __________________ Is you is, or is you ain't, my con-stit-u-ints? Last edited by sperry; 2008-05-21 at 11:47 AM.

2005-08-26, 02:20 PM	#2
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	My favorite wheel/tire calculator http://gs.tolan-hoechst.com/tirecalc.htm __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2005-08-26, 09:12 PM	#3
M3n2c3 EJ205 Real Name: Jeremiah Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Dayton, NV Posts: 1,888 Car: 2005 Impreza 2.5RS, 2000 Forester L Class: RNP sometimes (see motto) "Kids are ruining autocross."	Helpful! __________________ Small red text that looks curious at first glance but is ultimately inconsequential

2007-04-11, 09:25 AM	#4
100_Percent_Juice (40 percent vodka) Real Name: Joel Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 4,446 Car: 2004WRX Class: Baby-Hauler/GroceryGetter	2 questions. How wide is the stock 02-05 wrx 16" wheel? What is the general rule as far as wheel width vs tire width? This tire looks too narrow... This tire looks too wide... This tire looks just right... __________________ "A power nap is when you sleep on someone who is weaker than you." - Dimitri Martin

2007-04-11, 09:36 AM	#5
Kevin M EJ22T Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Reno Posts: 9,445 Car: '93/'01 GF6, mostly red Class: 19 FP	Actually the middle is about right. WRX wheels are 16x6.5 __________________ FWD is the new AWD

2007-04-11, 09:39 AM	#6
Nick Koan JDM Cowboy Real Name: Nick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Somewhere Posts: 8,642 Car: 2015 Mazda 3	Stock WRX wheels for that MY range are 16x6.5. There are plenty of charts out there on width of wheel versus width of tire, but I think on 16x6.5 anywhere between 195 and 215 depending on sidewall height. Here is a more indepth chart from Yokohama http://www.yokohamatire.com/utrimwidth.asp And I would also disagree about the middle picture being too much tire. I think both the second and third pic look just about right (with the third pic maybe on the small side). Last edited by Nick Koan; 2007-04-11 at 09:41 AM. Reason: fixing teh grammAr.

2007-04-11, 09:40 AM	#7
sperry The Doink Real Name: Scott Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 20,335 Car: '09 OBXT, '02 WRX, '96 Miata Class: PDX/TT-6 The way out is through	IIRC, WRX wheels are 16"x6.5". Your second picture is the only one w/o stretched tires. Here's a set of 255 Azenis on an 8" wide wheel. That's a little too wide. 235 or 245 is right for 8" wide. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Is you is, or is you ain't, my con-stit-u-ints?

2007-04-11, 10:47 AM	#8
100_Percent_Juice (40 percent vodka) Real Name: Joel Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 4,446 Car: 2004WRX Class: Baby-Hauler/GroceryGetter	thanks for all the response. I guess what I was getting at with the pictures is not which one is the correct size, but which look I like the most. Out of the first 3 pictures the one i like the best is the bottom. The look I would like to get(with aftermarket 18") is as wide as I can go while keeping somewhat of a rounded look to the tire. Not the square look like in the second pic or the super streched like in the first. __________________ "A power nap is when you sleep on someone who is weaker than you." - Dimitri Martin

2007-04-11, 11:21 AM	#9
MPREZIV Token Real Name: Le Stig Afrique? Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: sitting next to a big yellow box Posts: 3,589 Car: 2001 Impreza 2.5 RS Class: 05 TDSP No, I won't work on your car. F your car*	The "rounded look" you speak of is bad for the tires, potentially. If you plan on driving hard on them, i.e. auto-x, then there's a good chance of Fing up the tire's sidewall rolling them over... __________________ "...these condoms have a topical anesthetic to reduce sensitivity, so you can last longer. What a paradox. You can't feel a thing, but you can fck for HOURS..."

2007-04-11, 12:43 PM	#10
cody Candy Mountain Real Name: Cody Join Date: May 2005 Location: Californication Posts: 7,751 Car: 03 Pussy Wagon, now with more pink! Class: TESP OMG Internet!	I like the rim protector effect though. I run Toyo Proxes 4's on my stock WRX rims in 225 width. Apparently they're designed for "plus-fitment applications". They squirm a bit, but the handling and wear is superb.

2007-04-11, 05:25 PM	#12
100_Percent_Juice (40 percent vodka) Real Name: Joel Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 4,446 Car: 2004WRX Class: Baby-Hauler/GroceryGetter	No basically I showed 3 different looks and said which one I want to go for. I have no experience with what a certain size tire would look on a certain size wheel so I was asking for advice on that. __________________ "A power nap is when you sleep on someone who is weaker than you." - Dimitri Martin

2007-04-11, 05:31 PM	#13
Nick Koan JDM Cowboy Real Name: Nick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Somewhere Posts: 8,642 Car: 2015 Mazda 3	Looks aside, you'd probably want to go with a tire sized similarly to the second picture. Unless the way your tire appearance is more important than shortened lifespan due to uneven wear. If that's the case, then by all means do whatever floats your boat man. __________________ While a standard engine is powered by a belt connected to the crankshaft, a turbo engine runs on its own exhaust steam, making it more energy efficient. -- CNN Last edited by Nick Koan; 2007-04-11 at 05:36 PM. Reason: looks -> appearance for clarity

2007-04-11, 05:34 PM	#14
MattR El Matador Real Name: Matt Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 10,660 Car: 2012 Toyota Tacoma Class: ?	I love the way my 18x8's look with a 245... __________________ "Dallas..We have a problem.” Last edited by MattR; 2007-04-11 at 09:59 PM.

2007-04-11, 05:53 PM	#18
Forgotten EJ22 Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 348 Car: 05 STi	It all depends on what size rim you are looking at, as well as your current suspension set up. I personally would try and run a wider tire such as 255/40/17 on a 17x8.5 or a 245/40/18 on a 18x8.5. Both of these set ups depending on how much camber you run will probably require fender rolling. If you didn't want to worry about that go with a 225/45/17 or 235/4017 on a 17x8. You have to take into consideration how wide the tires you are buying run, as well as ride height and suspension stiffness. It's really easy to recommend rim and tires and sizes etc if you give us what you want to use them for and set up, rather than post 3 pictures. __________________ "I piss 200 horsepower." -MattR

2007-04-11, 05:59 PM	#19
100_Percent_Juice (40 percent vodka) Real Name: Joel Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 4,446 Car: 2004WRX Class: Baby-Hauler/GroceryGetter	I appreciate your help. I honestly didnt think the third picture was that stretched. Pictures can be deceiving anyways and thats why I posted. So i could get help from those of you who are more experienced with wheels then I. __________________ "A power nap is when you sleep on someone who is weaker than you." - Dimitri Martin

2007-04-11, 06:08 PM	#21
100_Percent_Juice (40 percent vodka) Real Name: Joel Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 4,446 Car: 2004WRX Class: Baby-Hauler/GroceryGetter	I like this profile. Is this setup bad for tire life? __________________ "A power nap is when you sleep on someone who is weaker than you." - Dimitri Martin

2007-04-11, 06:29 PM	#22
Nick Koan JDM Cowboy Real Name: Nick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Somewhere Posts: 8,642 Car: 2015 Mazda 3	Nice widebody. Anyway, personally I think those tires could stand to go another size wider. But, with wheels and tires that wide, it might not have been an option. __________________ While a standard engine is powered by a belt connected to the crankshaft, a turbo engine runs on its own exhaust steam, making it more energy efficient. -- CNN

2007-04-11, 09:04 PM	#23
wrxkidid EJ205 Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Incline Village, NV Posts: 1,232 Car: 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee Ltd. 5.7l Class: None :/ Cory, just put a 4g63 in it.	with a 18x9 could you run 265s? __________________ Mosey down the road.

2007-04-11, 09:25 PM	#24
MattR El Matador Real Name: Matt Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 10,660 Car: 2012 Toyota Tacoma Class: ?	Here...Rota 18x 8's with Falken ZE512 in 245-40-18. Attached Thumbnails __________________ "Dallas..We have a problem.”

2007-04-11, 09:49 PM	#25
100_Percent_Juice (40 percent vodka) Real Name: Joel Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 4,446 Car: 2004WRX Class: Baby-Hauler/GroceryGetter	Thanks Matt that gives me a better idea. So lets say I got a set of 18x7.5(because the wheels I want only come that big with 5x100) would I buy a 235/40/18 tire to get the same look you have? Also are your tires taller then stock? It looks that way to me in the pic. __________________ "A power nap is when you sleep on someone who is weaker than you." - Dimitri Martin

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