Hey.
New to the forum (and Hondas for that matter).
First, let me pay respect to the veterans/ really knowlegable forum members...
I've been in other forums and got irritated when newbies posted questions that have been asked & answered a billion times. However, I've come up empty in my searches for info on this topic. So here goes; (sorry if it's been asked before.)

As a new owner, (well, I don't actually pick it up 'till Saturday!) I'm looking for TECHNICAL info on wheel/ tire combinations that fit under the fenders of an '03 Civic EX sedan. No offense, but I'm not interested in opinions on what looks 'phat'. Just stuff like offset/ backspacing and what is the widest rubber that will fit NICELY under the fenders w/out rubbing (front AND rear.) I've been to the Tire Rack and found they recommend a 215mm tire with a 17"x7" wheel. I'm a little skeptical though, since the OEM tires are only 185mm wide. 215 seems like it might stick out or rub, depending on the tire/ wheel combination.

I'm also interested in seeing photos from the front/rear quarters that illustrate how various wheels look in relation to the fender lip. I don't want mine to stick out... Ideally they should be at least 1/4" to 1/2" inboard of the fender lip.

BTW, is this whole forum/ environment dominated by coupes and ci's or are there any sedan owners out there that can help?

Thanks in advance for any info...

well welcome to the site! as far as tire selection the 215/45 17 is the closest to the factory wheel diameter. the 205 would probably work for you since you are a little worried about the fittment. with the 17 inch wheel you need about a 40 offset. the 215/45 would fit just fine. if you drop it then you will have to compensate more with camber obviously. i lowered mine 1 inch and i have the 205/40 and my camber is right on. i would get the 45 series if you get the 205. the 40 is a little to thin for me, i have them now and i don't like them. well i hope you can make since of all this. hope this helps. use this to get a better understanding

215/45/17 is like the perfect size. at least for the coupe (not sure about sedan) it comes right to the edge of the fender well, and also leaves room for a drop.

Many sedan owners.
I have 215/40/17' rims if my brain serves me correctly. I dont think it sticks out nor does it rub, i also have my vehicle lowered. 2' Front/Back.
FYI: i have a 01 sedan; dont think it matters though.
I will try to load my pics.

Personally, I love how my 18's look. I have 215/35/18 Toyo Proxies to fit the same dimensions as the OEM wheel with the exception of the width. I also have my car dropped about 2" all the way around and no rubbing.

i have a sedan and ive had 215/40/17, 205/40/17 and 205/45/17 and i liked the 215/40's the best cause they looked nice and thick and still fit in the well but if you want them to go in the well 1/2-1/4 inch then go with 205/45/17. the 205/40/17 i had were too thin and when i looked at them w/o drop they looked so small and dinky (like a 5 inch gap at the top.

riley
if you get 18's go with 215/35 cause 225/40 is way to thick althought it does make a much smoother ride. whereas 225/35 gives you thin sidewall with the big tire look, if i had to buy new tires again for my 18's i would go 225/35.
then coming to 19's only go woith 215/35 everything else wont fit.

i have the big red x where the picture of the tire calc should be..i didnt have it before but everytime i try to use it i cant...ne one know whats the problem???

Got any photos of your setup?

Great info so far, thanks.
I'm very familiar with the whole plus-sizing thing. (I've been into cars for a while...)
So it sounds like the 205 will be the best compromise...not fully filling the fender, but still looks okay and doesn't rub?
A related question: How much of a drop is okay for the car to maintain good suspension geometry? What springs do most people use? I don't want to drop it into the weeds, just enough to take out the gap between the tire & fender. Maybe 1"?

Thanks again for all the pointers.

Everytime I post this everyone says I'm crazy, but I ran 17x7 wheels with a +42mm offset and had the car lowered about 2 inches front and rear. For tires I was running 235/40ZR17(yes 235) Michelin MXX3's and they didn't rub at all. Car had 1.2 degrees neg camber in rear. These tires are the same hieght as the stock 185/65r15 so they do not effect the speedometer.

Again, thanks for the info... Exactly the kind of stuff I'm looking for.

So how about photos? Anyone have some to post?
How about links?
I can use all the info you can give me...
thx.

[IMG]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/IMG]

You can check my car out, I have 18x7 wheels with +42mm offset and 215/35-18 tires. The camber was brought back to factory specs after the drop.click here

your running 235s? damn wish i would have gone with 225s then..

Those fit nicely under the fender...but is there any difference between the coupe and sedan?

Anyone else have pics? EX Sedans?

Thanks.

click my link below thats my ride on 18's w/ 225/40/18 w/ no drop.

riley