15" wheels on an SG XT ?

Liberty Valance

Liberty Valance

Forum Member
Joined
Nov 25, 2013
Messages
185
Location
Hervey Bay
Car Year
2007
Car Model
2 x XT Foresters
Transmission
Auto
Has anyone done, seen or even heard of anyone running 15" wheels on an SG model XT ?

Is there a specific combination of rotors, callipers and rims which could potentially make this possible?

Thanks.
 
I run 15" but had to "modify" the callipers. The Audi A3 15" wheel might fit. Not sure if the XT SG has larger brakes than my NA SG but I'm sure someone here will know.
 
I am happy to 'modify' the calipers if that's all is required ;)

Also tempted to 'modify' the lower spring perch to fit the new BFG KO2 235/75r15.

My research suggests the XT has 294mm rotors but I am unsure if the X and XS are the same size.

Kevin, are you running with 215/75r15 tyres?
 
SG run the same brakes across all models X XS or XT.
That particular and rare Audi 15 is popular for WRX 4 pot brake conversions. If you have the stock SG brakes other Audi 15s *may* fit.
 
Liberty Valance said:
Also tempted to 'modify' the lower spring perch to fit the new BFG KO2 235/75r15.
Click to expand...

Would be interested to hear how you go if you make this change.
I run 215 75r15 at's for daily use and 235 75r15 muds for weekend dutys on the Suzuki.
The difference in road handling and acceleration is ridiculous.
Would be interested to hear what the change would be like with a 2.5t pushing the bigger wheels rather than a 1.6 N/A
 
I've slept on the idea of 235/75r15's and concluded that while I could make it work, the downsides outweighs the benefits. Without changing the final drive ratio the sensible limit for an SG is either 215/70r16 or 215/75r15.

I will start searching for a set of 15" Audi rims in order to gain more sidewall and a wider track.
 
Liberty Valance said:
I've slept on the idea of 235/75r15's and concluded that while I could make it work, the downsides outweighs the benefits. Without changing the final drive ratio the sensible limit for an SG is either 215/70r16 or 215/75r15.
Click to expand...

I read somewhere on here that going too much bigger than factory tyre size has a dramatic effect on the lifespan of your wheel-bearings! :surprised:

I grabbed a set of SH rims that are 15", and just introduced my calipers to my mates orbital sander :lol: Worked a treat :ebiggrin:
 
I didn't realise that SH Foresters came with 15" rims - I thought the smallest was 16" for the SH?? Unless you mean SF rims?
 
It's not so much the size of the tyre as the size and offset of the rim. Some people who are more interested in appearance than common sense also put spacers on. Bad offsets and/or spacers dramatically reduce bearing life, and some areas is illegal


Brucinator said:
I read somewhere on here that going too much bigger than factory tyre size has a dramatic effect on the lifespan of your wheel-bearings! :surprised:

I grabbed a set of SH rims that are 15", and just introduced my calipers to my mates orbital sander :lol: Worked a treat :ebiggrin:
Click to expand...
 
I've had the audi rims on my stock SG XT brakes and WRX 4 pots. just make sure they don't double up the stick on wheel weights or they will hit the caliper.

On a side note It's worth getting a premium wheel balance (with fingers in the stud holes vs. a cone) and minimizing the amount of weights they put on the rims. When I worked as a tyre fitter i'd even spin up the bare rims to find the heavy/light points and offset it with the light point on the tyre (the gold dot). It doesn't always line up with the valve stem, and can seriously reduce how much weight the wheel and tyre combo needs to balance itself out, and sometimes none at all.
 
A smart tyre fitter... no wonder you don't work there anymore!

A final ratio change isn't too difficult if you know what you're doing. The EJ DR box is easy to work with and while you're in there it's a good opportunity to swap your low range too ;)

A second box can be sourced to build up/play around with. If you shop around you should be able to find one for about $250 or a little less. The learning experience makes this a very cheap exercise.

Cheers

Bennie
 
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