i have an 06 malibu Ls 2.2l 4cyl. im currently running the stock 15" steel wheels with 205/65/r15 tires. im looking to upgrade to some aftermarket wheels soon but didnt know what size would be to much for the 4cyl to handle. i was thinking of going with 18" like on the ss model but i found a great deal on some 19x8 for much less. Would 19's with the appropriate tire size be too much for the 2.2l? The 19's weigh 30lbs without tire if that helps any. Thanks

It may be able to handle it, but will you be able to turn without rubbing with those?

Not to mention that 19" tires are a bit higher than 18's or even 20" tires.

I'm not worried about fitment, I've seen people running 20x8.5 with minimal rubbing. My concern is I've also heard of 20's destroying the v6 and trans in malibus and these 19's weigh 30 lbs without tire. So I was just curious if anyone is running 18's or bigger on the 2.2l 4 cyl and if they have had any problems. The 19's and tires will be $50 cheaper than the 18's with tires, only difference is the treadwear for the 19's will be 300 where the 18's will be 340. I don't plan on riding these year round so mileage isn't a huge deal between the tires.

The 2.2 will handle them. You will notice a difference in power. I had 20x8.5 on my 2.2 Sonoma. Your only issue will be possible rubbing. As far as the tranny liking the bigger wheels, under normal driving conditions it should be ok.

I'd go with a nice 17 or 18, but that's just me a 19 or 20 might be to big. And unless your over all rim and low pro is the same circumference as your stockers, you will need your speedo re-calibrated.

Plus when running 19 or 20s and trying to get an even height tire as stock there's less tire between the rim and the road. You run a high risk of cracking a rim.

They almost for certain will make the ride a little bit harsher too.