OEM wheels 7" or 8"?? Tire experts needed
 

Long story short, I'm researching wheels/tires for the brat, and I'm going with a 15x8, with a zero backspace.... should fit nicely.

Tires on the other hand... are causing problems.

The tires on the wrx are 235/40/18s..... on 18x8 rims... they fit nicely

The tires on the Tribeca are 255/55/18... on 18x8 rims.... and hang over, and are TALL.

The tires on the SVX are 225/50/16s..... and they fit nicely.... which is why I'm thinking they are 7" wide rims.... correct?

I "wanted" to go with a 225/50/15 tire for the brat (15x8 wheels).... but I'm thinking the tread will look too "skinny" for the wheel.

But..... if I go up to 235 or 245 tires.... the only thing I can find are tall SUV tires.

I cannot exceed 24.5 inches in TOTAL diameter..... the 225/50/15s are right at 23.9 or 24 depending on brand.... which would do nicely... except I'm thinking they will look skinny.

Suggestions?????

Re: OEM wheels 7" or 8"?? Tire experts needed
 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/...ad.php?t=96825

stock measures 23.25" with 155/13

from hub center to rear of front fender = 15

235/75/15 cadillac eldo with touring suspension '82

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/...ht=winterforce post # 4


1978 Subaru Brat, Gold+rust, project http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/...ad.php?t=96922

very few options for 4x140 with correct backspacing to clear the rear suspension arm

Re: OEM wheels 7" or 8"?? Tire experts needed
 

^^^^ Sorry, perhaps I didn't provide enough information. I'm going to be doing a 6-lug conversion on the brat. (6x139, or 6x5.5... same thing). 2 of the lugs will be reused, and 4 more holes will be drilled for MUCH more wheel options.

The stockers are 13x5.5..... with 4.5" backspacing.

A 15x8, with zero offset (4" backspace), with a slight tire overhang should fit nicely, and line up the exterior of the wheel almost directly with the fender lip. Some massaging of the fender may be required, but not much, if any.

I'm actually researching a 16x8 wheel..... so that I can use a 245/45/16. The brat is a budget build, so a "common" tire size is kind of where I'm trying to go here. Not even looking for a performance tire... jst a regular all-season.. but something that will look "right" for the direction I'm headed with the car.

The problem is the lack of available tires..... not so much the wheels. I've already done all the measurements for the wheels, obtained the drilling templates, drilll bits, and new lugs for the transition.

Re: OEM wheels 7" or 8"?? Tire experts needed
 

Keep in mind that a narrower tyre on a given rim width, will result in sharper handling, due to a more rigid side wall. I have taken advantage of this, in fitting tyres to my SVX. Forget appearance, you will be in the driving seat.:)

However if off road performance is the major concern, tyre section will need to be considered in a different light. With all factors in mind, the choice is yours.;)

Re: OEM wheels 7" or 8"?? Tire experts needed
 

Unless you go wayyyy too far (think 225/35/20 on a 20x9.5" rim). Then the tires tend to pull their own beads off under extreme cornering.

Re: OEM wheels 7" or 8"?? Tire experts needed
 

Oh, and stock SVX wheels are 16x7.5, +55mm offset.