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Old 02-24-2018, 01:36 AM   #1
Steve Theodore
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 3737
Join Date: Jan 2001
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: North Bend, WA, USA
Vehicle:
2007 WRX STi
Crystal Gray Metallic

Default Taller tires than OEM on 2007 STi...what is possible?

Although this kind of goes against my usual nature, I've found that after 2 years of ownership of my 2007 STi that I'm yearning for a smoother ride and care less about the strict performance/acceleration of the car as it's pretty great already (mine is tuned and has a fair amount of weight reduction).

I currently run the bone stock tire sizes of 225/45R17, and my tires are due to be replaced soon. Could you guys give me some idea of what is possible for 'taller' tires without requiring suspension or body modifications? Again, even a small increase might be worth considering as I'm not financially able to justify new adjustable suspension for now, but may consider that later on if I keep the car long term. I do want to keep my OEM wheels if that wasn't clear from the setup of my question.

Thanks!
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Old 02-24-2018, 01:46 AM   #2
Steve Theodore
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Member#: 3737
Join Date: Jan 2001
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: North Bend, WA, USA
Vehicle:
2007 WRX STi
Crystal Gray Metallic

Default

I thought I should probably clarify that my intent isn't to turn my STi into a monster truck or Safari beast...as I realize that would require much more comprehensive work. Here is more what I'm wondering if I can do:

225/45/17 (OEM)
update to:
235/50/17 (aftermarket)

http://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Tire-...ismetric=False

Anyone have experience or recommendations along these lines? The goal is increased ride smoothness and comfort from my STi, making it more 'friendly' as a daily driver.

I have owned and operated the car for over 2 years in it's OEM state, but am wondering if I can tone it down a bit with different and conscious tire selection. I've been having thoughts of selling the car lately and am wondering if I could give it a new lease on life this way.
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Old 02-24-2018, 02:04 AM   #3
Steve Theodore
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 3737
Join Date: Jan 2001
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: North Bend, WA, USA
Vehicle:
2007 WRX STi
Crystal Gray Metallic

Default

Heh...as I like to answer my own questions sometimes...it seems that a 225/50/17 may be as tall as I can go without clearance issues on my GD chassis STi. A 235/50/17 is physically too tall from what I've been able to find out.

225/45/17 - 24.97" tall
235/45/17 - 25.33" tall
225/50/17 - 25.86" tall
235/50/17 - 26.25" tall

It would seem that I could do the 235/45 safely, and the 225/50 might just squeeze under my stock suspension and body work but the 235/50 would be too tall to fit. Please do not hesitate to let me know if any of this information is incorrect from your experiences.
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Old 02-24-2018, 10:12 AM   #4
krzyss
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Location: Massachusetts
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2019 Mazda MX-5 RF
Machine Grey

Default

I think you may get more comfort by changing tire type than switching size.
What is your current tire?
Selecting grand touring tire in the same size may give you desired results without potential to start rubbing under heavy load or turning.

Krzys
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Old 02-24-2018, 12:04 PM   #5
Steve Theodore
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 3737
Join Date: Jan 2001
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: North Bend, WA, USA
Vehicle:
2007 WRX STi
Crystal Gray Metallic

Default

That's not a bad thought. I have some A/S tires on the car right now, will have to check the brand and model again.
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Old 02-24-2018, 06:10 PM   #6
Steve Theodore
Scooby Newbie
 
Member#: 3737
Join Date: Jan 2001
Chapter/Region: NWIC
Location: North Bend, WA, USA
Vehicle:
2007 WRX STi
Crystal Gray Metallic

Default

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