[drshaws]

What are the expected differences dropping from the 17" that came with 2009 Foz X Premium package to a 16"?

This is for winter tire purposes. I am obviously aware of the differences between all-season/summer and snow tires. Just curious if there are any other handling differences to expect, or if I'd have to get a new alignment or anything.

Mainly - I refuse to cough up double money for alloys, and TireRack isn't offering 17" steelies. Hence, I'm building out a 16" package at TireRack.

16" Steelies w/Michelin X-Ice2 and TPMS is $768. Necessary and acceptable wallet pain.

17" 'cheap' alloys and cheaper Firestone Winterforce and TPMS and you're at $944. Ouch.

With 17" Michelin X-Ice2s you hit $1148. Extra ouch.

Last decision is the silly TPMS one. Town Fair Tire has said they'll reprogram TPMS for free each seasonal swap (yes - each season) if you buy winter package through them, but even with shipping TR is still cheaper. Any experiences with them with Subies? I've taken non-AWD vehicles there with reasonable results.

 

[RE3Rotor]

If the overall diameters are similar, you should be fine. As for handling wise, the 16s will feel more dull as you get less direct feedback from the thicker sidewalls.

 

[Leez]

To reduce the $ pain, you can forgo the TPMS sensors for the winter wheels. Just place black electrical tape over the TPMS light on dash. Much cheaper this way.

 

[Legacy]

I do this every year going from 17's in the summer to 16's for the winter. Its not really a massive change and since its winter you won't be driving as "sporty" anyway. I agree, there's no benefit running 17's in the winter. If anything 16's are better as the larger sidewall will protect those wheels from bumps/ice/potholes.

 

[Canonshooter]

Handling will be more "spongy" but I always adapt quickly (i.e., drive slower). Putting the summer wheels/tires back on in the spring is a real treat though!

 

[SubieOutlaw]

more money in your wallet.

I am actually doing teh reverse. I am using my stock 17s for winter and 16s for summer. Why? I can't get Yoko A/T-S in 17 inch.

Remember, I like it dirty.

 

[Hardrvin]

Yea, no reason to force yourself up to a 17 for the winter package. It's not like you're doing spirited driving on snow tires anyway.

And I agree about the TPMS. Unless you're really hellbent on having TPMS during the winter, I'd say ignore the light for the 3 months you have the wheels on. It's not worth the additional cost for the sensors and TPMS ECU reprogram seasonally.

 

[RE3Rotor]

Yea, no reason to force yourself up to a 17 for the winter package. It's not like you're doing spirited driving on snow tires anyway.

Our local Subaru chapter do like to meet up in an empty parking lot and slide around when there is enough snow. :icon_cool:

I was driving my brother's black 06 WRX wagon.

 

[Canonshooter]

That looks like fun!