Will rims and tires lower my car any?

[penguin18]

I know this may sound stupid, because I have the stock 14 inch rims which is 24.2 inches total diameter. If I put 17's with 225's will it lower the car any. I don't think it will but i thought i'd ask anyway. If i'm correct there should be not alot of difference in the distance from the ground to my car either, because I wanted to drop it 1.3 inches. Sorry for rambling just trying to figure stuff out.

 

[wret]

Try this:
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

If you get the right wheel/tire combo your overall diameter should be about the same.

 

[jim97gst]

A smaller overall diameter will lower the car. But at the same time it will increase the gap between the top of the wheel and the fender, possibly making the car appear to be higher off the ground. Plus I don't think you want to go smaller than 14". Especially since you're shopping for 17's. A larger overall diameter will raise the car some, but decrease that gap, and possibly make the car appear lower. But either of these will throw off your speedo.

 

[penguin18]

This is what i can find.Tire Size Comparison

Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
185/70-14 5.1in 12.1in 24.2in 76.0in 834 0.0%
225/40-17 3.5in 12.0in 24.1in 75.7in 837 -0.5%
215/45-17 3.8in 12.3in 24.6in 77.3in 819 1.7%

I went out and measured the wheel well and i have a good 4 inches from tire surface to the fender, but the front springs are only an inch above the tire. If i get new shocks and springs will this fix that problem, if it doen't then i can go much bigger unless i get some major offset on the front. which will look hideous.

 

[ProjectTalon130]

The only way your gonna lower the car with wheels and tires is if you go with the stock (or smaller, but why?) wheel size and put lower profile tires on (many have done this for some odd reason) which will lower the car whatever the difference of the sidewalls is. Going 17's with 40 series sidewalls WILL raise your car..my accord had 14" s stock and i put 17" s on with 40 series tires and it definitely raised the overall stance (no suspension however).

 

[wret]

The only practical way to lower your car is with different springs. I personally recommend some type of coilover that is adjustable, otherwise you may not be happy with the result; too low, not low enough or uneven.

There are many recomendations and opinions on this board as to what type or combination is best.

Changing the diameter of your tires will not only compromise the accuracy of your speedometer but smaller tires will increase that wheel gap which is usually the main focus when lowering.