1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

Sambar van on 15" wheels

Discussion in 'Subaru Sambar' started by cmoore, Jan 5, 2019.

  1. cmoore

    cmoore New Member

    Just thought I'd share pics of my van with 12" vs 15" wheels.

    For my 1990 Sambar, I found that to be rub free and and not stick out past the body a 15x5.5 +45 offset 4x100 pattern wheel was perfect. The wheel center bore required is 59.1mm*.

    I went with junkyard 2008 Mini Cooper Clubman 15" 6 spoke wheels. They were a great deal and I loved the way they looked. Only thing, the center bore of Mini's is actually smaller than Sambars, so I had to have the center bores machined out from Mini's 56.1 to the Sambars 59.1. My local machine shop did the work in a couple days and for a total of $178. So even with that, the wheels all setup were a steal. I do still need to cut a pieces of vinyl to cover the "mini" on the center caps...

    There are certainly other wheels out there OEM and aftermarket that will work without the need to machine anything (or use spacers). At least for my van that meant 15x5.5 +45 with a 59.1mm center bore.
    12inchvs15inch.jpg

    Tires: I went with Kumho Solus 155/60R15 as they weren't much taller and were the same width as the existing tires to up the odds of not rubbing. So far I like how the tires ride and grip and there is no rubbing from lock to lock.

    Screen Shot 2019-01-05 at 12.53.35 PM.png

    Screen Shot 2019-01-05 at 1.15.41 PM.png

    Anyways. I thought I'd share as it wasn't that long ago I was searching everywhere for this info.
     
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2019
    Limestone and Lazorswardz like this.
  2. cmoore

    cmoore New Member

    Sambar01062018_small.jpg

    Sambar_tire_clearance.jpg


    Moreau's van below is what started my "need" for 15" wheels. The owner was awesome and very helpful.
    Wheels: Rays TE37 15x5.5 +45
    Tires: 165/55R15
    (4/10" wider than mine are, and he has no rubbing either).

    Moreau_Sambar.png
     
    Last edited: Jan 6, 2019
  3. cmoore

    cmoore New Member

    Debadged the mini logo on the center caps.

    Sambar_debadged_wheels.jpg
     
    Lazorswardz likes this.
  4. Jigs-n-fixtures

    Jigs-n-fixtures Well-Known Member

    Looks good.
     
    cmoore likes this.
  5. delphar

    delphar New Member

    i would like to put bigger wheel and tires on mine, still lookin.
     
    cmoore likes this.
  6. Ohkei Dohkei

    Ohkei Dohkei Active Member

    I like it.
     
    cmoore likes this.
  7. RUFRYDUR

    RUFRYDUR New Member

    Nice upgrade! Most helpful. How did they upgrade in wheel and tire size affect your low and high-end speeds?
     
  8. cmoore

    cmoore New Member

    No noticeable performance change beyond the kuhmos having better grip in rain/snow than the old tires. Acceleration and braking feel the same.
     
  9. cmoore

    cmoore New Member

    picked up my second Sambar. A 94. Repeated the 15" Mini wheel swap. Just had to bore out the center hole to 59.1 like last time.

    Stimpy_94Sambar_VW_imposter.jpg
     
    Lazorswardz likes this.
  10. DSlag

    DSlag Member

    Just in case anyone is interested, the 2012 to 2016 Mitsubishi Mirage has 4.5Jx14" ET46 or 5Jx15" ET46 rims. Center bore is also 56.1mm and 4x100.

    Gave my daughter this car as a grduation present. When I saw this thread that got me thinking because, needing winter tires last year, I discovered the Mini's wheels would work on her car.
    So, either the 14" or 15" Mits wheels will also work for this mod.
    Blessings,
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Nov 1, 2019
    cmoore, Lazorswardz and Reese Allen like this.

Share This Page