aaroncheung

I have a 2001 tl and i am in Vancouver, BC.
My car now is just turning 60k kms and I would need a new set of tires.
Because my budget is somewhat limited, i can only choose between:

1. new tires 215/55/16 and lower the car by Eibach pro kit (tires about 600CAD installed, Eibach pro kit about 600CAD installed, alignment 160)
or
2. a new set of 18 x 7.5 wheels, offset 45mm, and 225/40/18 rubber. Nothing else. (Wheels: 800CAD, tires: 990 installed)
Both tires and wheels are from www.kaltire.com

My questions are:

1. if you were me, which option would u choose?

2. 215/55/16 tires are going to have smaller diameter, will there be speed problem? so is with 225/40/18 ?


Thank you very much for your input. Really appreciate your suggestions and answers.

aaroncheung

by the way, i have a blue tl. Thx again for your inputs.

Lawaia

If you're going to stick with the stock 16" wheels, I suggest you go with 225/55-16 which are closer to the stock rolling diameter (25.7") than the 215/55-16. And yes, the 225's will fit on the stock wheels.

Personal preference will determine if you want to go with 18". In general, you'll increase the handling with the lower profile tires, but will sacrafice a bit on ride quality; less sidewall (lower profile) provides less of a cushion. Also take into consideration road conditions in your area. 18" are more prone to damage when encountering pot holes and roadway imperfections.

So the choice is yours so choose wisely.
BTW 18 x 7.5" +45 with 225/40-18 will be 5/8" shorter than stock. That tire combo will affect your speedo by -2%. You may also be required to trim the rear bumper tab to eliminate rubbing, especially if you're on a drop.

aaroncheung

Thx Lawaia for your explaination. It was very clear that having porportional of 55 will decrease the diameter. One thing that you confused me is the width of the tire. Why is the 225 more closer to the stock rolling diameter than the 215 since this number represent the width of the tire? Sorry i might be asking a very dumb question.

derrick

You need to look at the circumference of the wheel ... maybe you need to know how they calculate tire sizes ...

Read this article from Tire Rack

Hope that helps.

Just like Lawaia said ... what do you want more? Looks/handling or comfort?

aaroncheung

Thank you very much derrrick for your link. it is very very useful.

This is what i am going to do. First i am going to drop the car on the Eibach pro kit (i hope this will improve handling). Then go from there. going to get the springs friday or sat.

aaroncheung

I got the Eibach spring pro kit yesterday. I will try to put them on next week. Can anyone please tell me:

1. about how many km/miles do i have to wait before getting an alignment?
2. do i need any other parts for this lowering job?

Lawaia

1-2 weeks should be enough time for the new suspension to settle in.

aaroncheung

First here to thank Lawaia and derrick of ur info, really appreciate it.

I finally got my car lowered yesterday. It took me full 4.5 hours for the job. ( the online diy really helped). Now it needs a good cleaning job and waxing job (maybe i will do that next weekend).

aaroncheung

The gap between the tire and the fender is still pretty big. I am not sure if this is right or it is my tire's size (215/55/16).

Below is a picture of my car that i took outside my house on the street:

aaroncheung

Here are more pictures of the car:

Lawaia

Looks great!

derrick

Hey aaron -- monterrey blue. Nice. Great pics!

You think you're not low enough?! I think that it's at a great height now. Be warned ... your springs will settle and it will lower a little more. You probably don't want to go any lower because you might need to get a camber kit. You are probably OK at that height. After a couple of weeks, do the alignment so that you won't shred your tires prematurely due to camber wear. Congrats!

(BTW, I just got my Tein springs / Koni Yellows installed and did the alignment. Just put on my 18" Volks for the summer. Will post my pics when the weather improves)