[SSteve00]

I installed 4/2 pots, Ferodo DS 2500 pads, 15 x 6.5 Enkei RC G4s, and 195/65-15 studded Pirelli Winter Carving (PWC) tires. This setup replaced ASA JH IIIs with 215/50-17 Michelin X-Ice (X).
<o> </o>
The Xs are predictable and acceptable on ac, hard pack and ice, but perform poorly on loose snow and are dangerous on deep slush. The Xs strength is predictable dynamic traction on hard pack snow.
<o> </o>
The PWCs turned this into the ultimate winter machine. Static and dynamic traction on ice, hard pack, loose snow and slush is significantly improved over the Xs. The braking ability on steep, ice covered downhills is amazing. Throttle response and acceleration are noticeably improved due to the 9 pound reduction per wheel/tire in addition to the improved traction. The ride on rough surfaces is improved by the taller sidewalls and the reduced un-sprung weight is a bonus.
<o> </o>
The cost is around $2200 for brakes and $900 for wheels. I consider this a good value for a winter performance car driven on ice and snow 5 months per year. There’s also long term saving in tire and brake pad replacement cost to offset the final cost. Most importantly, this increases my chances of remaining accident free for life. Now I’m undecided whether to sell the Xs or use them for fall and spring.
<o> </o>
Disclaimer: The opinions herein are the perspective of a middle aged motor sports junkie with 20 years experience tuning vehicles and tires for northern winter climate driving.

[wdb]

Wow, awesome information. Every time I read something like this I am once more amazed at just how versatile the STi is. Thanks for sharing!

EDIT: pics please please please

[ELD4AU6]

yeah I wanna see pics

[ORSTi]

That's awesome. Subscirbed for PICS!

[JJ18Sniper]

Would you consider this option more beneficial then that of chains?

[DragonXero13]

Ttiwwop

[Pitcherman]

Originally Posted by JJ18Sniper

Would you consider this option more beneficial then that of chains?

Seeing as how he is in Alaska I would think yes. (I've only visited though never lived there)

[Insane06STi]

I wanna seeeeee!

[flatthump]

Theres a pic of an STi in the Volk racing catalog with rays 15" wheels and dirt tires. Minus all the stickers, it probably looks pretty similar.

[hockeynut258]

I have been wanting to do the same set-up. but for $3000+ ... I can only dream

[screwcitychris]

Pics!!

You need to share a good parts list for calipers/rotors, etc (plus part numbers if you have them)

Id love to be able to have a 15" brake/wheel setup in addition to the OEM brakes.

[SSteve00]

I'll try to get a photo posted this weekend. With 15s, debadged and wingless it's an ugly sleeper.

Rallispec was the only supplier that could come up with the rotors and rear backing plates; they're JDM Gravel parts. Perhaps I overlooked a site sponsor that could supply the rotors. The '06 WRX 4 pot front, 2 pot rear calipers bolt on. Instead of disassembling the rear hubs to replace the backing plates you could trim the perimeter off the stock backing plates or grind the spot welds and replace the outer section with those from an imprezza.

[hockeynut258]

Originally Posted by SSteve00

I'll try to get a photo posted this weekend. With 15s, debadged and wingless it's an ugly sleeper.

[T3h_Clap]

yup, rallispec is the place for the rotors.

I love this idea, i'm very tempted to combined the 6-gun kit with these rotors for my legacy so i can share wheels between the two (my05 STi and 93 legacy SS).

i love those enkei's btw!!

[hockeynut258]

been talking to a guy in St. Louis back where I live who has an '04 STi with 15" speedline 2118s.

He said he fit the subaru 4 pot fronts with some power slot rotors than used the stock rear brembos. He had to grind some off of the top of the brembos because they were rubbing the wheel. As far as I know 04 and 05 STi's share the same 12.3" rear rotors (please let me know otherwise).

Looks like I could get away with this set-up for less than $2500 with wheels and tires now!