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Hey, I searched for this, but couldn't find an answer.

What is the widest tire I can safely run on the 15" SS wheels? I like the wheels, but would like some slightly wider tires if possible. Also, are they the same wheels found on the early Outbacks? They look similar, but I wasn't quite sure.

They're not the same wheels, same specs, but the outback wheels have a polished lip.

So, anyone know how wide a tire I can run on the stock wheels? I'm finally getting the car next week hopefully, and I think it may need tires for inspection. I was hoping to take care of two things at once here.

I think it depends on the tire. Tire manufacturers specify an acceptable rim width range for each size of each of their models. So you'd pick a tire, then look up the rim width ranges for the sizes that have the correct rim diameter and overall diameter for your car.

How wide are the stock rims? You could probably run a 205 OK on the stock rim, but I wouldn't go much wider.

I have a set of 205/55's on the stock rims, but I agree, I would go no further.

You could probably find a set of 215's that would go, but I don't think the rim width would be that great on a 215.

I shudder at the thought of trying to handle well on a tire that wide on a rim that skinny.

Believe it or not, I've actually seen a 225/50-15 Victoracer (which are wider and have stiffer sidewalls than street tires) shoehorned onto a 15x6 Legacy Turbo alloy. Of course, it looked like a cantilever slick due to the severely angled sidewall, but it still worked...

From my experience with 15x6 Legacy Turbo alloys, 205s fit perfectly fine, and I personally wouldn't go any wider than that (especially on a street setup).

I'm sure you COULD do it, but I don't think it's a good idea. It probably hurts handling more than it helps.

I've seen 275 Hoosiers stuffed onto stock STi wheels. Used for auto-x ONLY!

BAC5.2 wrote:I've seen 275 Hoosiers stuffed onto stock STi wheels. Used for auto-x ONLY!

Yeah, I saw that picture too. Looked awesome.

I agree with the recommendations of not going any wider than 205 on the stock wheel. I'm running 205/60's and they fit and look about perfect. That being said, I'm sure wider wheels will work, just a matter of how well and which ones.

215/65/15

Thats a sweet looking SS.

Kelly, are you lowered any?

As much as I like the look of a bulging sidewall like that, I know it's not optimal for performance.

A tire SHOULD sit like this: 225/45/17 on a 7.5" rim.

BAC5.2 wrote:Kelly, are you lowered any?

As much as I like the look of a bulging sidewall like that, I know it's not optimal for performance.

Its not lowered much if any in that pic, its a lot higher now.

and the buldging is absolutely NOT optimal for performance, but let a bit of air out of em, and it mobs through the dirt. Havnt taken it in the snow yet.

Looks low because of no wheel gap I suppose.