Tire size question
 

Anybody ever run 215/60/16's? I have a lead on some cheap snow tires but I'm not sure if these will work. I see that the 97 models used 215/55/16's so I'm guessing a little bit taller wouldn't hurt.






Dave

You are looking at approximately 1.3" difference on diameter from stock size. I don't see why it would be a problem as long as you do all four. Your speedo will be off though.

I run 205-55-16 for snow tires. These are only a 0.02" difference on diameter. Just fit on stock wheels, and are so skinny they cut right through the snow.;)

No problems on 205's huh? I have access to a set of slightly used 205/55/16 snow tires....maybe I'll go with those. Thanks for the help.






Dave

can't go wrong with the 205/55/16s :D

Any time you install a taller tire, its that much harder on the transmission.:(

Why is that? Is it that much tougher to roll tires that are a bit taller than normal?




Dave

http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/fil...yIII/14768.xls

That would make it 5.2% more travel for the same rpm, or 5.2% harder to get started.
The initial moving of our 3580 pound vehicles is normally the hardest on the transmission.
For example, try pushing your car on the level in an empty parking lot, its a bear to get started, but once it gets rolling, you can run with it.( The same idea applys to the friction materials inside the transmission, holding drums from moving, and such.)
More simply put a shorter tire gives a mechanical advantage by not having to move a fixed weight as far.:)

Ps; Thanks again Larry for your chart.

any answer to why subaru put a taller tire on 97MYs? :confused:

Only Subaru knows, but its 1.8% taller, not 5.2%.
http://www.subaru-svx.net/photos/fil...yIII/14768.xls :confused:

I currently run 215/55-16's for winter tires...slightly narrower and slightly taller. I also crank up my coilovers for max clearance.

Even with the extra height the slush/snow still packs in the fenders and rubs on the tires.

Yes the tire is taller, so the initial “start” may be harder, the foot print if the tire is narrower, so over all friction/resistance is less.

You will get better mileage with a taller narrower tire, which means the car is doing LESS work, not more.
Yes?

My $.02
BTW- Nice Chart/program app!

I don't think there's an easy way to determine the effect of narrower tires has on fuel economy. This is especially true if you are also changing the height (or brand) of the tire.

I asked about why they switched from 225/50-R16 in 97 a few months back on here, and the answer I got was because they were fazing out the SVX and it was more expensive to get that size from Bridgestone. Try searching for that thread. I think I also asked about color choices if that helps find it.

also it would be much harder to guesstimate mileage considering the odometer would be off a certain percentage.
basically taller tires has a similar effect as a taller differential. very similar in effect. slower overall acceleration, higher top speed, and the like.