Bigger Wheels/Lowering?

[fastplant]

How important is lowering a car if you put bigger wheels on it? Let's say I put on 17 or 18's in place of my 16's, do I really NEED to lower it, or can I just get an alignment? I've heard people saying it's absolutley needed, but I'm not sure why, thanks

 

[wret]

No, you do not NEED to lower you car. Typically when you choose a larger wheel, you will choose a tire that has a similar diameter to stock. Alignment is not necessitated by switching tires, but it might be a good time to check it with those nice new tires at risk.

 

[fastplant]

Thanks, I plan on maybe getting larger wheels/tires, but I don't plan on lowering it right away as I won't have all the $$ up front.

 

[greenmachine97]

you will look a bit like a topless 4x4, SUV. it jsut happens that way. no big deal, just get some cash and lower it. but the wheel gap will be much more apparent

 

[fastplant]

Originally posted by greenmachine97
you will look a bit like a topless 4x4, SUV. it jsut happens that way. no big deal, just get some cash and lower it. but the wheel gap will be much more apparent

really? I would think it would make the wheel gap less apparent seeing as the bigger wheel would fill in some of it. No? Maybe I should lower it first.

 

[wret]

Don't worry about it. You'll look like 80% of the other Eclipses out there only with flashier wheels.

As I said, your overall wheel diameter should be about the same so your gap will be the same. I've heard it said that having less rubber thickness compared to the size of the gap can give the appearance of a bigger gap, but that's pretty subjective.

On the other hand, if you're looking for better handling performance, start with your suspension.

 

[GSntncT]

Originally posted by wret
Don't worry about it. You'll look like 80% of the other Eclipses out there only with flashier wheels.

As I said, your overall wheel diameter should be about the same so your gap will be the same. I've heard it said that having less rubber thickness compared to the size of the gap can give the appearance of a bigger gap, but that's pretty subjective.

On the other hand, if you're looking for better handling performance, start with your suspension.

He's absolutely right. My GST came with the stock 16" wheels with that gap. When I sold them and threw RS 14s on there, the tires were much bigger, but still had the same size gap. When my 17s came in with 215/45 tires, the gap was still the same. Only changing the actual linkage(springs, etc) will change the gap in your wheelwells.

 

[fastplant]

Yeah, I guess I'll do suspension first, that should be cheaper anyway, right?

 

[GSntncT]

Originally posted by fastplant
Yeah, I guess I'll do suspension first, that should be cheaper anyway, right?

Just getting lowering springs or coilovers is relatively cheap. coilovers with new shocks, systems like TEIN.....can cost a pretty penny.

Not to mention there is alignment, camberkits, and strut bars that can come in to play too, pending on how much you lower it.

Oops, did I just open a can of worms?

 

[fastplant]

I've read the lowering springs vs. shocks threads, but this is just a daily driver, nothing serious, basically going for looks on this. I may just get the springs for now.

 

[fastplant]

Say I get these http://www.prostreetonline.com/pso/...ttype=Suspension&producttypesub=Tokico+Shocks

What else do I need to lower? Sorry for being such a n00b

 

[greenmachine97]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2469552015&category=33590
i have this on my daily driver and am very very happy with it! it comes with shocks and lowering springs. this is a great buy for the price and perfect for daily driving. if you have any questions, please PM me, i will be happy to answer them