Tires

[flintmica]

Can anyone tell me if 215/50/17 or even 215/55/17 tires can be installed on the tC without rubbing. I'm one of those people that think the tC either needs a 6th gear or a change in gear ratios. Changing to a larger diameter tire without messing with the suspension seems to be the easiest way of getting there.

[HATEnFATE]

You could do it sure. You shouldn't have any rubbing issues but you will have speedometer issues. Your car will saw it's going slower then you're actually traveling and make getting tickets much easier. Also, it's very doubtfull you'll be able to notice a difference with an extra 5% in the aspect ratio of the tire.

Why do you say the car needs a 6th gear?

5 speed corolla vs a 6 speed Corolla..............on the interstate the 5 speed is at a lower RPM then the 6 speed when cruising.

Your car's gearing is designed so that your car is more often in the power range when cruising so that your engine isn't working as hard. Just because it's reving a little higher then your used to doesn't mean it isn't being efficient.

[flintmica]

Thanks for the reply hatenfate.
As far as the 6th gear issue; I also have a 5 speed Camry SE with the same engine as the Scion tC. At 65 mph the tach readings are Camry 2200 Scion 2800. Trip gas mileage on the heavier Camry is 37 mpg whereas the Scion is 31 mpg. I realize there are numerous factors that determine gas mileage, however lowering the rpm can only help.
The Scion is geared (forgive the pun) for the younger market and lower gearing gives the impression of more power. The Camry has adequate torque for it's gearing and my driving style. My intention with the larger tires was to get the Scion closer to the Camry's speed/rpm ratio.

[HATEnFATE]

I can understand where your coming from on that issue. I think the Scion was intended to stay closer to home because of it's target market and I can see that being a reason for the gearing difference.

Is your Camry an auto or a 5 spd? I'd be curious to see the difference in rpms between the two with the same drivetrain options.

in order to get your tC closer to your camry you'd have to mount some substantially larger tires to even make a difference and then you have to wonder if the added wight of a larger tire will outwight the size difference. Remember that reducing rotating mass(weight) on the engine you could likely increase your mileage a little as well.