15" wheel mileage

[Micahgc]

I'm looking to swap out my wheels on my 93 Loyale for some 15" Toyota rims. I haven't decided yet if i want to drill out the rims or re-drill my hubs, but before i do anything, how much will this affect my mileage? Its a SPFI 1.8 with everything factory. Runs good, and i get about 28-32 mpg now, any ideas what it might get with the heavier wheels?

 

Thanks! Micah

[idosubaru]

gas mileage can increase with larger tires since the car is "traveling further" for the same number of revolutions, or it can decrease. there's a lot of variables.

 

i have an EJ18 (1.8) conversion, if i put the 16" wheels on it, it's just terrible on performance and economy. barely usable, not fun. 15" it's fine. with 14" it's great - particularly in flat land - mountains kill it.

 

with my XT6 (6 cylinder) which came stock with 14" rims, it gets better highway mileage with the larger wheels because it's got the power to move them, it's usually running 16".

 

start traveling mountains, a/c on, carrying heavy loads, or going 80 mph and things start dipping quick.