Hey, I'm looking for a set of snow tires for my 06 WRX. At tirerack: this seems to be promising. Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3. (215/45R17) http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires...2006&autoModel=Impreza WRX Sedan&autoModClar= Any recommendation that is good for Rallyx?
the winterforce is probably the best tire but you're right, there isn't a 17" size that is close to your stock tires. I would look at the general altimax arctics or hankook w409 ipikes as another good option. The altimax's have a relatively stiff sidewall for a snow tire which is good for rallyx.
The closest size available for General Altimax Arctic is 215/50R17. I'm not sure if it will fit without rubbing.
I was not impressed with the Dunlop M3. I'd recommend the General Altimax if that's available in 45 series
Not available in 45 series I should change my question What is the best rallyx tire available in 215/45-17 for 06 WRX?
Are you willing to get a second set of wheels? If so, why not get a set of 16 inch wheels (stock RS six spoke should clear your brakes) and then get the 205/55/16 Winterforce. This would be the best solution in my opinion. The other option is going with the slightly larger 17 Winterforce tire. According to the Tire Rack spec sheet, the 215/55/17 Winterforce has an overall diameter of 26.3 inches. A 215/45/17 Blizzak has a diameter of 24.7. This is a difference of 1.6 inches. If you have more than three quarters of an inch clearance from the tire to the spring seat on the front and rear of your car, the 215/55/17 Winterforce will fit fine. Can you tell I really like the Winterforce?
Also, a quick search on tire rack yielded a new 16 inch wheel option for 112.00. http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Whee...alse&filterBrand=All&filterNew=All&sort=Brand And another for 79.00. http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Whee...alse&filterBrand=All&filterNew=All&sort=Price This one on clearance for 84.00 http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/Whee...alse&filterBrand=All&filterNew=All&sort=Price
Cooper Weathermaster is similar to Winterforce and looks to be offered in sizes very close to yours. http://www.coopertire.com/html/products/tires_passenger.aspx?page=weather_master_st2 http://www.coopertire.com/html/prod...master_st2&LanguageId=1&tiretype=P&sorttype=P The 215/50/17 would be just a touch taller than a 45 series. It can be good to have a bit more ground clearance and sidewall height for winter and rally-x anyway. J Cox #558
According to the spec sheet, the Cooper tire would be ~25.7 diameter so you will need at least .5 clearance to the spring seat for the tire to fit. The Cooper does not have the stepped tread block of the Winterforce. In my opinion, that is one of the reasons the Winterforce works for RallyCross.
second set of 16s is the way i would go too. always nice to have another set of wheels to drive home on in the event of a catastrophic tire failure. knowing you will be able to drive the car home will gain you a few seconds on course. plus a 16 will give yo a bit more sidewall to work with.
The problem is that I already have a second set of wheel tire for summer autox driving (see avatar). And I have another 3 set of tires for my main autox car, I'm having too many stacks of wheel/tire in my garage currently. Still, it is tempting for those cheap wheels from tirerack. However, I'm seriously thinking about getting General Altimax Arctic is 215/50R17, as it might fit better than 215/55R17 Winter force.
The Generals have been great on my sister's car thus far. They have more grip in the snow than my Pirelli Winter Carvings did when they were new, and don't break the bank. They just have a lower speed rating. Unless you plan on doing much more than 99 mph on winter tires, they are a solid buy.
Can't really speak to the rallyx function, but the hankook ipike w409's are a great winter tire, and available in that size.
