I just paid off my 01 SMR CLS (finally!) . I'm ready to do some minor mods and rims but have a few questions. BTW, I've done a LOT of reading on these boards and it is awesome stuff - kudos.

1) I am getting 18x7.5 rims (45 offset)......but if I go with a 225/40 tire then my speedo will be off by about 1.5%. Is that bad? or pretty normal? Will that put uneccessary miles on the odo?

If I go with 235/40 then it matches up with the stock wheel almost perfect, but I'm afraid the tires will look all "balloonish" on 7.5" rims. Any opinions?

2) I'm going to drop it a little (no more than 1.75") but I want an even drop all the way around. The only springs that offer this (that I've found) is Neuspeed and BG Suspension. Are either of these decent springs? I mostly here about Comptech and HR on this board.

Thanks guys

 

Pic of my car with 235\40\18, 18x7.5 +48, Comptech drop. Tires don't look balloonish at all, I think its perfect.


and about the springs .. theres a reason you only hear about comptech and H&R I love my comptech drop .. gives great looks but still gives the functionality of the car. you can load the trunk and put 4 people in the car and you won't rub ..car handles great but still provides the ride comfort of stock.

 

235s will look perfect on a 7.5" rim

 

comptechs drop more in the front than in the back, for an even drop go with the hr sports or eibach pro kit, coilovers are always there if you want to drop big $$$$...cause since your car is an 01 depending on how many miles u have on it you may need new shocks too so coilovers may be your best bet

 

Thanks guys. Blader, thx for the pic.....that really helps. You're right.....not bad looking at all.

I was looking at the HR springs.....there is still a .25" difference between F/R, but I guess it wouldn't be that noticeable. I would still rather have even...but I don't want a crappy spring either. Anyone have experience with Neuspeed or BG springs?

I have 55K miles and my shocks feel like they are in good shape. With coilcovers, do you still have to buy springs?....or do coilcovers replace springs and shocks?

 

whats the harm in buying Tein SS coilovers that have been used for a year 1/2 ? do they go bad after a while?

 

Neuspeed sprints are stiff and rough, I don't recommend them unless you really want to carve up some roads. BG Springs, no comment...

Coilovers contain springs and struts/shocks. They can be had in either adjustable height, damper, or both.

Myself, I'm running H&R Sports/Bilstein Sports (provides the most even looking drop around, it's conservative, so it's not TOO LOW, and Bilsteins allow a stock ride feeling, almost negligable compared to stock but I can still enter onramps at 110mph ), I'm posting my DIY tomorrow, so you can see the pictures and drop then.