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Scion xB Accessories & Modifications

67 messages,  Last post on Jun 15, 2008 at 3:36 PM

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What is this discussion about? Scion xB, Wagon

Messages Page 6 of 7

#48 of 67 Re: A question about Rims [dwynne] by soon2

Aug 21, 2007 (11:26 am)

Replying to: dwynne (Feb 02, 2007 9:30 am)
Hopefully, someone can answer my question quickly. I'm thinking of buying 2008 xB. One of the options I like is to have 16" alloy wheels on it. Since the engine is only 158 hp, the overall weight seems to be important (if I remember correctly, wheels have a factor of 8 when the weight is calculated). I was surprised to learn that people at Part or Service Toyota dealership do not know the weight of standard steel vs. alloy wheels, so I can calculate how much weight I'm adding by switching the wheels. Anyone here knows the weights for steel and 16" alloy wheels? Also, if someone has these alloys and can tell me how it affects performance and fuel economy, I'll appreciate it very much.

#49 of 67 Re: A question about Rims [soon2] by dwynne

Aug 21, 2007 (2:10 pm)

Replying to: soon2 (Aug 21, 2007 11:26 am)
Almost any alloy wheel is going to be lighter than the similar sized steel wheel. The 1st gen xB steelies were said to weigh 37 pounds for the pair - but that is for 15" wheels and tires.
 
I would not worry about it that much and I for sure would not buy the OEM alloys, find something you like from TireRack or DiscountTire and have the tires swapped yourself. On both sites the actual wheel weight is listed, just check the details. I think most would be under 20 lbs.
 
The OEM alloys are grossly overpriced and much cheaper alternatives can be found without much trouble.
 
I put some MB wheels on my 06 xB that I got from DiscountTireDirect. They were $75 each plus shipping and I got a nice discount off that price too. They look a lot nicer than the OEM wheels and where less than 1/2 the price.
 
Dennis

#50 of 67 Re: A question about Rims [dwynne] by soon2

Aug 21, 2007 (2:19 pm)

Replying to: dwynne (Aug 21, 2007 2:10 pm)
Dennis, thanks! I'll check the site you suggested.

#51 of 67 Re: A question about Rims [dwynne] by sactoeric

Sep 27, 2007 (11:37 am)

Replying to: dwynne (Feb 02, 2007 9:30 am)
There's a chart that might help people find the right size wheels and tires for their '08 xB
2008 Scion xB wheel & tire chart

#52 of 67 Re: A question about Rims [sactoeric] by caliberchic

Sep 29, 2007 (10:08 am)

Replying to: sactoeric (Sep 27, 2007 11:37 am)
Thanks for that link!

#53 of 67 Re: Yet another question about rims [soon2] by soon2

Oct 02, 2007 (8:42 am)

Replying to: soon2 (Aug 21, 2007 2:19 pm)
Dennis, hi!
 I didn't want to bother you again with alloy questions, but looks like no one else there has the answers for me... So, my present pick for 2008 xB is either Enkei J10 or MB Tucson. I think, they look cool. Prices are similar ($127 and 107), but weighs are not - 17 and 23 lbs for these wheels. MB has a structural life-time warranty, but Enkei only 1-year for finish... This Enkei model seems to be the older one, so I couldn't find out whether it is forged or cast and thus, how strong it is. MB is probably strong, but much heavier. So, here is my dilemma - I want to get a light wheel, but don't want to compromise on the strength (I drive around New York, so pot hols are a real menace...). Also, original steelies are 16x6.5, while alloys are 16x17. The original tires I intend to keep are 205/55/16R - rather a low profile tires. Is it really O.K. to put these tires on a wider rim - what could be the effect on car handling or even tire strength? If you have any thoughts, I appreciate it!
 Yuri.

#54 of 67 Re: Yet another question about rims [soon2] by dwynne

Oct 02, 2007 (1:47 pm)

Replying to: soon2 (Oct 02, 2007 8:42 am)
I understand the dilemma, you want some cool looking wheels but don't want to ruin them with pot holes and road salt. I would not think the "unsprung weight" on any xB is that much of an issue so I would get the sturdiest and/or least expensive wheel you can get. A lot of the super light wheels can be very fragile.
 
You have to worry about either getting a spare wheel or making sure they don't go out of production on you. You spend the money now and bend a rim down the road and find you can't get a replacement wheel so you have to buy 4 new ones. Another reason to get an inexpensive wheel .
 
7" or even 7.5" wide wheels should be fine with the OEM tires. On TireRack 205/55/16 is the recommended size for 16" rims for the xB in widths of 7 or 7.5".
 
55 seems like a low profile tire - it you are old like me and remember when 60 series tires were "performance", but with today's tires those are not that "low". Be sure to keep them aired up and dodge what holes you can.
 
Dennis

#55 of 67 Re: Yet another question about rims [dwynne] by soon2

Oct 02, 2007 (2:14 pm)

Replying to: dwynne (Oct 02, 2007 1:47 pm)
Dennis - you never fail, really thanks for your advices!

#56 of 67 Re: Yet another question about rims [soon2] by dwynne

Oct 02, 2007 (4:27 pm)

Replying to: soon2 (Oct 02, 2007 2:14 pm)
Did you check on the TireRack? They have several 16" wheels to fit that look pretty nice and some are as low as $75 (plus shipping) each. I got my wheels for the xB from DiscountTireDirect but I normally use TireRack - but it depends on what you want and what they have.
 
Dennis

#57 of 67 Lowering springs and camber by racinnut58

Mar 17, 2008 (10:05 pm)

I have purchased a set of lowering springs and was wondering if it would affect the camber settings once they are installed.

Messages Page 6 of 7

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