Tire fitment issues in the rear

[BRZ-G1]

Originally Posted by Re_Invention

Please update with Ohlins impression, when available - I'm looking to get the road & track soon, too. Just got the car Monday, need to finish break in.

Cheers,
Colin

It took a while for me to get these set up as I like.

1. Drop /stance
If you are getting these, you need to know that the amount you can drop the car, while maintaining good drivability, is limited.

The front can drop about 1-1.25 inches and the rears about 0.75 inches. To get more drop, you have to decrease the preload, which affects the handling in a bad way; I tried this. Personally, I think the drop is enough, even if it does not look to be aggressive.

2. Ride / Handling
These coilovers are really sweet in terms of how they make the BRZ feel. First, there is less initial turn in lean, which I felt a bit too much with stock setup. Second, even with more stiffer springs, the ride is way more compliant than stock.
I have the fronts at 8 clicks out from stiffest position and 11 clicks for the rear. This gives very nice handling balance without any bounciness.
For track, I think 3–6 clicks should be fine, but the tide will be a bit bouncy. Overall, these will be great for an occasional track day, they are not dedicated track coilovers.

[BRZ-G1]

To update fitment.

With 18x8.5 44et + 245/35R18 there will be no rub with limited compression (see picture. Any further compression than this, there will be a slight touch to the inner plastic. This happened when I tried lowering the car too much by lowering the preload. When getting into the driveway there was s slight rubbing of the plastic when the wheel was tucking in. With current preload, the tire still tucks in, but does not reach the rubbing point (photo below). Camber is about -2.

[timurrrr]

Originally Posted by BRZ-G1

To update fitment.

With 18x8.5 44et + 245/35R18 there will be no rub with limited compression (see picture. Any further compression than this, there will be a slight touch to the inner plastic. This happened when I tried lowering the car too much by lowering the preload. When getting into the driveway there was s slight rubbing of the plastic when the wheel was tucking in. With current preload, the tire still tucks in, but does not reach the rubbing point (photo below).

Minor correction is that more preload doesn't prevent rubbing from happening, it just makes it less likely, and makes it less severe when it does happen. But if you put more passengers and/or cargo in the car it will negate the extra preload.

One possible way to prevent rubbing from happening is limiting the amount of bump travel available, but that's only reasonable in some setups, e.g. if the rear springs are pretty stiff.

[MMoore4545]

Originally Posted by BRZ-G1

To update fitment.

With 18x8.5 44et + 245/35R18 there will be no rub with limited compression (see picture. Any further compression than this, there will be a slight touch to the inner plastic. This happened when I tried lowering the car too much by lowering the preload. When getting into the driveway there was s slight rubbing of the plastic when the wheel was tucking in. With current preload, the tire still tucks in, but does not reach the rubbing point (photo below). Camber is about -2.

What kind of clearance do you have on the inside of the wheel to the coilover? Thanks for all the pics

[BRZ-G1]

Attachment 208250

Originally Posted by MMoore4545

What kind of clearance do you have on the inside of the wheel to the coilover? Thanks for all the pics

Max 6mm or 1/4 inch with stock suspension. With Ohlins, there is more space as they are slimmer.

[ForeverCar]

I am wondering whether I should proceed with the Apex 17x9 +42 that I bought prior to learning about the 2nd gen fitment. They are still brand new in the box. If someone would like to buy them for 15% off, let me know.

[beat1]

My coilovers are installed, I'm gonna test fit those Apex 17x9 ET42 this week. I think it's gonna be fine but won't be able to drop aggressively.

[BRZ-G1]

Originally Posted by ForeverCar

I am wondering whether I should proceed with the Apex 17x9 +42 that I bought prior to learning about the 2nd gen fitment. They are still brand new in the box. If someone would like to buy them for 15% off, let me know.

Inner clearance will be fine, but there will definitely be rubbing issues outside if the car is dropped.

I have rubbing, albeit minor, at full compression at the rear with -2.3 camber. Again, 18x8.5 et44 245/35r18

Edit: at stock height, you may be ok.

[ForeverCar]

Originally Posted by BRZ-G1

Inner clearance will be fine, but there will definitely be rubbing issues outside if the car is dropped.

I have rubbing, albeit minor, at full compression at the rear with -2.3 camber. Again, 18x8.5 et44 245/35r18

Edit: at stock height, you may be ok.

I plan on running stock suspension for now so should be okay. By the time I upgrade suspension, I will likely go 18” wheels anyway (to clear bigger brakes).

[beat1]

Originally Posted by ForeverCar

I plan on running stock suspension for now so should be okay. By the time I upgrade suspension, I will likely go 18” wheels anyway (to clear bigger brakes).

You will need a 10mm spacers and extended studs to clear the stock front strut.

[ForeverCar]

Originally Posted by beat1

You will need a 10mm spacers and extended studs to clear the stock front strut.

Oh no! If that’s the case, I will most likely sell the wheels and go with something else.

[BRZ-G1]

I have a question for people who have experience with aftermarket coilovers and camber plates.

I have installed the Ohlins with stock mounts. Feel it is way overpriced to get Ohlin adjustable camber plates, $500 for front pair.

I pulled the trigger on Eibach camber plates as they were on sale for $125 for the pair. These Eibach plates are not a perfect fit around the damper bolt, as the Ohlin spacers are designed for stock mounts. Do you guys think I will have issues if I install the Eibach camber plates with the Ohlins?

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by ForeverCar

I am wondering whether I should proceed with the Apex 17x9 +42 that I bought prior to learning about the 2nd gen fitment. They are still brand new in the box. If someone would like to buy them for 15% off, let me know.

I've got a set as well from my 1st gen. I think it might be ok with a 235/40/17 fitment.

[BRZ-G1]

Update after final alignment since the Ohlin install.

Words cannot describe the difference in steering response I got after the alignment. It must have been really off. The car feels several magnitudes better in terms of steering response. Handling inspirers so much more confidence with the Ohlins.

I took the car out for a spirited drive through some canyon roads. Car feels sublime! I could not ask for more. Very refined ride with buttoned down feel, even when pushed hard.

This is where I experienced the mild rub, when the car got unsettled on a hard turn, causing hard compression. Both fronts and rears had this. Front can be cured by adding negative camber, but the rears would need stiffer springs, increased ride height, or just narrower tires. My thought is that 225/40r18 tires may be the answer with my wheels.

Edit: all nice track tires do not come in 245/35r18 anyway. All of the track tires come in 225/40R18