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-   -   Raise it or smaller rims? (https://www.civicforums.com/forums/44-suspension-performance-modifications/273185-raise-smaller-rims.html)

manthatguysfast 08-04-2006 11:14 AM

Raise it or smaller rims?
 
soooooooo.......

I'm sick of the way my car rides. I never want to drive it anymore because of the shitty ride BUT I still love the civic. We always end up taking my girls civic EVERYWHERE and she has put on like 38k miles in less than 2 years. I need a change!!!!!!!

right now im on 18s with 215/40 tires. dropped on neuspeed sports with tokico HP's.

the problem is mostly around turns. im not worried about the stiffness or the fact that you can feel the road more since its dropped and on 18s...the problem is around turns it feels like im in an earthquake. VERY unstable around the turns, even if im taking it moderately slow. sure, if I BABY it around a turn it will be smooth...but we're talking literally 2 mph around the turn, grandma driving stuff...

when going straight (obviously) the wheel fits under the wheel well. even when i hit bumps or whatever its fine. but when i turn though, the wheel hits the fender and makes the car jump. i realized this was the problem when i was backing out of my driveway and I had my wheels slightly turned....when they're turned i can hear the tire hitting the wheel well because it it sticking out.

it also sags in the back so the wheels are tucked...but thats not so much of a problem i don't believe.

my question is what should i do to solve it....

i was quoted 485 to get the Eibach ProKit installed....but if I do that, i think it will look like a 4x4. a 1 inch drop isn't much...

my other option is to get smaller rims...i would probably go down to a 16. thats much more costly though....probably at least $1,000.

what should I do fellas!? i just want a nice ride again and the ablity to go around turns without telling my passengers to hold on and brace their kidneys. haha

Kevbotron 08-04-2006 11:20 AM

HAHA, the pro-kit doesnt make it look like a 4X4, it's all the car really needs, my car is on the pro-kit w/ 17s and the ride feels like stock:) I WHIP around turns w/o worrying. That is a little high of a price though, I paid 350 total springs and labor.

HondaKorn 08-04-2006 11:21 AM

16's should be fine...im riding 15's and might up it to 16's....cheaper tires too and a bigger sidewall....

manthatguysfast 08-04-2006 11:26 AM

hrmm...

so you think if i put the prokit on with 18s it wouldn't look too high? from the pics ive seen of prokits its a barely noticible drop...so i figured with 18s it would look just a tad lower than a civic on 18s with no drop...which looks 4x4

Zzyzx 08-04-2006 11:32 AM

Your dealing with a couple of things here.

1. too low of a ride height (you've messed up the cars suspension Geometry)
2. To High amount of unsprung weight (wheels + tires) which forces your suspension to work harder just to simply keep the tires incontact with the ground.
and
3. not enough side wall on the tires to help dampin the ride.

Civicman1988 08-04-2006 11:32 AM

prokit and 17's

Rennen 08-04-2006 11:36 AM

stay with the neuseed sports and get a set of 15 or 16 inch OEM rims. thats what my car is on and the ride is awesome.

manthatguysfast 08-04-2006 11:44 AM


Originally Posted by Zzyzx
Your dealing with a couple of things here.

1. too low of a ride height (you've messed up the cars suspension Geometry)
2. To High amount of unsprung weight (wheels + tires) which forces your suspension to work harder just to simply keep the tires incontact with the ground.
and
3. not enough side wall on the tires to help dampin the ride.

so you're saying:

1. raise it
2. get ligher rims
3. get fatter tires

ALL great solutions....IF i were rich! haha. i was hoping you'd chime in though...

if I could only do 1 thing (right now) what would make the most difference? getting smaller rims (#2...less unsprung weight) or raise it (#1..fix geometry)

even if 1 thing doesn't completely fix the problem....i need my car to at least be stable while turning.

I can't do both right now, but if I don't do something soon i fear my car will find itself douced in gasoline in the middle of an orchard. :lol:

Zzyzx 08-04-2006 12:23 PM

2. get ligher rims
3. get fatter tires

Two birds one stone... Smaller wheels are typically lighter... and require you to use a "fatter" tire in order to match the stock wheel/tires overall diamiter.

ajhdragon 08-04-2006 12:26 PM

from personal experience fatter tires on smaller rims make a better ride than adjusting ride height.

manthatguysfast 08-04-2006 12:48 PM

thats what i was kinda leaning toward too...even though new rims/tires are going to be more expensive...

would 17s have ANY issues? ok 1st please dont lock this now..haha

i know tons of people run 17s but tons of people also run turbo and run into problems...

if i want a comfortable ride would 17s be alright with the drop im on....or should i just go with 16s to be safe??

when i first started modding i wanted 18s cuz i thought they looked the best (actually i still do). but now i really don't care about how they look as long as the ride is good. IMO 18s look the best...but seeing as im about to start a University...im going to be broke, so no money to run 18s the RIGHT way..

is there any chance a 17 would cause any kind of problems? what about 16s? i just want to be able to strap the damn wheels on and have a nice ride! maybe i should just go back to my hubcaps! i hate my ride right now :(

Kevbotron 08-04-2006 12:57 PM

rock the steelies! thats what I'm gonna do come winter heh;) or you could sell the 18s for 17s or 16s:shrug:

manthatguysfast 08-04-2006 12:58 PM

nevermind...that was a dumb question now that i think about it...

i think i am just going to go with 16s. they're going to be cheaper, lighter and less hassle....

the search for gloss black 16s is on

03civda 08-04-2006 01:23 PM


Originally Posted by manthatguysfast
nevermind...that was a dumb question now that i think about it...

i think i am just going to go with 16s. they're going to be cheaper, lighter and less hassle....

the search for gloss black 16s is on

Good Choice! Good luck finding a set you like bud!:tup:

manthatguysfast 08-04-2006 01:27 PM

thanks! im having a hard time convincing myself i will like the 16s lol...but im going to give them a try.

i just see a lot of cars with smaller rims and i dont think it looks as good as 18s or even 17s. i gotta remember ride quality over looks!

greenEX 08-04-2006 02:49 PM

18's are out. get with it. lightweight 16 x 7 's are the sh*t. get a 215- 50-16 tire too.

BlackKnight008 08-04-2006 03:06 PM

Just got a pair of 18's lol and 17's work great with a 2 inch drop on my civic so I honestly think you should stick to 17's

manthatguysfast 08-04-2006 03:34 PM


Originally Posted by greenEX
18's are out. get with it. lightweight 16 x 7 's are the sh*t. get a 215- 50-16 tire too.


lol....yes, SIR! getting with it, SIR! haha.

i dunno what it is about smaller rims, i just hate....that look...ok lemme go find some pics since i cant think of how to describe how ugly it looks to me......

edit: ok 17's
https://photos18.flickr.com/23710055_d08f006a9a_o.jpg

16's
https://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d...s/DSC07750.jpg

15's
http://www.7thgencivic.com/memberrid...9/dsc00015.jpg

i dunno....15s just look dorky to me haha..i guess thats the only way to describe it. the 16s look kinda dorky too...now that i really look at them...i dunno why......

crap! now i want the 17s again lol

Kevbotron 08-04-2006 03:59 PM

get 17s if you think someday you'll get the pro-kit imo. 205/45/17 is a dec ride.

http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/at...4&d=1150405445

4x4 style:) (those are 40's btw)

Zzyzx 08-04-2006 04:44 PM

15's! WOOT!

http://www.7thgencivic.com/memberrid...elinsmall2.jpg
http://www.7thgencivic.com/memberrid...35749sts01.jpg
http://www.7thgencivic.com/memberrid...7tightleft.jpg
http://www.7thgencivic.com/memberrid...357sidenew.jpg

Sorry shameless self plug.... (I run 17's on the street.... but am probably going to pick up another set of 15's to replace them... maybe 16's.

Kevbotron 08-04-2006 04:54 PM

Luv that 1st shot, you can almost hear the tires squeel, all 3 of em;)

Christian Calim 08-04-2006 05:00 PM


Originally Posted by Zzyzx
15's! WOOT!

http://www.7thgencivic.com/memberrid...elinsmall2.jpg
http://www.7thgencivic.com/memberrid...35749sts01.jpg
http://www.7thgencivic.com/memberrid...7tightleft.jpg
http://www.7thgencivic.com/memberrid...357sidenew.jpg

Sorry shameless self plug.... (I run 17's on the street.... but am probably going to pick up another set of 15's to replace them... maybe 16's.


hey zzyzx i can never get tired of your pictures!:tup:


Originally Posted by Zzyzx
15's! WOOT!

http://www.7thgencivic.com/memberrid...elinsmall2.jpg
http://www.7thgencivic.com/memberrid...35749sts01.jpg
http://www.7thgencivic.com/memberrid...7tightleft.jpg
http://www.7thgencivic.com/memberrid...357sidenew.jpg

Sorry shameless self plug.... (I run 17's on the street.... but am probably going to pick up another set of 15's to replace them... maybe 16's.


hey zzyzx i can never get tired of your pictures!:tup:
oh and manthatguysfast im looking for someone to trade rims for 18 i have 17 and ive been looking for someone to trade rims for if you dont have the money i just thought this would be easier to do.(all you have to worry about it shipping price rather than rims price.)

manthatguysfast 08-04-2006 05:10 PM

oh i have no doubt of the function of 15s! im just saying as for looks...i think 15s look kinda dorky. when i see them i think of those huge black donuts people use to float on in the ocean or get pulled on behind a boat haha...actually not so much in those AutoX pics...but in the pic i posted it does...


Calim...what 17s do you have to trade??? i might be interested...im looking for gloss black...but open to ideas

EXsmellsbetter 08-04-2006 05:21 PM

If you're stuck on getting 17"s then I suggest the Motegi racing TrakLite's. They're only 14 lbs. each. And I believe under $300 each as well.

Christian Calim 08-04-2006 05:36 PM

its gloss black with a polished lip wrapped with 17's heres a pic
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...920_9_full.jpg

and another on the other side
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...20_12_full.jpg

manthatguysfast 08-04-2006 05:49 PM

damn man thats nice.....really nice!!

I don't think those are the style of rim I'm going for though...too much goin on for me. but i dunno....i've got to look around still...i'll definitely keep the trade in mind...

burke420 08-14-2006 01:38 AM

from my 17s to my 16s, wouldnt got back! i love my
Rota's

Hurts2bStock 08-14-2006 02:59 AM

Hey MTGF....long time no see......I 've gone to 225/45/17 after having low pros.....it took some getting used to (about 6 months to be honest) but the ride quality is soo much better........lots of the fun curvy roads here are left bumpy on purpose to avoid them becoming race tracks, so they sucked with lowpro's.....now I can rip on them with no worries......here a pic
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y21...k/039Large.jpg

LiKEaFeRiO 08-14-2006 04:14 AM

Try 215/35/18 tires?

CiviCSiR202 08-14-2006 04:48 AM

bro im riding in 4x4 right now and i dont know what setting to put in my car
can some one help me out here


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