rddragoness

OK.. I bought a set of wheels 18 x 8's with + 45 offset, ( I didn't know I could get stock offset or I would have) The wheels are 20.0 pounds each.

Now sitting on stock tires 225x45x18 I have a huge fender gap. I've been consulting with a friend....and I trust his judgement and he's recommended coilovers for lowering to close the gap. That I can live with. He has an 8 and has done all of these mods..

My concerns....Will I lose the foam filled struts if I do coilovers...Guys I know nothing about this so I would appreciate some help here. I don't understand what does what and why. I don't want to lose the stiffness nor the ride that I have. I mean really guys, ya don't want to mess with perfection too much ya know...

I want the ability to run to the twisties aggressively as I always have..., plus the ride and comfort..Can anyone recommend a setting for me, and/or explain this so I can understand it.

I am going to have to explain to a tech what kind of setting I want...and what I'm looking for eventually, and I'd really like to be able to do that with confidence.

To be named later

Is returning the wheels to the manufacturor an option?

I mean......if they've only been on the car briefly and they can be returned and EXCHANGED in like-new condition, for the same wheels but different size, I would think the manufacturor might be willing.

Hell.....even if there is a 15% restocking fee or worse, that fee will probably close to what the cost will be in time, effort, and parts to put new coilovers on the car.

(though I will admit I have no clue as to how much coilovers cost)

rddragoness

Unfortunately no refunds after mounting except for manufacturers defects....

dannobre

iTrader: (3)

The wheel edge should be in almost the same spot as stock wheels...why has the gap changed?? Might just be the way the wheels look??

There are nothing special you will loose in the transition to coilovers.....so go for it if you have the cash and don't mind the stiffer ride

Did you talk to the dealer you bought the rims from...if they have good service they will usually swap if you're unhappy

rddragoness

Thats what I was thinking, why I chose the highest offset I thought I could have gotten.. It may very well be the look because of the wheels...but I've been wanting to lower her anyway...Now I have too, LOL. These are only the first set though...I know eventually I'll want others...Once I get the kit on it, we'll see what it looks like.
I don't mind a stiffer ride. I've been assured she'll still be comfortable, and yet handle like I'm used to if not better. I may have to adjust my driving style but it can only improve..

G-ReX

Your suspension cross members are foam-filled, not the shocks, so don't worry about that. dannobre is right: it doesn't make sense that your vertical gap to the fender would change, only the position of the wheel side-to-side. You'd have to change the aspect ratio of the tire (ie. 45 to 40) to increase the vertical gap with the same size wheel or change the springs. The tires aren't all shined up to emphasize the gap more, are they?
Take some rides in someone's car with Tein coilovers & see if it's to your liking.

DrewMan

the lower your offset is, the further your wheel will stick out.

having a +45 offset will mean that it will stick out 5mm further than the stock rims since theyre +50.

unless you dont actually have +45 offset rims, it shouldnt sit further in.

offset has nothing to do with the gap between the top of the fender. it only makes it stick further out.

to get rid of the gap, youll either need larger tyres (which will throw your speedo out) or lower the car. you can just change the springs to lower it.

the only bad thing is that you will lose ride comfort and you may scrape on taller speed bumps and dips

rddragoness

Um.....Yeah they are all shined up.... I hadn't considered the optical illusion that made it look worse than it truly is. I plan on taking a ride with my friend, before I commit to this as well. I did take a little spirited drive a few minutes ago, and I will have to adjust my driving a bit..but I know the suspension is the same. I think...what spooked me was a little oversteer on my part when I took her for her initial drive before I brought her back to have the wheels re torqued.

Too bad our springs aren't adjustable.. I would make life simpler!

What are we talking about as far as losing ride comfort. I don't want to feel like I'm bouncing around or riding in a truck or the first model Z06 that came out. That I hated...

I assume those questions will be answered once I take a ride in my buddies car.

Thanks guys, alot of very informative help here, and is much appreciated.