Any LGT owners using 205/50/17, 215/50/17, 225/45/17, or 235/45/17 on the stock rims?

[godwhomismike]

Any LGT owners using 205/50/17, 215/50/17, 225/45/17, or 235/45/17 on the stock rims?

How does it compare to the stock size? Softer ride? Is it a smoother ride, where you don't feel every single imperfection in the road? Drawbacks? I'm assuming 235/45/17 won't work with the stockers at all, but the other sizes I assume should be ok. I find the ride a little too harsh at times with the 215/45/17 size tires.

oh yeah - if you have pics - that would be cool.
.

[TRS]

Kumho I'ZEN KW17 225/45R17 snows on OE wheels...

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b380/TRS60586/LGT%20Oct%202006/DSCN05072.jpg?t=1164645854

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b380/TRS60586/LGT%20Oct%202006/DSCN05022.jpg?t=1164645938

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b380/TRS60586/LGT%20Oct%202006/DSCN05002.jpg?t=1164646018

Stock 215/45R17 has 24.6" dia. with 3.8" sidewall while 225/45R17 has 25.0" dia. and 4.0" sidewall.

I went from BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDW-2 225/40R18 for summer to the Kumho for winter, which are definitely a softer tire. Also recently switched out the sock dampers for the adjustable Tokicos so nigh impossible to really give any kind of meaningful comparison with all the different factors.

[whitetiger]

225/45/17 here. i cant tell you have good the ride is since i have coilovers and the perrin PSRS which makes the ride kinda rough.

[LawGT]

I have 225/45/17's. Ride is better than stock re92's. See pics and my review in the 960 thread or the Compendium.

[Deer Killer]

Think it's going to come down to the tire.. If it was an F1 225/45 would be waay too much for the stock rim.. a 225/45 re92 would be fine (but OMG, why?). Nokian WR in 225/45 *works* but you can tell it's a bit too wide for the rim when you look at the sidewall.

[psucaptainkickass]

225/45/17 Kumho Ecsta ASXs here. They definitely are wider becaue there is more dirt on outside the car where mud flaps should have been. Soft, yes, they are a soft tire with soft side walls so the ride is nice. It is a nice cruiser. I did some hard driving on them and didn't really have too many complaints. This was my first upgrade from stock so I really don't have much of a comparison. Some 235/45/17s will fit, I think there are some members here who have done it. Not all tires will fit though. I test fitted some BF Goodrich 235/45/17 at the tire place, and while they fit, I didn't like how much sidewall there was. I got the Kuhmos for their all season capabilities, and because I suffered a blow out on one of my RE92s. At the time I was considering running them year round so I got the 225 size as a compromise in the winter when the car will see snow. Since then I picked up a set of 7.5 inch wide rims and have decided to run dedicated 225 summer tires on them (probably Re070s or GSD-3s). When the Kuhmos expire, I will go back down to 215s and get dedicated Winters, probably Nokian WRs...but until then I will use the ASXs for winter use as well.

[gianspi]

Wow, we all have 225/45/17s. I have the same size on my snow tires. The ride is smoother and softer, but I'm guessing that is from the soft winter rubber.

http://legacygt.com/forums/showpost.php?p=875965&postcount=15

[Brack]

225/45/17 REO70's. Tires stick well. Ride is louder.They fit the stock wheel.
Mike

[bstieritz_GT]

225/45/17 Michelin Pilot Sport A/S on stock rims. Ride is MUCH better than RE92s. Potholes/Road Imperfections are less noticable.

[underpowerd]

225/45 wr's -- silent, good fit, no rubbing, i like the look (just a little beefier than 215s), caddy-like comfort, def not sprint shoes (lose a little lightning from a dig) and a little mushy-feeling in the corners; but they eat potholes. waiting for the snow...

[f1anatic]

225/45/17 Kumho Ecsta ASXs here. They definitely are wider becaue there is more dirt on outside the car where mud flaps should have been. Soft, yes, they are a soft tire with soft side walls so the ride is nice. It is a nice cruiser.


Plus One + 1

Just keep checking those tire pressures every 2 weeks or so. Otherwise, the ASX has great wet traction and I certainly felt confident in the slush/snow on friday. As long as you're not thinking your Subaru is a rally car with studded tires, with ASX you can be confident you got a great all-around tire.

[tantal]

I am now running 205/50/17 B'stone LM-25's for winter on my stock rims. These are about 0.5 in taller than the stock 215/45/17 tires. They feel a little pillowy cmpared to the RE92 but there is plenty grip in the dry - definately better than the RE92 for cornering grip. But the car feels floaty.

Comparing the two tires on the rims - it seems like the LM-25 205/50/17 is the same section width as the RE 92 215/45/17 but a slightly wider tread width. It is definately a little taller - 0.5 in seems about right.

Problem is I just bought an RX-8, and the LGT feels like a complete POS by comparison. So, we'll see how I feel about it after a month or so driving on these tires and my RX-8 snows (Contiwintercontact 810's 225/50/17). The 8 just feels so farking tight and smooth - its very stiff, but it doesnt beat you up over rough roads even as much as the GT.

One thing I think I've noticed is that the XL load tires have stiffer sidewalls, and I think this improves the ride over rough roads pretty significantly.

One of many things I don't like about the RE92 is that is so weak-kneed when you hit a bump - you feel every thing with that tire because it is a really soft sidewall. I don't feel that at all with my stiffer tires. Same thing with the LM-25's - these feel stronger but I wish they were stiffer still in the sidewall - they'd be better.

[f1anatic]

Here you go Mike.

[biz77]

I am now running 205/50/17 B'stone LM-25's for winter on my stock rims. These are about 0.5 in taller than the stock 215/45/17 tires. They feel a little pillowy cmpared to the RE92 but there is plenty grip in the dry - definately better than the RE92 for cornering grip. But the car feels floaty.

Comparing the two tires on the rims - it seems like the LM-25 205/50/17 is the same section width as the RE 92 215/45/17 but a slightly wider tread width. It is definately a little taller - 0.5 in seems about right.

Problem is I just bought an RX-8, and the LGT feels like a complete POS by comparison. So, we'll see how I feel about it after a month or so driving on these tires and my RX-8 snows (Contiwintercontact 810's 225/50/17). The 8 just feels so farking tight and smooth - its very stiff, but it doesnt beat you up over rough roads even as much as the GT.


One thing I think I've noticed is that the XL load tires have stiffer sidewalls, and I think this improves the ride over rough roads pretty significantly.

One of many things I don't like about the RE92 is that is so weak-kneed when you hit a bump - you feel every thing with that tire because it is a really soft sidewall. I don't feel that at all with my stiffer tires. Same thing with the LM-25's - these feel stronger but I wish they were stiffer still in the sidewall - they'd be better.

I'm currently running the LM25's in 225/45/17 as these are leftovers from my STi. I would have purchased either a 205 or 215 size id I didn't already own these tires. My sentiments mimic what is stated above regarding overall grip compared to the stock tires. The 225 width LM's do feel a bit more squirmy compared to the stockers however and I attribute this to the tire probably being a little too wide for the factory 7" wide wheel. They never exhibited this trait mounted on an 8" wide wheel on my STi.

[tantal]

I'm currently running the LM25's in 225/45/17 as these are leftovers from my STi. I would have purchased either a 205 or 215 size id I didn't already own these tires. My sentiments mimic what is stated above regarding overall grip compared to the stock tires. The 225 width LM's do feel a bit more squirmy compared to the stockers however and I attribute this to the tire probably being a little too wide for the factory 7" wide wheel. They never exhibited this trait mounted on an 8" wide wheel on my STi.

Just a comment. I have my summers (B'stone RE 050A 225/45/17) mounted on 17x7 BBS RK's, and I dont notice the squirmy feeling - so not sure its that simple, but maybe it is so with the LM-25. Also, I noticed this same squirmy feeling - like I am riding on tip-toe so to speak - cant describe the feeling - in my A4 when I mounted my Avon M500 summers in 225/45/17 on my 17x7.5 in rims. It was wierd, but the strange feeling went away within say 500 to 1000 mi or so. Hope the same is true with the LM 25.

Is it possible that for good turn in and responsivenes we want to run the tires at high pressure, and we end up wearing the center tread faster? Then once that portion has a chance to wear a little more than the outside, the tread evens out and the ride goes back to normal?

I'm confused. Anyway ya more grip for sure but a little more floaty too - not what this car needs. I really need to get some sway bars - STIFF ONES!!

[godwhomismike]

Here you go Mike.

Awesome man - thanks a million. That's exactly what I was looking for. My Proxes 4 (215/45/17) have approx 15K miles on them and they look half warn now. The car doesn't see much snow, but when it did the Proxes made it a white knuckle experience - fyi the tires were fairly new at the time. I was thinking of going with either a new set of cheap reputable name brand all-season tires that are better in the snow, or just getting a cheap winter set of tires. I haven't decided. I have $200 coming my way. I want a larger size tire like a 225/45/17, for a more comfortable and smoother ride.

[Rubix973]

While we're on this subject. Anybody have pics of 215/50/17 on the stockers. Thats the size I'm looking into.

[godwhomismike]

^^^ Would that work on the stock rims on the Legacy? :iam:

The side wall on 215/45/17 is: 96.75 mm
The side wall on 225/45/17 is: 101.25 mm
The side wall on 205/50/17 is: 102.50 mm

What you are looking at - 215/50/45 is: 107.50mm (huge difference)


.

[tantal]

While we're on this subject. Anybody have pics of 215/50/17 on the stockers. Thats the size I'm looking into.

Don't run this size!!! This will add about 1 inch to your tire size, from 24.6 to 25.5 inches. This will make your speedometer read 3.4 % too slow, so when it reads 60 mph, you'll be travelling 62 mph. Also your car will feel a little floaty.

Use this link for calculations: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

I am running 205/50/17 even this is a bit too tall imo - it is about 0.5 in taller than stock.

[Han'sGT]

couple things...

psucatainkickass: why do you need winter tires? from your ID your in San Diego:confused:

other guys...why go up to 225 for winter? a more narrow tire cuts through snow better.

BTW...check here for tire/wheel size questions....
http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4426

[godwhomismike]

Don't run this size!!! This will add about 1 inch to your tire size, from 24.6 to 25.5 inches. This will make your speedometer read 3.4 % too slow, so when it reads 60 mph, you'll be travelling 62 mph. Also your car will feel a little floaty.

Use this link for calculations: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

I am running 205/50/17 even this is a bit too tall imo - it is about 0.5 in taller than stock.

You have any pics - I just spent 35 minutes searching the forums for a picture of what that size tire looks like installed on the stock wheels. All I saw was lots of people saying it's a good size, but no one saying they got it.

[Rubix973]

I dont care about the speedmeter indication and "feeling floaty" was to be expected on a larger profile tire. I NEED the pothole cushion and the ride sucks on the 215/45's anyways. Not to mention that they dont even look like they fill the wheelwells correctly. The Acura TSX runs 215/50's stock and they look much more proportionate.

[godwhomismike]

I dont care about the speedmeter indication and "feeling floaty" was to be expected on a larger profile tire. I NEED the pothole cushion and the ride sucks on the 215/45's anyways. Not to mention that they dont even look like they fill the wheelwells correctly. The Acura TSX runs 215/50's stock and they look much more proportionate.

Being in the NY/NJ area, and where 99% of my driving takes place - I've been super lucky I have gotten 15K-15.5K miles out of 215/45/45 on my Toyos. I think the ride sucks and is very rough for a sedan. I can deal with the 12-13mpg I get, I did get a performance car. But there are lots of other performance cars that have larger tires (i.e Mustang GT) for a smoother more comfortable ride. The Legacy is a 4 door sedan that I drive though some really pothole filled roads, sometimes while shitting a brick while anticipating hitting the big one that'll nuke the tire. Like the Outback XT uses 55 series tires, there is no reason why Subaru couldn't make a 50 series available as an option to owner who wanted it.


.

[ih8vtec13]

I have 225/45/17 Nokian WR's on stock rims and really like them. They are a snow but do a good job as an All-Season too. Great tire for winter in the North East. I would still do a summer and winter tire set up though just because you don't wanna pwn you nice rims (mine have an anodized lip) with the salt, and summer rubber doesn't really stick that well in the snow.

[Rubix973]

Being in the NY/NJ area, and where 99% of my driving takes place - I've been super lucky I have gotten 15K-15.5K miles out of 215/45/45 on my Toyos. I think the ride sucks and is very rough for a sedan. I can deal with the 12-13mpg I get, I did get a performance car. But there are lots of other performance cars that have larger tires (i.e Mustang GT) for a smoother more comfortable ride. The Legacy is a 4 door sedan that I drive though some really pothole filled roads, sometimes while shitting a brick while anticipating hitting the big one that'll nuke the tire. Like the Outback XT uses 55 series tires, there is no reason why Subaru couldn't make a 50 series available as an option to owner who wanted it.


.
+1
I concur :icon_wink

[tantal]

You have any pics - I just spent 35 minutes searching the forums for a picture of what that size tire looks like installed on the stock wheels. All I saw was lots of people saying it's a good size, but no one saying they got it.

Why do you need pics? there shouldn't be any - its the wrong size tire. Sorry I can't help you, but it is not smart to run this size.

The ride sucks on the RE-92's because its a sucky tire. Buy a 225/45/17, a good tire, and your ride will improve dramatically. You probably remember my opinion on the toyos you've been running, too. Try a higher quality tire. No offense - I'm being serious.

[godwhomismike]

I thought some members are running a 205/50/17 on their LGT's? As per Xenok, it should work find, but more meant for winter/winter rallying.

[tantal]

I thought some members are running a 205/50/17 on their LGT's? As per Xenok, it should work find, but more meant for winter/winter rallying.

Yes, I have 205/50/17, but you are asking for 215/50/17, and noone should run that size. I do think the 205/50/17 is too tall, and it still is not as comfortable over rough roads as my summers - 225/45/17 B'stone RE 050s. The tire size is not nearly as important in impact suppression as the sidewall stiffness. In fact, if you are worried about this and can get an XL tire rather than a normal tire, you will be better off, but again, try buying a high quality tire and you won't be disappointed. I've said it before and I'll say it again, when you buy tires you have to give up something - either cash, treadlife, noise comfort, ride comfort, turn-in, wet grip, dry grip, winter grip, something, and usually, it's at least two things =)

Personally I prefer to part with a little more cash to get the right tires for the driving conditions, and I dont worry about too much treadlife because you _always_ have to choose between treadlife and grip.

[Deer Killer]

Don't run this size!!! This will add about 1 inch to your tire size, from 24.6 to 25.5 inches. This will make your speedometer read 3.4 % too slow, so when it reads 60 mph, you'll be travelling 62 mph. Also your car will feel a little floaty.

Use this link for calculations: http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

I am running 205/50/17 even this is a bit too tall imo - it is about 0.5 in taller than stock.

The stock speedo is fast, this won't be very far off.

[godwhomismike]

No no - I am looking for a pic of a 205/50/17 mounted on stock wheels. I found ou a while ago 215/50/17 won't work.

Thanks for the other info though :)

[tantal]

No no - I am looking for a pic of a 205/50/17 mounted on stock wheels. I found ou a while ago 215/50/17 won't work.

Thanks for the other info though :)

Got you confused with Rubix in a quote of a previous message - if you look at my post you'll see that I'm quoting him but it says I'm quoting you. :lol:

I'm just a dumbass. :icon_mrgr

[ilh]

Here are some photos of 205/50R17 Nokian RSi on stock wheels (http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showpost.php?p=806404&postcount=5). If you want a photo on the car, I could try to get one tonight or tomorrow morning.

I think the ride is improved with 205/50R17 over the 215/45R17 RE92s. They seem to eat up bumps and potholes better. Then again, being studless snow and ice tires, they are a bit squirmy, but that is due to design and compound.

When I replace my RE92s, I plan to go with 225/45R17 on stock wheels, which is almost the same diameter as 205/50R17.

[Spoonwacker]

Here are a few pictures of my 225/45/17 Proxes 4s.

[Rubix973]

So besides "feeling floaty" and having the speedometer off by 1 or 2 mph. Why cant I run 215/50's? I need the extra rubber. Will my car self implode the moment the tires are put on the wheels?

[GTTuner]

225/45-17 Kumho ASX. Ride is the same, mileage dropped slightly.

Much better grip cornering.