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potator
07-26-2003, 07:29 PM
I've heard some people mention that 17 inches may be a bit too big for our cars and rub. Is this true? I'm guessing the height of the car also plays a factor in this. So if an EP was dropped 2.5 or so inches, and was riding on 17 inch rims, will/might they rub?
And what about STOCK height? Saying you leave your suspension alone without modifying it one bit, and put on some 17 inch rims, will they rub? I know a lot of you guys are either on 16s or 17s so please tell me how they are and what you think. Thank you in advance.

BSEVEER
07-26-2003, 10:18 PM
I don't think you have to worry about rubbing with 17's and 2.5" drop as long as you have the right offset. What's the right offset? I don't know.

si666
07-27-2003, 12:23 AM
I have 17s with eibach pro kit. No rubbing what so ever..even at full lock turn.;)

potator
07-27-2003, 10:51 AM
Ah very sweet news, thanks guys. So what are my chances of rubbing with 17" rims with no springs or coilvers and at STOCK height?? Is that none, or very close to it? Or does ride height make no difference in possibility of rubbing?

fsugatorbait
07-27-2003, 08:14 PM
If you put 17's on stock suspension, your car will suddenly transform into a 4x4. A lot of people waited to put their rims on until they were dropped because of this. Ive got on Teins, which state they drop the car about 1.5, however they are made for the coupe/sedan with soft spring rates so the drop is more in the area of 1.8 or so; with 215 45 17, i have yet to come close to rubbing. HTH

potator
07-27-2003, 11:32 PM
Originally posted by fsugatorbait
If you put 17's on stock suspension, your car will suddenly transform into a 4x4. A lot of people waited to put their rims on until they were dropped because of this. Ive got on Teins, which state they drop the car about 1.5, however they are made for the coupe/sedan with soft spring rates so the drop is more in the area of 1.8 or so; with 215 45 17, i have yet to come close to rubbing. HTH

You've got the Teins and they are softer than the stock springs?
I've heard people on this forum say that they are actually stiffer than the stock springs. Can anyone confirm this?

Civicvtec1ps
07-27-2003, 11:52 PM
Originally posted by potator


You've got the Teins and they are softer than the stock springs?
I've heard people on this forum say that they are actually stiffer than the stock springs. Can anyone confirm this?
tein s tech springs are made for 7thgen civics (01-03)
not for ep3.

Civicvtec1ps
07-27-2003, 11:53 PM
Originally posted by potator
Ah very sweet news, thanks guys. So what are my chances of rubbing with 17" rims with no springs or coilvers and at STOCK height?? Is that none, or very close to it? Or does ride height make no difference in possibility of rubbing?
you wont have ANY problem with rubbing , if you dont have drop.

BarracksSi
07-28-2003, 12:45 AM
It's the overall outside diameter (OD) -- including the tire itself -- that matters, not the size of just the rim.

If you want 19" rims, you'll have to get tires with a reeeally short sidewall to keep the same outside diameter. If you want 22" rims, you might as well wrap rubber bands around the edge. ;)

People around here are usually running no bigger than stock OD and no wider than 7.5" REGARDLESS of rim size. That is, whether it's 15, 16, 17, or 18 inches, the outer dimensions are pretty much the same thanks to proper tire choices.

BarracksSi
07-28-2003, 12:48 AM
Unless you change the lengths of the control arms, trailing links, or all that non-springy stuff, you won't increase your chances of rubbing. The wheel will only follow the path prescribed by the rigid components of the suspension, even if you're running way down on the bumpstops themselves.

potator
07-28-2003, 01:30 AM
Thank you for the awesome information you have provided me with, BarracksSi.
I'm thinking of going with 17x7.5 rims (Subzeros) and not getting springs or any other suspension parts.

And is it true that if I get 17" rims on my stock ride height EP, it would look like a 4x4?? I understand how it already is high as it is, but would it raise my car up two more whole inches??
I certainly hope not. Please tell me this is not true, and what I can do about it, like messing around with the tire size or whatever. Thanks in advance.

si666
07-28-2003, 03:20 AM
Originally posted by potator
Thank you for the awesome information you have provided me with, BarracksSi.
I'm thinking of going with 17x7.5 rims (Subzeros) and not getting springs or any other suspension parts.

And is it true that if I get 17" rims on my stock ride height EP, it would look like a 4x4?? I understand how it already is high as it is, but would it raise my car up two more whole inches??
I certainly hope not. Please tell me this is not true, and what I can do about it, like messing around with the tire size or whatever. Thanks in advance.

If you get 215/45/17 tires the diameter will be as close as you can get to the stockers. Hope this helps..

Civicvtec1ps
07-28-2003, 08:19 AM
Originally posted by si666


If you get 215/45/17 tires the diameter will be as close as you can get to the stockers. Hope this helps..
actually i did put my rims on for one day
and im running 215/45/17. raised up car for bit. yes looks like shiet with out drop, so i took it off next day.
if you dont want drop, get bodykit then put rims on. that wont look too bad,
just a thought

BarracksSi
07-28-2003, 08:46 AM
According to Miata.net's Tire Calculator (http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html) , the 215/45/17 had a 1/2" bigger OD than stock. Not much, but that might have accounted for the perceived raise in height.

I'd be looking for 225/40/17 myself (0.1" smaller diameter), but it seems to be an odd size -- not as many manufacturers even make that size.

Just more info to screw up your plans.. lol ;)

potator
07-28-2003, 09:36 AM
Lol, thanks a lot guys, really appreciate the info. Yeah, I'm eventually gonna get the JDM Type-R body kit for my EP, and was thinking that it would definately help with the appearance, especially since my ride won't be lowered. I was thinking about getting the rims first, but now I may have to go vice-versa. 215/45/17 sounds good to me. How's the car ride on that setting? Enough tire? How's the grip and handling?

fsugatorbait
07-28-2003, 12:41 PM
Originally posted by potator
Lol, thanks a lot guys, really appreciate the info. Yeah, I'm eventually gonna get the JDM Type-R body kit for my EP, and was thinking that it would definately help with the appearance, especially since my ride won't be lowered. I was thinking about getting the rims first, but now I may have to go vice-versa. 215/45/17 sounds good to me. How's the car ride on that setting? Enough tire? How's the grip and handling?

That tire is perfect, I rode on 205/40s for a few days and the ride was much harsher...the extra rubber definately makes a difference.

EP3_DC5
07-28-2003, 05:17 PM
Riding on Rota Subzeros over here 17s with 215/45/17 rubber. Progress Springs, no rubbing at all. As long as you get the right offset, you will be fine even if you are totally slammed.

03hatch
07-28-2003, 05:42 PM
whats a good offset for 17s? 44?

Civicvtec1ps
07-28-2003, 05:55 PM
43 here
off set

Vertigo
07-28-2003, 06:45 PM
The offset on the Rota Subzero's is + 45. The 205/45/17 is the closest tire to the stock tires. They come factory on the Type R. But the 205 is kinda iffy on a 7.5 inch rim. The 225/40/17 might be a better choice because of the width of the rim. And like it was said before, the 225/40/17 is an oddball size and might be hard to find. Also i see that alot of people on this site are roling on 215/45 or 215/40 both of which will effect your gearing as well as the speedo. What i want to know is how much is the speedo off ?

potator
07-29-2003, 01:47 PM
The speedometer guage actually become inaccurate with mods such as new wheels?? Wow, I remember hearing about it before somewhere, that it was possible with a mod or two like a big drop, or some huge wheels, but someone I asked about it later, told me that was complete nonsense. He said there was no way that you could get your speedometer/RPM guage to become inaccrurate or change like that. Can anyone please tell me the truth??

BSEVEER
07-29-2003, 02:14 PM
215/45/17 is not as close as you can get to stock diameter, hope this helps:

Stock: 195/60/15 = 24.21

205/45/17 - 24.26 (.05 bigger, closest to stock, same as CTR)

215/45/17 = 24.61 (.4 bigger)

205/40/17 = 23.45 (.76 smaller)

215/40/17 = 23.77 (.44 smaller)

225/40/17 = 24.08 (.13 smaller)

Remember that if a tire is .4 " bigger in diameter it will only be .2" bigger on either side of the axle or on the radius.

Vertigo
07-29-2003, 05:46 PM
New wheels does not change the speedometer. A different diameter tire (bigger or smaller than 24.212 inches) does. A smaller diameter tire, such as 205/40/17 and 215/40/17 will make the speedometer read faster than the actual speed that you are traveling. Also, a smaller tire will shorten the gear ratio. In my opinion, the gearing is to short from the factory. A smaller tire will increase acceleration, but you will lose top-end speed. A larger tyre (like the brits spell it) will do the oppsite. Slow down the speedo and increace the gear ratio. Look at BSEVEER post it shows the tyre diameter of all tyres in question. Or do a search for a Tire Calculator, imput the size you want and it will tell you the tyre diameter. Or if ya don feel like searching, here is the formula to caculate overall tyre diameter. Click here (http://ephatch.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7964)

BarracksSi
07-29-2003, 08:20 PM
And remember, if you get a tire with a bigger outside diameter, the speedo will read slower than your actual speed. It won't usually be a problem, but if you like to push your chances of getting busted for speeding, a bigger tire can make you think you're going slower than you actually are, just because of the speedometer error.

The speedometer doesn't know that you changed the size of the tires -- it's calibrated for the stock circumference. If you get a bicycle speedometer/computer for your bike, you have to program it for your specific wheel size, otherwise it will give an inaccurate reading.

potator
07-30-2003, 12:52 AM
Wow... thanks guys, that was a lot of great info. But a lot of it also confused me as well, lol. Can you guys tell me what exact kind of tire (not brand or make, but size, etc.) I will need on 17x7.5 wheels to keep my speedometer and all that accurate?? And remember my EP is not and will not be dropped.

BSEVEER
07-30-2003, 02:56 PM
205/45/17 will be best to keep your speedo accurate but I think a 205 will look funny on a 7.5" wheel. Go with the 215/45/17 and your speedo will be close enough. If the speedo says you are going 60mph you will really be going 61mph.

Vertigo
07-30-2003, 07:39 PM
Ya.. what he said. I'm going with a 17x7.5 and a 205/45. It might look funny but o-well. Plus, if i don't like them, i'll just burn them up and get either 215/45 or the hard to find 225/40.:angel:

gabbman
07-31-2003, 04:59 AM
how about 225/45/17 will they fit ok

BSEVEER
07-31-2003, 01:31 PM
I'm not sure, that's pretty big, 24.97. It's a little more that 3/4" diameter bigger than stock.

TripleJ02
08-02-2003, 07:02 PM
Or you can say screw it all like me.
I runnin 18s wit 215/35/18

BSEVEER
08-04-2003, 10:12 AM
That's only .284" smaller diameter than stock, not too bad, not as small as a 215/40/17.

potator
08-04-2003, 06:27 PM
What are the exact specs of our stock tires/rims?

BSEVEER
08-04-2003, 06:54 PM
This is all I know. Stock diameter is 24.212" and wheel/tire weight is 38 to 39lbs. Tire size is 195/60/15 and wheel size is 15x6 (I think it's 6) bolt pattern is 4x100 and offset is 45.

Vertigo
08-04-2003, 07:16 PM
If the offset of the stock wheels is 45 it sure does not look like it. But, one factor contributing to that is the wheel is only 6 inches wide.

BSEVEER
08-05-2003, 01:48 PM
Originally posted by raiyo, here is a pic of the inside of our stock wheel.

potator
08-07-2003, 04:51 AM
Thank you so much, BSEVEER, you've been a great help to me and my questions. Thanks to everyone else also for participating in my topic and helping out.

irrational
08-08-2003, 12:26 PM
I am lowered on the progress springs with 17x7inch 42mm offset rims wrapped in 215-45-17 tires. no rubbing for me front or rear, even when i tear it up through the canyons.

sleepin02si
08-09-2003, 06:13 AM
Originally posted by BSEVEER
205/45/17 will be best to keep your speedo accurate but I think a 205 will look funny on a 7.5" wheel. Go with the 215/45/17 and your speedo will be close enough. If the speedo says you are going 60mph you will really be going 61mph.


Can anyone else verify that the speed difference of 1mph is correct? I could live with the difference as long as I knew for sure how much to compensate for the wheel size-mph gap. Thinking about it now, I do know a cop who might radar me for the fun of it. (Not for a ticket:D ;) :cool: )

I'm going to try my hand at calculating the best tire size for a 16" rim. If I have trouble, I will be back with ?'s:(

BSEVEER
08-11-2003, 11:04 PM
Someone here has a tire size calculator in their signature. I don't remember who it is but that's where I got that information.

potator
08-14-2003, 07:34 PM
It should be this link:

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

GeNoZiDe
08-18-2003, 08:36 PM
i got 17inch rims on with 205/40/17 tires
with ebiach 1.5 drop thingy

i ve once dropped it to the floor with my old skunk2 coils
no rubz LOL

Tnhatch03
08-18-2003, 09:21 PM
the rims i am lookin into have an offset of 42...what exactly does that mean? and...would the weight of the rims cause? like...good or bad or somethin? maybe a dumb question right there.

GeNoZiDe
08-18-2003, 10:00 PM
lighter the rim the faster u can go faster

JDMSi02
08-20-2003, 01:35 PM
Does anyone know the wheel offset for the Si, I want a pair of ROTA slipstreams and I dont know the offset.

BSEVEER
08-20-2003, 02:12 PM
Uh, just read the thread dude, it's near the top of this page.;)

BarracksSi
08-20-2003, 02:22 PM
A good explanation of wheel offset is in this thread, courtesy of cpu519 :

http://www.ephatch.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14646&highlight=stock+AND+wheel+AND+offset

Stock offset is 45 mm, FWIW.