Hi guys,

I have a set of WRX alloys that I've been planning to install on my '98 OBS.

So it would seem that my tires are getting worn, and I'm planning a long road-trip from Chicago to Phoenix, so now is the time to get the tires taken care of.

My initial thought was to get some decent all-seasons for my WRX rims.

However, I still have my 15" rims, so I don't mind going with a summer tires on the 16s and winter tires on the 15s.

Criteria:
1) shouldn't affect speedo (same overall size as stock 15s)
2) better than stock handling (mild suspension upgrades planned)
3) Decent tread life
4) $100 price cap

I have until Friday afternoon to get them installed.

So what say ye?

Your OBS 205/60-15 tires were about 24.7" in diameter. The 205/55-16's that come on WRX wheels are only a little bigger at 24.9". You could also go with 215/50-16s that are just a bit smaller at 24.5" diameter.
The selection of 205/55-16s is huge and there are lots of really good tires under $100. There are not nearly so many 215/50s and they tend to be more expensive.
I've got OE 205/55 RE92s on the WRX wheels I put on my 2000 OBS but I think I'm going to try a set of Kumho ASX 215/50s when I replace them. They are getting pretty good writeups from customers at Tire Rack and they're only $86 each. The same tire in a 205/55 is only $70! Tempting, but I'm wanting that extra tread on the road and the slightly lower (by -2/10") sidewall of the 215.

luke@tirerack told me that the 205/55/16's i'm running on the wrx stockers is about 3/4 of an in bigger in diameter, and that to match the original size i need 205/50/16

the 205/55 16 are 24.9", not 25.9" right?

Originally posted by poison
luke@tirerack told me that the 205/55/16's i'm running on the wrx stockers is about 3/4 of an in bigger in diameter, and that to match the original size i need 205/50/16

Right on the 205/55-16. It's 24.9" in diameter (typing too fast,sorry).

I'll bet Luke was looking at the L wagon when he compaired tire sizes. It came with a 195/60-15 that is 24.2". The OBS came with the 205/60-15 RE92 that is about 24.7". The 205/50-16 would be a good match for the L but a hair undersized for the OBS IMO.

Right now I'm looking at the following tires in 205/55/16:

Yokahama AVS ES100
got panned on tirerack for poor tread life, wet traction, and road noise. Maybe that's because you have a bunch of average drivers using a performance tire, but this is a 140hp Outback after all ... I need tread life, wet traction, and somewhat quiet tires. My car is loud enough with the STI tranny mounts and the intake silencer removed.

Dunlop SP5000
seems to be ok all around, but only lasts for 18k miles before getting noisy.

Potenza RE950
looks pretty good

Yokaham Avid H4S
This is the one I'm favoring right now.

whaddya think?

The AVS 100 is all summer only, the others are all season.


I will probably be getting the:

Falken FK-451 $67.50
http://www.splittingimagez.com/

or:

Avon Tech M500 $79
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1.jsp?startIndex=0&width=205%2F&ratio=55&diameter=16&search=true&pagelen=20&pagenum=1&pagemark=1&x=8&y=5&manufacturer=Avon

For all season I would get the:

Toyo Proxes 4 $78
http://www.edgeracing.com/tires/2055516/

after a lot of reading and debating ... I decided on the Yokohama
AVS ES100 Size:205/55WR16 for $360 mounted

sweet, great price on a good tire! I'm jealous!