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Old 03-16-2003, 06:48 PM   #1
carlm
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Question 225/50-16 or 205/50-16 on stock WRX rims?

I'm looking for opinions about what size high performance tires (Toyo T1-S or B'stone S03) to put on the stock 16 X 6.5 inch WRX rims. I don't want the stock 55 series tires. I'm thinking about 225/50 to get a wider profile for more grip in the corners or maybe 205/50 to lower the gearing a bit. As far as I am concerned, either one will give me an acceptable speedo reading. Too bad very few brands make the 215/50 size.

Any opinions welcome.

Best wishes,

Carl M (and yes I did do a search )
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Old 03-16-2003, 07:09 PM   #2
gpatmac
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I don't think I can give you too thorough of a review because I'm still fairly new to everything suspension (I think I'd say tires are an important part of that.)

Anyhow, first autocross on my BFG KDW's 225/50/16 was a bit of a wash. I did really well in sticking with the other novices (it was my 2nd time out), but I had my rear swaybar set to 24mm, so my tail was a bit erratic...even lost it once. (Besides the driver)I don't think the tires were the weakness in this at all.

Last autocross, I had the rsb set to 22mm and while I was a brand new TXS stage 4, I wasn't aggressive as I could have been. Nonetheless, the tires gripped like they were on rubber cement. I couldn't make the car slide (at least while on the gas) no matter how hard I tried.

Sorry, I hope I didn't ramble too far off the path.
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Old 03-16-2003, 08:21 PM   #3
Mike D02
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205x50x16 Tis is my choice and this is one of the sets I use. This setup will drop the car 1/2 inch or so over the OEM tires , gives up some in overall width to the larger choice but gives you a lighter tire . Brightens up the acceleration due to the lower gearing and delivers a car that is light on it's feet .
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Old 03-17-2003, 01:01 AM   #4
subyguy2
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Most people dont realize that WRX's have been running 205/50/16's for most of their life in Japan, America gets the
FAt-A$$ 55 series sidewalls.
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Old 03-17-2003, 08:43 AM   #5
Luke@tirerack
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I would go with 225/50-16's ...the 205/50-16 has load issues

read this thread
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Old 03-17-2003, 08:48 AM   #6
balyndraks
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225/50/16 is same as stock diameter and all. but isn't that tire a bit wide for a 6.5" wide wheel? with 16x7" wheels i'd think that would be optimal.

jay
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Old 03-17-2003, 06:34 PM   #7
carlm
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Thanks for all the replies. I guess I'll go with the 225/50s then.

Carl M
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