I was wondering if someone could give me some advice on rims. I have a 2004 Forester XS and it currently has the stock 16" rims. Brake dust has really messed them up. I am thinking about buying larger rims. I am thinking about 17" and possibly 18". I am not really one to pimp my car out, and am wondering if I go larger: will it have a negative effect on the performance of my car? How large do you guys recommend with out messing up the all wheel drive? What is a good Rim company for Subaru Foresters? I have been doing some research and have read that larger rims will have a positive effect on overall handling, but a negative effect on acceleration and braking. Is that true?

 

Thanks

 

Craig

Craigsforester,

I've no experience at changing rims and tires, but Tire Rack.com has. Their online site allows various wheels and rims to be seen right on your vehicle. They also will have the answers your looking for concerning acceleration and braking, and any changes to your speedometer readings. Good Luck!

the answers depend on the choices you make, not just "bigger rims". just because you get larger rims, doesn't mean you increase the rolling diameter. most folks get thinner walled tires to keep the same rolling diameter and that's where the "handling improvement" comes from.

 

"Yes" you'll have a negative impact on the performance of your car. "Yes" you'll have a positive impact on the performance of your car!

 

thinner walled tires = less gives = "better" handling but a harsher ride, you'll feel more. if you have a lady friend, she'll probably think the new tires suck!

 

if you stick with the same sidewall (which increases rolling diamter) then increase overall diameter which affects your speedo (or not, they're not all that accurate and usually low), acceleration, and doesn't improve handling (side walls still the same).

 

that's a rough break down - sounds like you should read up on a tire site and search this stuff on the internet if you're not familiar with this. the differences aren't ginormous all the time...so we're talking about nickles and dimes here for some of this stuff.

 

they'll handle better, but ride worse if you get the thinner walled tires, which it sounds like you're doing. so choose accordingly. few things are "free"...meaning all positive and no side effects.

 

there are some fantastic 16" rims out there, even some Subaru rims. it seems to me the impreza platforms handle very well with 16" tires for daily driver use. but i haven't driven a newer forester. maybe they're worse, but they are based off the impreza. increase the air in the tires to +5 over the listed numbers in the door jamb.

 

might want to price out tires too, 17/18" varieties verses 16" if price or availability mean anything to you.

 

if you use snow tires, keep the old rims for winter tread.

Edited February 12, 200917 yr by grossgary