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Changing wheels 16" to 15"

Discussion in 'Prius c Accessories and Modifications' started by Dare, Aug 13, 2013.

  1. Dare

    Dare New Member

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    Hi there,

    I'm thinking of buying a new Prius C, but in Canada the only way to get the full slate of options (moon roof, heated seats, softex) seems to be to get the "Technology Premium" package, which includes the 16" wheels. I've read that these wheels have a slightly quicker turning ratio, but also a noticeably increased turning radius due to a changed steering rack.

    As I would rather have the shorter turning radius, is there a way to change/adjust the steering rack back to the "default" if I were to eventually downgrade my wheels back to the more standard 15". Would this be prohibitively expensive?

    I contacted Toyota Canada about the possibility of purchasing a "Technology Premium" vehicle without the larger wheels, but they said they weren't able to mix and match features from the various packages.

    Many thanks for any insight you all can offer! :)

    --Dare
     
    #1 Dare, Aug 13, 2013
    rfruth likes this.
  2. BrunoPuntzJones

    BrunoPuntzJones Member

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    I think the consensus is that it's cost prohibitive, a few grand to swap racks.
     
    #2 BrunoPuntzJones, Aug 13, 2013
  3. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    It would be cheaper to get the lower model and upgrade it with what you want than to go the other way.
     
    #3 ztanos, Aug 13, 2013
  4. Gcoop

    Gcoop Member

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    do you really need the tighter radius?
    I have a tech premium with the 16s for almost a year now, and I have not had any issues with my turning radius.
     
    #4 Gcoop, Aug 13, 2013
  5. vernon birdman

    vernon birdman Active Member

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    Me too. I don't really see what the fuss is all about. I have the Canadian tech plus model with the 16" wheels. Turning radius??? I don't care.
     
    #5 vernon birdman, Aug 14, 2013
  6. Dare

    Dare New Member

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    Well that's interesting. Perhaps my question should have been, "is the change in the turning radius noticeable". I've just been going by the reviews that laud the regular C for its sharp turns before lambasting the 16" wheels for the increased radius. If it's not an issue then that should simplify the decision.

    Many thanks! :)
     
    #6 Dare, Aug 14, 2013
  7. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    It's only 6'... if you can live with it go for it.
     
    #7 ztanos, Aug 14, 2013
  8. steveoknievo

    steveoknievo Member

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    Does all of this mean that swapping out OEM 15" rims with larger 16" ones would be a no-no? Just curious?
     
    #8 steveoknievo, Aug 14, 2013
  9. ztanos

    ztanos All-around Geek!

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    It does not. You just need to be aware of your backspacing.
     
    #9 ztanos, Aug 14, 2013
  10. rfruth

    rfruth Member

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    How is ground clearance with the stock 15's (not 16s) does the C bottom out much in normal use (any trouble with speed bumps) ? ((5.5 inches of ground clearance sounds nice, approach and departure angles great, good, poor or never had any problems))
     
    #10 rfruth, Aug 22, 2013
  11. Element27

    Element27 Junior Member

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    Would you like to trade wheels? :p
    I have the 15 alloys and wishing I got the 16s!
     
    #11 Element27, Aug 23, 2013
  12. Element27

    Element27 Junior Member

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    The ground clearance is pretty damn high. Almost a little too high. I had a stock 325i where if I wasn't careful, I'd scrape over dips and bumps. With the pc, I no longer worry.
     
    #12 Element27, Aug 23, 2013
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  13. rfruth

    rfruth Member

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    Good to hear, tnx !
     
    #13 rfruth, Aug 23, 2013
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