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Old 01-22-2002, 07:06 AM   #1
wreed
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Join Date: Jan 2002
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1999 Outback
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Default 17" wheels on Outback?

Has anyone tried 17" wheels on a stock-suspension Outback? If so, what offset works best, and what tire size did you end up with?

To me, it looks like a 225/55r17 set-up would most closely approximate the current diameter of my stock wheels/tires.

Also, would the bigger wheels yield noticeable improvements in handling even though the suspension remained unchanged (from stock)?

Thanks!
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Old 01-22-2002, 09:15 AM   #2
Legacy777
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First off, you will most likely need around the stock offset +53mm for tires that big. I've heard of people puttin on 215's, but not 225's

and Yes wider/larger wheels and tires does wonders for handling. That was probably one of the most dramatic changes in handling performance I did....just goin from the stock 14" wheels/tires to 16" wheels and tires. It's like driving a completely different car.
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Old 01-22-2002, 09:34 AM   #3
DLC
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A friend of mine has Team Loco 142s on his Outback with stock suspension wearing 215/45-17 Kumho Ecsta 712.

Let it be known that this car beat me in an auto-x once, i was mildly humiliated, but he did have a TCII, 5MT and working AWD.
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Old 01-22-2002, 07:36 PM   #4
Mako
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Default Sidewalls

I'm considering 17"s for my OB as well. Will having less sidewall be a major factor offroad?

I'd probably get 225-55/17 Pirelli Scorpions.
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Old 01-22-2002, 07:45 PM   #5
shirokuma
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All right, wait a minute. Unless I'm wrong, underneath the fender add-ons, the Outback has sheetmetal in exactly the same place as the standard Legacy line. If so, 225 series tyres will most likely rub on the fender. It is possible to get 225 series tyres on a Legacy, but usually you have to roll the inner fender lip up, which will probably mess up the paint there.

The standard rubber for Japanese spec Legacies is 215/45 17, and if the offset of non-stock rims is off enough, those will rub also.

Paul Hansen
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Old 01-22-2002, 09:04 PM   #6
Buell
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It would be interesting to know if the 225 setup works for you- I might be considering the same thing.
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Old 01-22-2002, 09:27 PM   #7
Mako
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Default stock size

Stock tire size on my 2000 Legacy OB were 225-60/16 they fit perfectly
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Old 01-22-2002, 10:58 PM   #8
DLC
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I have 225s on mine, lowered, but i do have enough negative camber that it doesn't rub.
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Old 01-22-2002, 11:45 PM   #9
Gmachine
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The Tirerack list the 225/55-R17 as the "Plus 1 size" for the 2000+
Outback. I just mounted Blizzaks on the stock 16's, and am planning to buy 17's for the warm months.
I don't see why the 225's would not fit as long as the wheel offset is correct. (99 and older models )

Dave C

ps. by chance would anyone know if stock WRX front brakes would bolt onto stock 2000 Legacy Outback?
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Old 01-23-2002, 12:37 AM   #10
remarcable
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You don't want 17" rims if you drive offroad. 16" is pushing it and they had better be strong rims. You will bend 17" rims because they do not have enough tire to protect them.

Rally cars run 15" rims. Smaller rims also rotate faster (assuming you don't have big tires on them).
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Old 01-23-2002, 12:52 AM   #11
Gmachine
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I agree with you about the 17" and offroading thing, but the wagon belongs to the wife and she never ever goes off tarmac!
We both commute together and I usually drive(rather briskly).
Originally wanted her to buy the GT wagon instead, but she likes the look of the Outback better.

Dave C
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Old 01-24-2002, 03:21 PM   #12
dscottf
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Default Re: 225s on a '99

On a MY99 (the original poster's car) I think 215 is the max due the the rear struts (at least on mine, there is not 5mm of clearance between the strut and my 215 SP 5000s)

2000 and up have a totally different rear suspension (I don't think they have rear struts), so they can have wider tires.

Some 225s may fit (225 does not nessessarily mean 225mm, there is some variation in hoe they can measure it), but you would have to put them on see if they rub.

So, to maintain the proper outside diameter, you would need a 215/55/17, of which tirerack only lists two 'standard touring' catagory tires.

You will be better off with 205/55/16's like Remarcable or 215/65/15's like mine (and I would be leary of 16s with the impacts I have had)
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