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Old 01-12-2004, 10:32 PM   #1
BigTimmy235
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2003 Forester 2.5 XS
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Default Ground Clearance

I have a 2003 Forester which currently has the stock wheels and tires (215/60R16) on it. I'm buying a set of stock '02 WRX wheels from someone and want to mount Dunlop Winter Sport M3's (205/55VR16) on them and use these wheels for winter driving. Is the difference in sidewall height going to make much of a difference in my vehicles ground clearance. As I understand it, it should only be about 17mm shorter which doesn't sound like much to me but I'm no expert by any means. Any help/info on this would be much appreciated.
Tim
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Old 01-13-2004, 09:58 PM   #2
Mike Wevrick
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215 x .60 = 129 mm
205 x .55 = 113 mm
129 - 113 = 16 mm = 2/3 in = no big deal for a Forester
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Old 01-13-2004, 10:59 PM   #3
bull3964
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Your speedo will be too fast by 4.9% though.

When traveling 60, you will only be doing 57.1 MPH.
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Old 01-14-2004, 01:37 PM   #4
fliz
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You shouldn't have clearance problems. The concerns would be speedo (I thought the Forester was geared too low already ), and load rating.

I'm not sure how much heavier the Forester is than the WRX, but the undersized tires will have a lower load rating.


I'm not sure what tires the Forester comes with, but 215/60 RE92s have a load rating of 94, or 1477 lbs.
The 205/55 is 89, or 1279 lbs.

The M3 is stronger, at 91, or 1356 lbs, but you are still losing 100 lbs load capacity at each tire.
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Old 01-15-2004, 01:01 AM   #5
BigTimmy235
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The Forester came with Yokahama Geolandar 215/60R16's. Not sure what load capacity was but I don't plan on packing her full of lead weights any time soon so I should be okay on that end of it. As for the speedo aspect, is that a big deal? I should just drive a little slower than my usual 10mph over, right? 4.9% doesn't sound too bad to me but I'm no expert. Thanks for the info.
Tim
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Old 01-15-2004, 09:29 AM   #6
fliz
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According to Tirerack, the Geolanders carry a 94 rating. And I'd agree, the 100lbs shouldn't be a problem.

But since your speedo reads fast, you'll have to go faster than you normally would to maintain the same speed. (When speedo reads 60, you're actually doing 57.1).

Also, your odometer will register 5% more miles than you actually travel.
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