215/65R17 - Does it fit?

[kotoshi]

I got a set of 17x7 steelies for Rallycross - have to be the same as factory for stock class. 215/55 or 65 tires are cheaper and more available that 45. Would that fit in the wheel well, or would I get rubbing?

Thanks!

[gramicci101]

Those would be four inches taller than stock. Even if they did fit, that would screw any kind of power delivery without regearing the differential. Trucks run into that problem all the time when they go bigger on tires.

Here's a thread of rallycross tire reviews from the Impreza crowd.

[gramicci101]

Also, look at 205/50-17 and 205/45-17. There are decent all season M+S rated tires in those sizes for not a lot of money.

[kotoshi]

Good point. I hadn't checked out 205 prices. There won't be too much stretch?

[gramicci101]

A 205 on the OEM 7" wheel will be fine. I was looking at the Kumho Ecsta PA31, it shows a rim width range of 6.5-7.5, with a measured rim width of 7. And a tread width of 7.5.

Look for something with a somewhat open tread pattern to help clear mud from the treads. You also want lots of siping and decent sized shoulder blocks. Most passenger cars have somewhat smooth shoulder blocks to make for a quieter ride.

[kotoshi]

I've been looking mostly at snows since it seems like those are preferred. I'm in SCCA RX so they're still good.

[kotoshi]

$127 for Winterforces at 225/50R17. Good price?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

[gramicci101]

That's still an inch taller than OEM, but you might prefer that for rallyX to give the wheel a little more protection. As for the price, I have no idea. I've never shopped for those before.