So I have a set of fozzy 15" steelies, but I was at the JY and saw a set of 02 OB 16" alloys. What do you guys think is the better choice given the clearances of the 99 imp? im thinking ride quality vs handling due to shorter tire. Also I read that the OB wheels are +55 offset where fozzy are +48 so i guess 5mm spacer with the OBs? I liked how the fozzys felt with the wider stance, but I also like the idea of lighter alloys for my car and I think they look better... iono i been trying to decide the past couple days... wish the OB ones had tires so I could test them, then it would be easy.

If you are at all going to take your rig off the pavement into something other than your basic gravel road, the consensus is to utilize steelies.

This is because you are more likely to damage the alloys.The steel will dent, the alloys will most likely break before bending.

 

cheers

Being you posted in the off road section I'd say the 15" steel wheels.

 

Alloy is easy to destroy out on trails. Steel can be bent back into an air holding shape to get home.

Plus a 15" will give you more tire over a 16" for a certain overall tire size.

Which is a benefit off road.

 

Now if you want to carve it up on the pavement..... go with the bigger alloys.

Unless you are doing some REALLY stupid stuff, you will not damage an alloy wheel.

 

I saw a guy RUIN TWO forester steelies Rallycrossing in one day. Wrapped around the brake caliper, there was no bending them back. He was not being any harder on the car than the dozens of other subarus there on stock alloys.

 

 

Steelies are stronger than alloys.....yea, and carbs will always be more reliable the fuel injection

 

 

 

The only downside to alloy wheels, is price.

 

 

Now, with all that said. The size difference is something to consider. The offset is nothing to worry about, as the width is different, which means the offset has to change to keep the backspacing the same.

 

 

 

IMO, the deciding factor will be what you want to do with it. For pretty much any offroad use, more sidewall is better. But for street use, 16s all the way.

 

Although, if you want to run brakes bigger than 276s, you'll either need aftermarket 15s, or 16s.

Ok thanks guys, I just stuck with the 15" fozzies!