[Kevin]

I'm losing tyres to sidewall damage fairly often now, 4 in all, so it's time to look at my options - which are considerably enhanced with 15" rims. There are a few choices I've discovered locally being the Mullins 15x6 Pursuit and from Speedy Wheels:
15x6.0 Sirocco II - 50mm Offset
Estimated retail $215.00 each
15x6.5 Holotype-R - 45mm Offset
Estimated retail $175.00 each

I'm leaning towards the Holotype. Any other suggestions?

I know I'll have to grind the front brake calipers back to make a 15" fit. I think someone on the old forum had done it so does anyone know approx how much I will have to grind off?

With the 15's I get a taller sidewall and much better choice of tyre e.g. Cooper, BF Goodrich etc.

 

[blitzoid]

I *think* you can get the 15" Enkei Rally wheels (both gravel and tarmac styles) in 15x6.5 and 15x7 in subaru-friendly offsets. No idea how they'll compare price-wise to what you had in mind, but they'll be stong as heck.

Extra bonus - no caliper grinding required, as far as I know.

 

[MountainBiker]

Kevin: this might be the post your are thinking of, 2nd post down:
http://offroadsubarus.com/index.php?option=com_forum&Itemid=46&page=viewtopic&t=1022&start=45

As far as buying wheels, you might want to get a little less offset. This will help to return some of the track width you lost by putting on your lift. I wouldn't go too crazy because of the bearings though.

 

[Kevin]

Thanks Blitzoid & Mountainbiker for the responses. I'll check for the Enkei and see if available here - even better if no grinding involved

 

[blitzoid]

If they do fit, and work well, be sure to let us know, and more importantly... take some pics!

 

[Kevin]

Absolutely!

 

[MountainBiker]

What about used 15" wheels from a Forester? They were available in steel and aluminum here in the US on older models. I know some people prefer steel for offroading, since they can be bent back into shape after a mishap, and aren't as likely to crack as aluminum.

I'd also bet that OEM wheels are a bit stronger than most aftermarket wheels, since AM usually tries to make them lighter.

 

[Kevin]

I actually still have a 15" steel spare from my Outback. I checked at the wreckers and they want more for their wheels than I can buy new! A$250 each for alloy and A$110 each for steel - what a rip-off!