CGaud

I'm currently lowered on Buddy Club N+ Coils with '03 stock alloys but come this spring I'm planning on going with a 16x7 (+40) and use spacers to make them flush (not hella flush because I still want function w/o rub). I believe the best tire size is 205/50/16 and I'm aiming for around 1 finger gap all around.

I would really like to keep the front fender liner intact because it snows out here. I'll be renting a fender roller and so I'd rather not have to do this twice. Could anyone post up a pic of their rolled front fenders so that I could have an idea of what to aim for? I think the rears will be pretty straight forward.

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

I don't think you will need to roll the fenders with 1 finger gap all around and that size wheel. I'm not an expert on it though. I thought fender rolling was for low offset wheels and no finger gap.

CGaud

I think you could be right. I always like to prepare for the unexpected and if I can save myself some time later it's always a plus.

I'm still open to a pic of rolled front fender though also curious if I could run a beefier tire...

(I will browse the member rides section in the meantime)

krudmuphin

iTrader: (1)

I didn't have to.
But I'm also not very low, only about 1.25"

My fronts are flush with the fender line and I have no rubbing issues at all. Only I had to fix a misshapen part of my splash guard first.

The rears are a whole different story. I have a 1-finger gap and still have occasional rubbing, even after rolling fenders (heat & hammer technique). I think I just have a ridiculous tire size :P

CGaud

Krud what size are you running?

krudmuphin

iTrader: (1)

215/45 R17
17x7, 37mm offset

CGaud

Hmmmm. Bet they look good. I debated on going w/ 17's but I already took a hit going with the stiffer coils and I think I need more cushion in the ride. Having my fenders rolled today so I'll see how it goes

Largen

Dunno my offset but that's what I'm running! They look awesome.
Plus I'm not lowered... Yet...

sl33pyriceboi

iTrader: (3)

Ok I couldn't have sworn I cOmmented on this

I ran 205/50/16 on my slipstreamed without any problems. And I was tucked.

CGaud

no comment... it was included in the infraction you gave to me though

thanks for the info though... my guy flaked out on me so I will wait on the fender rolling for now and just wait until I order up rims. Still debating on 16's or 17's.

krudmuphin

iTrader: (1)

17"s are alright in terms of ride comfort. Our cars are surprisingly smooth. It's not nearly as bad as my friend's Smart ForTwo with 17" rims. THAT is a rough ride.

But if you go 17", try to find the narrowest contact patch you can. My 215s are very restrictive.

CGaud

Let me see if I got this... 215 is the width of your tire, so you would recommend that if I go with a 17 inch rim I use a tire that is less wide and have them stretched which would narrow the contact patch of the tire? Does that make it more comfortable because there is less rolling resistance caused by the tire?

EDIT: I saw somewhere that another EM2 was running 225/50/16 (tight 1 finger gap) and his ride looked pretty nice although it didn't say whether he rubbed or not.

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

I had 205/40/17 and it was a rough ride on sportlines. I now have 205/50/16 and its still a rough ride with sportlines. I didn't notice a change in ride comfort between the 2 sizes. If your suspension is stiff, your ride will be stiff!

You could probably run a 215 with a higher offset wheel. What offset was the wheel with the 225's?

krudmuphin

iTrader: (1)

Basically I'm suggesting 205/45/R17.
Almost the same thing I have, but the tread of the tire is a bit narrower. (there is no stretching involved) It will give you a very slight advantage for fender clearance. I can't guarantee it makes a huge difference for ya, but it's worth a shot.

CGaud

This was his set-up:

Wheels: Enkei RPF-1's
Specs: 16"x8" ET-38 10mm Rear Spacers & 5mm Front Spacers
Tire specs: 225/45-16
Suspension setup: Bc Br-racing coilovers-
Camber specs:-1.5 rear -.5 front

I really am leaning toward the 17's but I'm running a pretty stiff set up and with the stock tires my girlfriend has already noticed the difference in ride quality. I know nothing will be as comfortably as stock but I'm not looking to chatter too many teeth. I don't regret the suspension upgrade at all because the car handles so much better in the canyon.

When it comes to rims and tire set-ups I can learn a lot from you guys, thanks!

krudmuphin

iTrader: (1)

As Golnat mentioned, the difference in comfort between 16 and 17 is practically unnoticeable. The suspension is what causes most of the stiffness. Now if you had 18s or 19s, then we'd have a problem

Muirsy

my old set up I ran a 17x7.5 +45 with 25mm spacers all the way around and had to roll front and back. No finger gap in the front and was running 205/40/17 tires. Still rubbed a little in the front on certain on-ramps.

CGaud

^^^
I've seen your car around the forum and like the styling a lot... I just purchased type-s rotors so I'll be switching to a 5x114.3 set up. I've read about 25mm spacers and I'm planning on getting some just need to make sure I get the proper rim offset. I'd imagine that I'd have to run a good amount of camber as well so one finger gap wouldn't be an option.

When you roll the front fenders do you have to remove the fender liner?

krudmuphin

iTrader: (1)

It's probably best that you do remove the liner so you don't break it.
However, be aware that getting it back in might be impossible...

The fender liner is the whole reason I didn't want to roll my front fenders.

Muirsy

my fender liner is still there, Ill try and get a pic when I pull my brakes apart. I want to go with 17x9 +22 next spring so may have to do more fender work.

CGaud

Yeah, I'd love to see your pics. So many choices in wheels and fitment a man can go crazy. I've been eyeing a set of Works but I'm on the fence because I'd hate to bend those wheels up. Decisions....

Muirsy

yup I cant make my mind up on what wheels to get next keep going back and forth on a few choices

Kennykid2002

iTrader: (1)

^
Volk TE37.
Anodized Bronze.

krudmuphin

iTrader: (1)

Volk TE37...

The only thing more cliché is Enkei RPF1s

Dare to be different!

Kennykid2002

iTrader: (1)

Volk CE28
Anodized bronze.

Lmfao

GolNat

iTrader: (7)

RPF1's ftw. I'm saving up!! Everyone has them for a reason.

So light, reasonably priced and fresh:

Muirsy

some wheels on my list are te37s, work cr kai, work xd9 and advan rg2 just to name a few lol

CGaud

^^^^
been looking at those all those as well and I have also been checking the classifieds for some Type-S blades but they are all pretty much curbed. My buddy has some black CE28s on his Subie and they look better than I expected. I might try to test fit them but I think they're 17x9.

I guess u get what u pay for in most cases... With the Enkeis you get centercaps at least... I know with Works they are sold separately and with certain wheels you are limited to particular offsets and widths.

I'm a fan of the CR's and RGII.

krudmuphin

iTrader: (1)

Advan RG2 <3

lazlong

I'm gonna have to disagree. Was running 205/40/R17 when I bought the Civic and changed to 225/45/R17 and it's a world of difference. Had to roll the back fenders tho.