The factory AP1 sizing is 205/55/16 up front and 225/50/16 in back.

15" wheels don't fit over the front brakes.

Bilstein PSS9 coilovers will make the ride more comfortable.

 

you mean factory AP1 sizing, but yes everything else he said esp about the front brakes.

 

Koni yellow (adjustable) or Koni orange (non adjustable) have softer compression damping than stock.

With the Koni's, you reuse stock springs.

Get Koni, and a set of used '06 '07 springs.

One thing to consider with non stock tire sizes and long trips, is availability of replacements. Be careful not to pick a size that will be difficult to find on the road.

Also its not just tire size, but tire construction. Grippy summer tires typically also have much stiffer sidewalls than more pedestrian compounds. This probably contributes more to stiff ride than tire size.

A set of ap1 wheels, with less performance oriented tires fitted along with aforementioned suspension should do it.

I wouldn't recommend going beyond that. If its not enough, you have to start asking yourself if this is the right car.

Keep in mind also the max load is like 400 lbs (someone correct that number if I'm remembering incorrectly). So 2 occupants don't leave much room to add luggage. Even with our small trunk you'll have more physical space than weight limit allows.

Overloading it for short distances is probably not a big deal. But you're planning long trips.

 

400 pounds maximum capacity for the 2004 and later (17" wheels) cars. Earlier cars may differ but I doubt it.



-- Chuck

 

Thank you guys, just the kind of information I was looking for.

 

It's in my signature.
My '06 has stock wheels and I run 235/45-17 up front with 245/45-17 out back.
I would recommend FireStone Firehawk Indy 500 tires. The tires won't rub the fenders and they will give you excellent traction. Have run these F/S tires for around 60k miles. I have also run Conti DW, the Firestones and Michelin in those sizes and I have never had a tire rub.

Rod

 

Yup, when my wife and I go on one of our trips we are over the 400 LBS limit. Must have 150k miles with the car overloaded.

Rod
yes I should lose weight or pack less stuff.

 

Oh the abuse!

Yeah, 400 pounds ain't much. 200 pounds/seat, though seems pretty normal glancing at my cars

Our 4-door Subaru Legacy is rated at 850. And my 3-row (2+3+2) Expedition just under 1500.

But no one looks at the cargo capacity even if they look at the tire pressure specs.

-- Chuck

 

You're right, good catch

 

This thread is right up my alley. I recently upgraded to Bilstein PSS coilovers, which made the ride feel more civilized. It's currently set close to the OEM ride height as well. I also had the Spoon Rigid Collars installed. This made the car way more stable and comfortable going over bumps and rough roads. Lastly, replaced the crankshaft pulley with a Fluidampr, which reduced NVH in the cabin.