ryanrichmond

Was wondering if any of you guys are running stock suspension but larger wheels? How's it look?
My issue is that I'm cheap but still want some different wheels. I was hoping I could get away with not buying suspension too.

Any other cheap asses in here running larger wheels/tires with stock suspension?

I like these

Duderotomy

it doesn't look that bad, but the amount of wheel gap kind of throws off the look.

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90 Nissan Skyline GTS-t

SKSTI

^^^ SteveUS' FXT on 18 x 7.5 Forester Sti Wheels..

Personally, I'd go with Swifts springs. Performance and comfort, not to mention aesthetically pleasing - a mild drop. Cheaper compared to a set of wheels & tires.

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06 CGM FXT

ryanrichmond

Thread Starter

And Swift Springs will work on my stock struts without wearing them out?

SKSTI

For sure. I was running Forester specific Swifts before going to STi take-offs, and now AST coilovers. I would even dare and say that I had better control with them + stock struts vs STi take-offs in the twisties.

Check with Mann Engineering for feedback & deals. Or try the classifieds.

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06 CGM FXT

freezer16801

I am running 18 inch OZ prodrvie P1's on 235/50/18 Dunlop Direzza's. Initially I had 235/40/18's on the rims, because that is the size I ran on my former WRX.

The FXT looked stupid in my opinion with the thinner sidewall tires. I really like the looks of the car with the 50 series tires.

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ryanrichmond

Thread Starter

So I suppose now this has become a suspension thread. Instead of making a new thread in the suspension forum, maybe I can get this one moved...mods?

So let's say I want 3" of drop on my 04 FXT but I don't want to compromise the ride...what should I be looking at in the way of suspension? I don't have coilover money. Any suggestions?

freezer16801

what are your goals? Are you looking for your car to be more aesthetically pleasing? Are you looking to make your car capable of track days? Are you looking to improve the sporting capabilities, but still allow it to be able to have enough suspension travel to soak bumps?

For aesthetics, I would get a nice set of 18" wheels with 40 or 45 series tires, and swift springs.

For a daily driver capable of doing track days/autox, I would suggest keeping stock size wheels or smaller, using springs struts intended for an STI (oem or aftermarket).

For a sportier feel near stock ride height, I would suggest stock wheels with swift springs.

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2.5x_sleeper

Larger wheels are nice, but you'll find the tires & wheels are more expensive than the stock size.

If you want to keep your speedometer reading correctly, you'll need to keep the tire diameter the same or close to the stick size.

Bottom line, in my opinion: larger wheels = less tire sidewalls = rougher ride & not recommended for off roading.

When I want to know what tire/wheel will fit, I go here. Input your stock tire/wheel data on one side & what you want to go to on the other side. Read the data & you'll know what will work... or what you can live with.

Bobby...

['07 FSXT MODding Journal] ['03 X MODding Journal]

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ryanrichmond

Thread Starter

Aesthetics and comfortable ride is my goal

schan1269

Large wheel+thin side wall+comfortable ride=the holy grail of the automotive world...

Good luck on creating the holy grail.

ryanrichmond

Thread Starter

How much will stock STi suspension lower my Forester?

sleestak

STi suspension isnt going to be "comfortable" but its not terrible. Ride height is, I think, 3" lower than stock.

As stated, swifts will be the best compromise. Your wheel gap will be a tight three fingers from the top of the tire to the fender. Handling is markedly better than stock in all aspects.

ryanrichmond

Thread Starter

With what size wheels/tires?

sleestak

I was on 215/60r16 and just switched to 225/50r17. Both yeilded the same results.

16's



17's


18's would also yield roughly the same if you were on 40's.