15" Rims on '01 OBW?

[Will]

I have a question for the group: I have an '01 OBW that came w/16"
wheels and I am looking for a set of 'winter wheels' for the snow
season. Is it alright to put on 15" wheels?

I am aware that the spedo/odo might be a little off, but I've been
offered a great deal on a set of 4 Sub OEM alloys w/Blizzaks, with only
5K miles on them, for $400/set.

OK to do it?

Thanks for your time.

Will

 

[S]

Hi Will!

OK to do it?

Aside from changes in final gearing that will result from a different
diameter tire, (and note that this is not necessarily related to wheel
size; 50s on a 16 inch wheel can have the same diameter as 60s on a
15) you will want to check that the smaller wheels clear your brake
hardware, and that they have approximately the same offset so that
your tires don't rub against the wheel wells or suspension components.
Best bet is to try 'em on and see, and be sure to check both front and
back fitments.
FWIW, I _think_ 15s were standard on the Outback, with the 16s an
upgrade option. A little research on the Tire Rack web site
<http://www.tirerack.com/> might prove helpful. I can tell you that
the 15inch Subaru alloys that we were using on our Legacy would not
clear the front calipers on my WRX . . .

ByeBye! S.

Steve Jernigan KG0MB
Laboratory Manager
Microelectronics Research
University of Colorado
(719) 262-3101

 

[Brian Wasson]

I think you might run into problems with the disc brake rotors not
fitting correctly... I'd call your dealer and confirm.

 

[Crash]

you should not have a problem with it. the 2002 obw has 16 inch rims and the
ts has 15 inch rims, same car build. As for the speedo channges, you can
get a larger tire with the smaller rim to compensate.