15 inch rims for winter?

[CBR600RR]

Tried a quick search, but couldnt find out if a 15 inch winter tim will fit on this car.

Anyone fit a 15 inch rim yet?

[Draco-REX]

Not all 15" wheels will fit. Most that will might be more than what you may want to spend on winter wheels. Best bet would be to stick to 16" wheels if you really want to go smaller.

[FRiSson]

Tire Rack is recommending 16" for downsized wheel/tire packages. The ideal is to get a narrower patch while maintaining necessary underbody clearance for snowy roads.

[SkitterSkotter]

Originally Posted by FRiSson

Tire Rack is recommending 16" for downsized wheel/tire packages. The ideal is to get a narrower patch while maintaining necessary underbody clearance for snowy roads.

That's exactly what I was thinking. I suggest combing through craigslist and look for some 16 steelies from a vw golf or beetle or something. Both of those are the correct lug pattern, cheap, and you should be able to run a 195 or 205 with a 55ish section.

[FRiSson]

Originally Posted by SkitterSkotter

That's exactly what I was thinking. I suggest combing through craigslist and look for some 16 steelies from a vw golf or beetle or something. Both of those are the correct lug pattern, cheap, and you should be able to run a 195 or 205 with a 55ish section.

I wouldn't get used wheels unless they are in really good condition. Failures due to rust, damaged and improperly cleaned wheels are more common than people think - and quite dangerous.

[wheelhaus]

the whole narrow patch concept is debated. With normal packed snow and snow tires, extra sufrace are (read normal/wide) helps to get more surface grip from the additional sipes and edges. With deep fluff or slush, narrow helps to cut through and get to the harder surface/pack.

I also haven't seen any 15" wheels, someone could measure the brake caliper clearance to see if they'd even clear the ID of a 15" rim... I also think 16" steelies would be the best route.

[Draco-REX]

Originally Posted by FRiSson

Tire Rack is recommending 16" for downsized wheel/tire packages. The ideal is to get a narrower patch while maintaining necessary underbody clearance for snowy roads.

What does the diameter of the wheel have to do with the tread width?
Here's a 205/50-17 that will fit on the stock wheels, narrow the tread pattern, and provide 1/4" more clearance.
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....WCXL&tab=Sizes

[Draco-REX]

Originally Posted by wheelhaus

the whole narrow patch concept is debated. With normal packed snow and snow tires, extra sufrace are (read normal/wide) helps to get more surface grip from the additional sipes and edges. With deep fluff or slush, narrow helps to cut through and get to the harder surface/pack.

I also haven't seen any 15" wheels, someone could measure the brake caliper clearance to see if they'd even clear the ID of a 15" rim... I also think 16" steelies would be the best route.

The front brakes are WRX brakes. So 15" wheels will fit if the barrel is shaped properly. Team Dynamics Pro Rally1 and BRAID WinRace T will most certainly fit. Some other miscellaneous OEM wheels will work too, but that would take some digging to find out. Best thing is just stick with 16" or larger.


For those wanting narrow tires, check out the BRAID Winrace N in 16x5 or 16x5.5 and wrap them in Dunlop Graspic DS-3 in 175/60-16. It's only 5mm less diameter but should cut though anything. Or go to 195/60-16 Pirelli Winter Sottozeros and get 7mm of lift.

[quik1987]

[Draco-REX]

Originally Posted by quik1987

The bottom ones are Volk TE37s, not sure about the top, OZ Alleggeritas?

[xcelir8brz]

I have sixteens 205 with graspics.

[WRB-DZA-BRZ]

I have a set of 15x6.5 Konig Subzero wheels currently on my Neon that I'll try fitting to the BRZ when I get it. It's got 205/50-15 rubber in right now. If the wheels fit, I'll put some 195/65-15 Michelin X-Ice tires on them, and use them for winter.

[roddy]

I'm undecided if I'll go with a 16" steelie with 205/55s or 195/60s, or If I will try 15" steelies. One thing is for sure though... I'll be running WS70 Bridgestone Blizzaks. A friend owns a tire shop, and I'll be paying him a visit in a couple of weeks while I'm on holidays. I'll try both sizes of wheel before I order tires, and post up what I find out about the fitment of 15s.

[FRiSson]

I've been checking out 16" tires. The X-Ice3's seem to be at the top of the heap for non-performance winter tires. The Blizzaks are close, but don't have the commanding lead that they had when the were the first really effective ice tires. On the other hand, General Altimax Arctic are about 40% cheaper and get ratings nearly as high as the others. The only problem is that they are noisy and there are reports of vibration at speed. So I am not sure which ones I will get. As far as the size to use, I am not convinced that smaller diameter wheels are absolutely better - I am a little skeptical. But their lower cost is pretty enticing.