Question about Springs/Coilovers

[Shinchu]

also wheel diameter has nothing to do with the fender gap. its how much sidewall you have vs. ride height.


for example im about to mount a 17x9.5 with my stock tires of 215/45/17.
if I wanted an 18x9.5, I would simply change aspect ratio or sidewall height to 215/40/18 instead of 45. this keeps the outer diameter of the tire the same or very close to stock.
if you went up to 18 and kept the ratio of 45, it would make the outer diameter larger, and completing one revolution of the wheel would take a greater distance. (unroll a fruit by the foot like a wheel on a table and you will see what I mean as it gets smaller)
this larger wheel would hurt performance by making sluggish acceleration, heavier, and also make your speedometer reading incorrect.


I went straight to coils on my FRS but I have owned several cars, starting off with a civic, then a 240sx(s13), and AE86 all on springs with upgraded dampers.
I made my own adjustable perch springs (ground controls) on my AE86, then on my silvia(s14) I had fully adjustable coilovers (CST zero 1) and OH MAN what a difference!
since then I got a Camaro with upgraded springs and dampers and it was like back to caveman status and way too soft. got myself another AE86 with PBM coilovers (see sig pic) and it was back to party mode!


keep in mind though, my suspensions progressed with my skill.
I urge you to go with spring/damper upgrade first. get used to that. upgrade other parts of the car to provide a balanced setup.
THEN, when you know you are ready for coilovers, go for it.
oh and if you get adjustable rear lower arms, most have a lower mount option for your coilover to re-gain some lost travel in the rear.
I got some PBMs, super strong and cheaper than most! plus for me I just walk in and plunk down cash haha no shipping!

[Racecomp Engineering]

Originally Posted by Flosstradamus

I see. What if I were to upgrade to 18x9.5 ?

18x9.5 wheels are not an "upgrade" to anything other than looks...but if you're okay with that and want a large drop, I would recommend coilovers instead of springs.

Keeping it around $1k for suspension...a car with Bilstein B6 dampers, quality springs (RCE Yellow, Eibach prokit, Swift sport), and also reasonably sized wheels/tires will be a lot more fun to drive.

- Andrew

[Shark_Bait88]

And please don't put any 215 tire on a 9.5" wheel, if you go that wide.

[Shinchu]

that was just an example for outer diameter.
but uh...


too late.


I also own rocket ship underpants.

[LOLS2K]

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=67345

[Flosstradamus]

Thanks for all the responses. I'll be going with RCE Yellows for the time being and worry about everything else later if I do decide to change rims.