17x7.0 vs 7.5

[G4mb17]

Looking for wheels, most of the ones I like at 7.5" (MR125), given I don't want to switch out the tires (yet), should I care? Will I notice this difference visually or dynamicly?

and when I do put new tires on, should I get 225s?

Riki

[Sasquachulator]

215's work on 7.5

Thats what i have on my car right now.

PF01 17x7.5 +38 215/45/17

the 5x100 bolt pattern isnt available with the 17x7 which is why i have the 17x17.5

[G4mb17]

Originally Posted by Sasquachulator

215's work on 7.5

Thats what i have on my car right now.

PF01 17x7.5 +38 215/45/17

the 5x100 bolt pattern isnt available with the 17x7 which is why i have the 17x17.5

And do you notice any difference visually or dynamicly? I'm pretty sure I'm going to do this, but just want to be sure.

And did you move over the TPMS from the OEM wheels?

[chulooz]

Why would you want to mount those junks back on anyway?

[G4mb17]

Originally Posted by chulooz

Why would you want to mount those junks back on anyway?

Figure they put them on there for a reason, and did lots of testing with them - so the least I can do is try them out for a while, to get an understanding of how it handles with their setup before I go changing to something more sticky.

[vividracing]

Go with the wider wheel. The extra .5" will add grip, but not enough to make the car handle worse.

[Draco-REX]

You'll be fine with the 7.5s as long as they aren't considerably heavier than the stock wheels. If they're lighter, even better. But a 215 can fit on a 7.5" rim no problem. You'll just notice a bit more stretch in the sidewall.

[G4mb17]

Originally Posted by Draco-REX

You'll be fine with the 7.5s as long as they aren't considerably heavier than the stock wheels. If they're lighter, even better. But a 215 can fit on a 7.5" rim no problem. You'll just notice a bit more stretch in the sidewall.

MR125 are 16.4lb, I was making sure I didn't go heavier, wasn't planning on going that much lighter, but just happen to like the look of them.

And when I do get new tires, would you say go to 225 or is this a non-issue?

[G4mb17]

Originally Posted by vividracing

Go with the wider wheel. The extra .5" will add grip, but not enough to make the car handle worse.

Thanks for the simple reply - this is exactlly what I was hoping to near, touch more grip - but not stuffing up all the work Subaru/Toyota had gone to.

[Draco-REX]

Originally Posted by G4mb17

MR125 are 16.4lb, I was making sure I didn't go heavier, wasn't planning on going that much lighter, but just happen to like the look of them.

And when I do get new tires, would you say go to 225 or is this a non-issue?

225 would be bump in grip due to the larger width, but you'll also be increasing the diameter. If you want to preserve as much of the acceleration as possible, stick with 215s.

Check out this thread: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8270

Even if you stick with 215s, if you move to a true summer Max or Extreme Performance tire, you'll gain width as well as grip without increasing diameter.

[rikdrt1]

would it be 225/45/17 -- is that the next step up from stock ?
at what point do you change to 40's ?

can someone explain the offset ?
what are the stock offset ?


thanks -- id love to change it soon also but im a bit lost about all the options.
i would just want to do 1 or maybe 2 bumps up from stock -- what ever that is --- ??

[Vracer111]

Originally Posted by rikdrt1

would it be 225/45/17 -- is that the next step up from stock ?
at what point do you change to 40's ?

can someone explain the offset ?
what are the stock offset ?


thanks -- id love to change it soon also but im a bit lost about all the options.
i would just want to do 1 or maybe 2 bumps up from stock -- what ever that is --- ??

You don't NEED to change from stock size tire (215/45-17) to upgrade until you go wider than 8"... most 215/45-17 tires are designed to fit 7"-8" wide wheels. More important than changing to a larger/wider size [which also INCREASES weight, negating some of the lightweight wheel savings!] is changing to a better performance class of tire. If you want a serious upgrade from the mediocre and overpriced stock tires, step up to 215/45-17 Hankook RS-3's or Kumho XS's [while spending ~1/2 the price of the Michelins!]

Whatever tire size you go with, the goal is to keep the tire diameter as close to the original [which is 24.6" for the FR-S/BRZ] as possible, slightly smaller is better as is finding the lightest tire you can. If you don't choose carefully you could easily increase weight 5lbs a corner just from the tires.

There's a nice sticky thread for wheel information if you haven't seen it:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3062