What would you do?

[Daniel]

Trying to decide on a winter set-up for the STI.

Car: 2009 STI

Stock wheel size: 245/40/18

Option 1 - I have a set of 17x8 Enkei RPF1's in the basement (i.e. no additional cost). I could mount a set of 225/50/17's. A little taller than stock.

Option 2 - 2007+ Honda CRV steel wheels fit (and clear the brembos). Not sure yet about cost but I could mount a set of 205/50/17's. A little shorter than stock.
http://www.iwsti.com/forums/gd-tires-wheels/143978-new-winter-steel-wheel-solution-pics.html

Pros/Cons:

- I like the idea that the 225's will be taller than stock, but I don't really like the idea of using the Enkei's as winter wheels.

- I have to buy tires either way and I like the idea that there's no additional cost with the Enkei's. Don't need the extra expense of yet another set of wheels right now.

- Will I wear through the 205's in a hurry on the STI? Is it enough rubber?


Thoughts?!?

[AndrewR]

The Steelies are much heavier than the Enkei's.. But much more robust.

I am always a fan of Steel wheels for winter, less likely to break.

Steel bends and still holds air - should the nasty happen.

It is Winter - Odds are you should be driving slower, so the size difference is not as much a concern.

[STeveD]

I ran 205 on the '04 and didn't like them overall. In the dry and wet the cornering was unpleasant. Unless you're spending most of your time north of Barrie, I wouldn't go that way.

I would rather use a 225, or a 245 with cuts for snow clearance. Dan or Frank can do the cuts for you.

[Rajesh]

I went with option 1, In fact I went the ultimate cheapo route picked up used winter tires for 100$ and ran them both in winter and summer hehehehehehehe. Save the money for track tires and drive slow on the streets :-)

[04turbowagon]

Those CRV wheels are UGLY...I know I'm shallow, but the STI has to look have decent! Use the Enkei's...I need to find some 17's for me.

[STeveD]

And 8" wide wheels aren't really useful for anything but snow tires or maybe summer streets squeezed onto them.

[AndrewR]

Buy a $1000 legacy wagon with winter tires and save the STi.

[tashko]

As Stephen says, it depends where you'll be driving. If you plan on doing any winter rallies or driving up north go with the skinnier option.

I don't like wide winter tires since we get slushy conditions around, and unless you want to do spirited driving on cold ashphalt you don't need the extra rubber/cost.

I've always run 15" 195s on the Talon in the winter and it weighs 3200lbs. Nice cheap tire options and no wear issues.

Too bad you couldn't fit 16" steelies and run a 215. With 5x114.3 bolt pattern there should be lots available I would think.

I like cheap for the winter.

[nitrowsb]

The steel wheel size for the CRV is a fact? They will clear Brembos? If so, I can help with the pricing. I'll check tomorrow! I'll need a set as well!

[Daniel]

Now thinking I'll probably go 215/50/17 OR 215/55/17 on the CRV steel wheels. Should I go 50 or 55? I like the idea that the 55's are a bit taller (vs. the 50 which is just a bit shorter) than stock. But then I'm wondering how sloppy it will be....

Ugly, yes. But a hell of a lot cheaper to replace if need be.

[AndrewR]

Daniel,

I would go taller. The 08+ has a much larger front overhang, and anything to keep the front away from damage is a good idea.

[JoeT]

Taller more compliant sidewalls = better grip through adverse conditions, but a bit more sloppy. But that's inherant with almost all winter tires.

The sloppyness can be mitigated by additional tire pressure though. Winter tires aren't as susceptible to wierd wearing characteristics as summer tires.