Bigger wheel suggestion on 2001 XLE

[grandpapa]

I searched this forum on 1st Gen but didn't see anything about going with bigger size rim.

I believe stock 2001 XLE has 215/65/15 alloy wheel. Wonder what I need to do to go with either 16 or 17 rim. Try to stay as close as stock spec but no idea what to do. The plus 1 concept always make the tire wider (which will hurt mpg?)
please share your idea on how to upgrade rim properly. Thanks.

[chuck's sienna]

To go with a 16" wheel you would use a 215 55 16 tire size; to go 17" you would use a 215 45 17 tire. Speedometer readings would stay pretty much correct. Tire width is the same. My work can be double checked on Tire RacK .com, just plug in your van's stock sizes and their website allows you to play with upsizing.

[grandpapa]

It seems to me not many people are using larger wheels on 1st Gen. I did went to tirerack.com but the problem is as I select bigger wheel, they always increase the tire width as well. Again, which might hurt overall mpg and hit the fender when turn

[Black Sunshine]

I would venture to say that if it's recommended by tirerack.com it will fit without hitting the fender. I think that they guarantee fitment.

I've thought about upgrading my wheels. My Grand Marquis has 20s. My wife doesn't care about wheel upgrades and she has killed a few hubcaps over the five years we have had the van. I now stick to buying top quality tires and don't worry about wheel upgrades. If it is a really burning desire I would check out the alloys from Lexus ES300s and RX300s. Both vehicles share a lot of other parts with the Sienna and the bolt pattern is the same. I think that the width would again be the biggest issue.

[grandpapa]

well, I ran into a 99 Sienna with 18 yesterday. I checked the tire it was 245/45/18. It didn't stick out at all. I even check the front fender didn't seems like they any mod to get the tire fit.

Well 18 is little too big in my taste. 16/17 probably will do ok if I decided to upgrade

[Black Sunshine]

That 245 is still a significantly wider tire.

[bgeaaecook]

if you dont want to go wider then factory wheels are a good way to go. and offset issues are usually avoided too. be very mindful of offset with aftermarket wheels. a wider tire doesn't have to stick way out nor do you want the wheels tucked way in.

spend some time on tirerack.com looking at overall diameters of different sizes of tires and figure out offsets and rim widths that will and won't work.