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[brocklanders]

im trying to get rid of wheel gap without buying new wheels. the problem i see is that the tires are to stretched on these wider then stock rims. i have an inch in the front and a half inch in the rear from the top of the tire to the highest point of the fender, but since the tires are stretched the top of the tire is well inside the wheel well so all you see is the side wall which makes the gap look bigger. so the easiest solution would be to get wider tires but i just dont see the need to put 265 or 275 on a car with 200hp, so i was thinking about going with 225/45/18 on the front and 255/40/18 on the rear, they will be about one inch taller overall but i think with my after market suspension i shouldn't have any rubbing issues, and as far as not being oem height i had heard it was ok to go alittle taller as far as gearing was concerned. does anyone foresee any problems or correct me if im wrong, input would be greatly appreciated

[alexc93]

just get spacers and springs

[AJ]

Originally Posted by brocklanders

so i was thinking about going with 225/45/18 on the front and 255/40/18 on the rear

Using the tire calculator, and assuming the stock tire is 225/40/18 (front), this will change your diameter by about an inch and your speedo will read 62mph at 60.

Personally, I would keep your tires as they are and just go with springs and spacers like alexc93 suggests. First of all, the taller tire will make your rims look smaller (probably more like 17's), and I figure if you're gonna end up spending a good amount of money if you buy new tires (~600 + mounting and balancing for your new sizes), you might as well spend it on the springs and spacers (which aren't wear and tear components).

While the speedo issue might not matter much to you, I think theres more to be gained (lookwise) with the same amount of sidewall and a drop + spacers. I should mention that performance-wise, you're going to reduce your fuel economy by spinning bigger (read: heavier) tires, and if you autocross, the added sidewall height will probably make your car less responsive in turns and possibly slower off the line (correct me if I'm wrong autox gurus).

[Tee212]

fitment crisis! lol

[brocklanders]

you guys are definitely not wrong, the only thing is i just put 3k into the suspension including eibach sportlines. believe it or not its an inch and a half lower then my stock sport sus. i dont want to get wheel spacers because they are not safe on the front, as tires may be wear and tear im due for a new set in a few months. im not trying to bash either of you im just explaining myself.

[DimSum]

Originally Posted by brocklanders

you guys are definitely not wrong, the only thing is i just put 3k into the suspension including eibach sportlines. believe it or not its an inch and a half lower then my stock sport sus. i dont want to get wheel spacers because they are not safe on the front, as tires may be wear and tear im due for a new set in a few months. im not trying to bash either of you im just explaining myself.

You spent 3,000$ for Eibach Springs?!!!!!!!!

You could get these shocks, and pair it with a set of H&R Sport or Race springs.
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462
And your car would look proper.

Get hub-centric spacers and proper wheel bolts from Turner Motorsport it will be just as safe as stock.

[brocklanders]

Originally Posted by DimSum

You spent 3,000$ for Eibach Springs?!!!!!!!!

You could get these shocks, and pair it with a set of H&R Sport or Race springs.
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462
And your car would look proper.

Get hub-centric spacers and proper wheel bolts from Turner Motorsport it will be just as safe as stock.

do you know how to read or do you just see key words. and in response to your suggestion, i am not changing my shocks and springs again

[DimSum]

Originally Posted by brocklanders

do you know how to read or do you just see key words. and in response to your suggestion, i am not changing my shocks and springs again

Originally Posted by brocklanders

you guys are definitely not wrong, the only thing is i just put 3k into the suspension including eibach sportlines. believe it or not its an inch and a half lower then my stock sport sus. i dont want to get wheel spacers because they are not safe on the front, as tires may be wear and tear im due for a new set in a few months. im not trying to bash either of you im just explaining myself.

If you paid 3K for a shock and spring setup, then you've seriously over paid. Eibach sportline? What kinda shocks are you running? Even with upgraded sway bars you won't be paying 3,000$ for suspension..

[brocklanders]

how did a question turn into this, but here i go, let me break it down for you. i bought eibach sport plus kit $1097, m3 control arm and subframe bushings $640 bmw strut brace $230, install was $975 and $125 for an alignment. now can we get back to the purpose of this thread. im not looking for approval from anyone nor am i asking you what you would have done. i am happy with the results of my purchases except for the gap in the wheel well. one more thing the dollar sign goes in front of the number, for future reference

[Tee212]

lol wow i feel your pain, shouldnt have to explain yourself. You clearly explained 3k including eibach springs.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by Tee212

lol wow i feel your pain, shouldnt have to explain yourself. You clearly explained 3k including eibach springs.

[AJ]

Originally Posted by brocklanders

how did a question turn into this, but here i go, let me break it down for you. i bought eibach sport plus kit $1097, m3 control arm and subframe bushings $640 bmw strut brace $230, install was $975 and $125 for an alignment. now can we get back to the purpose of this thread. im not looking for approval from anyone nor am i asking you what you would have done. i am happy with the results of my purchases except for the gap in the wheel well. one more thing the dollar sign goes in front of the number, for future reference

Yeesh. You mentioned that you were running wider than stock rims...how much wider are we talking? If it's substantial, then doing what you're talking about (getting a higher wall ratio tire) might actually work to safely close the gap.

You say spacers are unsafe for the front? I haven't heard anything of the sort...Can you point me to where you heard this, just to satisfy my own curiosity?

[brocklanders]

the wheels are 18x8.5 and 9.5, it is not an uncommon size but the tires are stretched and in my opinion stretched tires only look good if the car is slammed with a perfect off set. i don not like the slammed look and the offset isnt bad at 30 front and 32 rear, but i do have about 1/4 inch to play with if i wanted to get spacers. but i definitely do not want the wheels out any further then the fenders. i was wondering if anyone knew of rubbing problems with the 225/45 18 and 255/40 setup i had just recently read a post saying that 225/50 17 did not work on someones 335 so i am probably not going to chance it. i read on these forums and my mechanic stated that front spacers may not be safe but i think i would be ok with 5 or 12mm in the front. i think ive decided to go with 235/40 and 265/35 with 5mm spacers that will bring the tire out 10mm and also be slightly taller.

[brocklanders]

i got 12mm spacers front and back, what a difference, i like it allot and am going to stick with this tire size.

[Sherwood]

Looks good with the spacers