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Anyone Considering 16 inch Wheels?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by dc202, Jun 25, 2009.

  1. dc202

    dc202 Member

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    I have a 2010 III and I am considering getting 16-inch wheels rather than 17-inch wheels as an upgrade. Any thoughts?
     
  2. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Shouldn't be a problem. Use 205/55R16 as the tyre spec to best match the revs of the original 15".

    There's a TRD Sportivo wheel that I really like but I know I won't have any moolah (esp. since shipping from Japan is expensive)
     
  3. dc202

    dc202 Member

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    Thanks. I am considering the Enkei, another nice wheel from Japan.
     
  4. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    The size above is the tire I've seen on regular Honda Civics and they look great. What I like is the 55 sidewall is not too tall nor short. The 45 series tires are quite a short sidewall for a Prius.
     
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  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Ooooh nice!

    mmhmm. 45 series is low profile. The IS300 had the same specs 215/45R17. The new Corolla XRS use the same specs too, ditto the old Matrix XRS.

    The nice thing is that we can just grab a set of alloys off a Corolla/Matrix. They're running 205/55R16. Just have to make sure that the bolt pattern is the same. That is, those alloys are your fancy.
     
  6. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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    I think when my 17" tires wear out I will go to 16" wheels with 205/55 tires. There are a lot of good wheel choices at Tire Rack and other places.
     
  7. kelmcw

    kelmcw New Member

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    Hi Guys, I am really new here... going to get my Prius within 2 mths time but already busy shopping for my 16" wheel. OEM comes with 195/65R15. Plan to get a Michelin Primacy LC 205/55R16 on it. Also did consider to get Toyota Camry 16" steel rim. Any comment?
     
  8. HI MPG

    HI MPG Active Member

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    I went from stock 15s to stock 17s. The stock 17s look nice but doesn't quite coast as well nor respond to acceleration inputs as quickly as the 15s. I have a set of OEM 16s from the Gen II that I've been waiting to install and compare...

    Kelmcw - I would think the Camry steelies would be a bit heavy and wouldn't quite look as nice with that hubcap look. There are some nice aftermarket 16s you could get without spending too much money.
     
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  9. Simtronic

    Simtronic Active Member

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    Always worth considering the wheel weight, my UK Prius came with 16" wheels as standard but when I looked at replacing them with after market items they were all much heavier unless they were very expensive. Heavy wheels affect mileage and acceleration they are of course your unsprung weight. I dumped the trims and made centre caps from Toyota badges the 205-55-16 tyres protect the rims and the car drives beautifully
     
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  10. arntz

    arntz Junior Member

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    I fitted my 04 with 16X7" rims and cheap Federal 205/50x16 tyres. I went from 900 KM's on a tank to 800. I since replaced the tyres with Toyo Teo 195/55X16's, with an increase to 840 KM's. If I was doing it again I would look for the lightest rims possible, and would not increase the rim width to more than 61/2", or the tyre width to more than 195. On less than perfect road surfaces, there tends to be a lot of low frequency cabin rumble as well. On a Prius, the word Synergy even includes the light weight front alloy hubs, the lightweight rear suspension and wheels. Aussie Camry wheels won't fit the Prius due to the different wheel stud centering. Subaru wheels will in most cases. If you can live with the look and handling of the OEM's, leave it alone. I hope this helps you.
     
  11. cycledrum

    cycledrum PSOCSOASP

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    Is that a low rolling resistance tire? You probably know Prius uses LRR's for high economy.

    btw, I did the math, and the 16" tires are actually closer to diameter of 15" than are the 17's. At least by math anyway.

    btw, would like to see a pic of 3rd gen with nice 16's.
     
  12. kelmcw

    kelmcw New Member

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    Guys, I am so sad here in Malaysia. I written to UMW Toyota Malaysia... this is the respond that I got from them...

    ""...We write to advise that no modification can be perform on your current Toyota Prius that is of the original specification. Any modification carry out on your vehicle other than the factory fitted specification perform on your vehicle will void the warranty of your vehicle. Kindly refer to the Toyota Careplus Booklet, What is not covered on page 15 & 16 respectively. "

    Well, I think I will be leaving with the 15" for sometime now. Just change the rubber will do. :(

    But am just wondering, why the wheel radius is the same but....
     
  13. kelmcw

    kelmcw New Member

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    It should be... Michelin Primacy LC.