Need Help with Rims and Tires

[RhinO]

Hey guys! I'm a long time lurker, first time poster.

I have 1990 5-Spd Legacy LS

I am in need of new tires and figured why not get new rims as well. I really need your help since I am retarded when it comes to mechanical things, but REALLY love my car and love working on it (it's My BABY) .

Anyways, I just want to admit that I am A NOVICE and really need things explained and don't want to mess anything up. I recently changed the spark plugs and that was a big feat!

How did you all get your bigger rims? Is it as simple as getting another rim with the same 5.5" bolt pattern 5 lug 100mm bolt pattern? Should I just go to a junk yard and find a vehicle with appropriate rims? (anyone have a list of cars I can yank the Rims from?) I have the stock 14" rims right now.Is it pretty easy to jump to 15" or 16"? Will I be messing a lot of things up? There has been no customization done to the vehicle as far as I know.

Lastly, I will need help picking out tires too, I live in MN so we have all kinds of weather, and I love advice from experts and look forward to checking this post a lot and keeping you guys updated on my car. Thanks!

[mike-tracy]

OEM subaru stuff fits for sure, there are a couple of good styles out there.

my favorite are the 97-02 Legacy GT "snowflakes" - 16x6.5" -


the 2000-2001 2.5 RS "6-spoke" style - 16x7" -


The 02-04 WRX ones are cheap and good looking too - 16x6.5"


The bolt pattern for subaru all modern subarus (excluding the 05+ STI & Tribeca) is the same as yours - 5x100.

-Mike

[RhinO]

Thank you Mike. Exactly the information I was looking for! I appreciate it.

[07Evolved]

search your local craigslist for good deals...people usually sell their stock subaru wheels for next to nothing

[RhinO]

I found this set. Is it overpriced?

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/p ... 67128.html

[MikeyMeyagi]

yes thats too much

[mike-tracy]

Yeah I paid $200 for those 4 with rubbish tires years ago.

[evolutionmovement]

Forester wheels also fit and the flat 5-spokes are lighter than the WRXs. Keep your 14s and put snow tires on them. Get performance tires for the new set.

[Apex3]

I paid $50 for WRX wheels with crappy tires, probably an exception, but I couldn't get rid of them for $150, that's why I ended up putting them on. By far the cheapest option, and they look better than I expected. I don't see why you couldn't get a set for $100-150 sans tires

I guess you could get Turbo wheels too, which are 15s.

And no, no modifications necessary if you get them in the right offset.

[RhinO]

Yay! Thank you guys for all the help. After two weeks of searching craigslist, I was able to track down a set of 02 Legacy Rims, with bald tires (but no bulges). The Guy asked for 200$ initially ,but I was able to get them for 140. Could probably have gone lower, but I'm happy.

Here are the update Pictures! This makes me love my baby even more!

Before
http://i.imgur.com/e6hcZ.jpg

After
http://i.imgur.com/2TX35.jpg

Close-Up of Tires
http://i.imgur.com/LjIFw.jpg

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the appropriate tire pressure for the Potenza RE92 P205/55/R16
The Max load says 44PSI, and I currently have them all set at 40PSI. Should there be an offset between the front and the back? 42/40? Sorry for the novice questions, but I am trying to become more automotive and hands on.


I realize this is just the beginning. I now need help choosing a good set of performance tires for this summer. I will be holding on to the 14inch rims to put snow tires on it in the winter.

I was wondering what size tires you guys would recommend, I noticed the tires I have on currently are really close to the struts(will this cause an issue in the long run?). Next I will most likely buy them online or do research online and purchase at a store and have them mounted (any helpful hints on this process?)

Anyways! I just want to thank you guys! You're amazing and really made me smile!

[Apex3]

Nice! Those are actually WRX wheels though, not Legacy wheels.

You'll want 205/50R16 or 225/24R16 to keep the size closest to stock, WRX wheels are just a tad to big.

[Falken-18c]

i would have spent the money in doing some body work b4 getting rims

[RhinO]

Yeah, I'll get to the body work, The rust is kinda overwhelming. I'm taking it slow. I'm more about performance then looks at the moment.

Ok, I would like Wide tires with small sidewalls, so are the 205/50R16's the best option? Should I buy them online or in person?

[Legacy777]

On your question about tire pressure, I'd suggest running somewhere between 32-35 psi in the front and 30-33 psi in the rear.

You can play with the pressures a little bit and find out what works best for you.

[RhinO]

Thanks Legacy777 , you really know your stuff! Glad you handle this board like a boss.

[Apex3]

He really does.

If you want wide tires, 225s are gonna be wider, the sidewalls are about the same size between the two I mentioned. Personally I prefer buying tires in person, as you can just buy them and get them mounted all in one place, don't have to deal with ordering and transporting the wheels and whatnot. But it's really personal preference. Make sure you keep mounting costs in mind if you buy them online, a good deal might not actually be that good after mounting.

[SILINC3R]

Like a BOSS

[Legacy777]

Like a BOSS

I thought of that song as well
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NisCkxU544c