Subaru WRX STI (2014) tyre confusion

[BHML]

My Subaru WRX STI (2014) is fitted with dunlop Sport Maxx RT 225 40r18 97w tyres from factory. But I'm finding these very difficult to source in the UK as these are Japanese tyres. Can I replace these with the Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 225 40r18 93w tyres without issue? i.e. does 97w vs 93w rating matter?

[vxr2010]

I would only ever do all four , I failed an mot on one , Jap tyres could not find in the uk , I bought all four new ones and went 10 MM wider , shame as old tyres had loads of life in them , I like the kuhmo's ku39

[vxr2010]

Your standard size with black circles are 77.45 fitted and the kuhmo's have a much better tyre rating than what you have fitted , check out tyre reviews , if you know some one who can fit them you have openeo , just get the higher side wall rating

[BHML]

Thanks vxr2010 - I am actually buying some alloys with the Dunlop 93w tyres already fitted, and wanted to know if these would be a straight replacement for the existing 97w tyres on the car.

[vxr2010]

You should be ok , if it rolls a bit put more more air in , i thought you were just changing tyres

[Dibs]

93 versus 97 is the load index. 93 is rated for 650kg and 97 for 730kg.

Edit to add: They are normally 94 or 91 in an impreza.

I've always run the higher ones on mine (MY2007 STI).

Dibs

Edited by Dibs on Wednesday 8th June 13:35

[vxr2010]

I have 94 on the fsti and its ok , as above the higher rating is better but not always a case of you have too , the weight of the car is well within the spec of the tyre rating

[The Trooper 1815]

I paid £271 for 4 x POTENZA S001 from COSTCO for the Leggy.

2015 are wider.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SUBARU-4-X-2015-STI-ALLO...koAAOSw3mpXDgl5

Edited by The Trooper 1815 on Wednesday 8th June 21:23

[RB5Bird]

I recently changed all 4 of mine when I changed the wheels, the Dunlops were still fine, but not worth changing over.

I was under the impression you could get the originals from the dealer, but would obviously pay WAY too much that way. I've replaced them with some Goodyear Eagle F1's, only as the RB has them fitted and they seem good.

The tyre website where I ordered them from (camskill, I think) said you don't need to fit the same, but must always go up, not down. So I got 97Y, instead of 97W. I wouldn't go the other way, don't get 93.

[nottyash]

Holy thread resurrection..
Ive just bought a 2014 sti with Dunlop RT on the rear. Still had 5mm tread.
The supplying dealer put 2 new Dunlop RT 2 on the front.
Be aware, they are very different tyres and do not even look the same.
My AWD light came on after a few days and the DCCD turned off.
Tyre pressures were altered which helped but the problem would happen on longer straight roads at speed.

I fitted the same Dunlop RT 2 to the rear, so I virtually have 4 tyres the same.
Problem cured.
Tyres are critical on these cars. The RT2 have excellent wet grip. I cant fault the tyres.
You can see they have bigger tread so the diameter new must be more than standard RT.
If you read the Pistonheads long term review they had exact same issue.
Be careful with tyres