thank you for your help. the people with 16's how is the ride comfort?

 

Doesn't sound like this reviewer thinks the 17s handle better than the 16s...
"The first example I had in April was overall quite nicely specced, with a few mod-cons, CD, Chili Pack (but with the 16" wheels for better handling)."
"The handling, especially on the 16" wheels (even with the compromise runflat tyres) is exceptional, and very predictable."
from http://www.mini2.com/reviews/review13.html

 

You can't compare a WRX to even a MCS. I'm currently driving a 2002 Blaze Yellow WRX and although the power is very seductive, the WRX is 18% heavier on the same width tire. The WRX is also very hard on tires. The front suspension is designed for a lot of wheel travel and has no static camber. And because of the potential for throttle-lift oversteer, it comes with a great deal of understeer. IOW, it chews up tires like crazy. 14k miles on a WRX is an accomplishment, not a detrement. IMO, S-03PPs are a hot ticket for an MC/S, especially in 215/40-17. For autox, 205/45-17 in the rear.

 

I like S-03's too! 215/45/17

Alex

 

Why 215/40x17's in the front and 205/45x17's in the rear?

 

"The WRX is also very hard on tires. The front suspension is designed for a lot of wheel travel and has no static camber. And because of the potential for throttle-lift oversteer, it comes with a great deal of understeer. IOW, it chews up tires like crazy. 14k miles on a WRX is an accomplishment, not a detrement. IMO, S-03PPs are a hot ticket for an MC/S, especially in 215/40-17. For autox, 205/45-17 in the rear. "

DancesWithCones, thanks for the info - I don't feel so bad about tearing through the SO3's so quickly now!

Here's a picture of Ol' Blue with the SO3's on:

 

thank you for help again. I'm just goin to settle for 17's w/ 215/45/17 for $550.

 

Does switching from 16's to 17's affect performance, and/or void any part of the transmission warranty?

 

>>Does switching from 16's to 17's affect performance, and/or void any part of the transmission warranty?

Technically any aftermakret part must be proven to casue said failure to void warranty - Previously this warranty could be voided merelky by the precence of aftermarket equipment. No longer the case.

Alex

 

i dont understand alex. you said that with the 17's you have less sidewall. isn't 215/45/16 and 215/45/17 the same sidewall? also what about something like 225/40/17, even less sidewall, but are the tires too wide for the MCS? Does it not have enough power to make that size work? Ugh. so confusing.

 

>>i dont understand alex. you said that with the 17's you have less sidewall. isn't 215/45/16 and 215/45/17 the same sidewall? also what about something like 225/40/17, even less sidewall, but are the tires too wide for the MCS? Does it not have enough power to make that size work? Ugh. so confusing.

When we were compairing 16 vs 17 I assumed that we'd be dealing with tires that yeilded the same overall diameter.

I would agree that Any 215/45 will have the same physical sidewall height, or very close to it (215 x .45 =) 96.75 mm sidewall height.

If we have the same sidewall height in both 215/45 tires, the only diffrence is the wheel diameter. Exactly 1 inch.

215/45/16 = 23.6 inches
215/45/17 = 24.6 inches

My statment about less sidewall flex in 17's is accurate if your compairing same overall diameters

To compair equall diameters it would be
215/50/16 = 24.5 inches
215/45/17 = 24.6 inches

A 215/50 - has a sidewall height of 107.5 MM.

This yeilds a 10.75 mm taller sidewall in 16's

In this care there would be less sidewall flex in 17's

Alex

 

thank you everybody for your help again. I settled for some Eagle GT 215/40/17 Charcoal color. Quick question though, where can I buy longer screws for the rims?

 

Lugs for what wheels??

Alex

 

thanks alex.