My apologies if this topic has been covered (or beaten to death) in any other posts, but my searches thus far have come up inconclusive.

 

I recently purchased a 1989 XT6 AWD, and am in the process of exploring my options for replacing the stock wheels with something a bit more exotic.

 

The specs I found on http://www.xt6.net state that the original wheels/tires for these cars were 5½-JJx14/205 / 60R14 87H (which I am assuming are a 5-lug pattern). During the course of my search on this site, I stumbled across a thread by archemitis describing a 6-lug conversion. My questions are as follows:

 

1) What is the largest diameter wheel that can fit on the 1989 XT6 AWD in its “stock” configuration? In particular, I’d be interested in hearing some input regarding using low profile tires on a larger wheel to keep the overall diameter of the wheels/tires pretty close to the original. I want to avoid any expensive modifications to the wheel wells, suspension, etc. This is not going to be some radical off-road mod or anything; the overall strategy here is to just make it look a bit more distinctive in appearance.

 

2) What would be the advantages (and potential drawbacks), if any, of converting the original hubs/drums over to the 6-bolt configuration described by archemitis? If my options for custom wheels would increase by doing this, I would be happy to drop a check in the mail to archemitis in exchange for the high quality parts he described in the aforementioned thread.

 

 

Thanks, in advance, for any input/assistance rendered.

 

-mike

as for larger wheels..

 

17- 205-40-17

16- 205 45 16

18- 205 35 18

 

you can maybe go wider, not sure how much room is on the xt6, but the sidewalls listed will be retaining stock wheel diameter..

 

no need to convert to 6 lug..you're set allready with the 5..

 

rota offers alot of wheel choices in a 48mm offset 5x100 that are light not too expensive

Your option for custom wheels is best by just leaving the hubs alone. The XT6 takes a standard small 5-lug pattern. THOUSANDS of wheels will fit. The 6-lug conversion is for 4-lug Subarus, which use a non-standard pattern.

you shouldnt have drums either

I know someone local to me that has a XT6 with 17" wheels and low profile tires. It looks sweet and doesnt change the profile of the car at all. Just make sure all the tires match exactly when you get them.

Thanks to all who replied; I've decided to go with the 17" rims & low profile tires.

 

Thanks again!

 

-mike

 

P.S.: To anyone who's considering the "do it yourself" route for changing timing belts on an XT6, DON'T!! I'm rapidly finding out that it's best to let the dealership tackle this particular job.

what rims are you going to get....since you going for street and not offroad, as a FYI.... DO NOT go less than a 48mm offset

Probably gonna go with Motegi TrakLite forged wheels + either Yokahama or Nitto tires. I also like the Touge by Motegi; these are pretty sharp looking.

 

-mike

Probably gonna go with Motegi TrakLite forged wheels + either Yokahama or Nitto tires. I also like the Touge by Motegi; these are pretty sharp looking.

 

-mike

 

What offset are these wheels?

Web site didn't specify an offset, so I put a call in & requested that a sales rep contact me before I order. I want to make sure that I get a 48mm offset to avoid any issues.

 

-mike

Yes, there is a little trick to the timing belts on a XT6. It has to do with the @(*$&% tensioner for the drivers side adj pulley. Sometimes it cooperates, most times it doesnt. But its nothing that cant be handled by the average Joe.

I shudder if I even think of putting my car(s) into a shop.

well man, check the prices on your rims against http://www.machiii.net/Rota_wheels.html

 

 

yoko's and nittos are two good tire choices... i currently run nitto Neo-Gens and love them (waaayyy better than toyo proxes fz4..even though toyo owns nitto:rolleyes: ) i got my tires through www.discounttiredirect.com

 

hope that helps man