eggm0nster

I've got a set of wheels with the following specs:

18 x 7.5, 5 x114.3, offset - 42

Can I wrap these in 235/45/18?

asaldworth

I have 235/45/18's on my 18x8 wheels and they fit perfectly.

ed_423

did you have to install new springs or w/e to close the gap? or theres no gap

eggm0nster

New shoes put on two days ago... Will post more once car is washed.

john1244

VERY Nice... would like to see more pics.

eggm0nster

A few more pics I took this morning with my blackberry (sorry for the quality) Will take better pics once the car is dropped.

defconskylude

i have tires wrapped at 225/40/18

eggm0nster

Yeah, I've got mine wrapped with Sumitomo HTR Z III at 225/40/18. Rides really nice. Tein S Tech's should be coming in some time next week.

patcracks

pimpin very nice

defconskylude

awesome. ill be getting S tech's as well. cant wait to see your pics

kristy7911

eggm0nster, what kind of wheels are those, they look really nice!

eggm0nster

XXR 006 Gunmetal, XXR previously known as Sportmax

defconskylude

are you going to get a camber kit?

how long will the OEM shocks hold up with the S Techs?

eggm0nster

Honestly, I don't have a clue... I'm not a car junkie at all and good thing you brought this to my attention. Maybe someone here could shed some light on this.

Car does have some camber in the rear after new wheels and tires, was told that it shouldn't have any affect and actually improves handling. Not too sure if the drop will change it any... but once again, if someone could shed some light on this, thanks in advance.

Do they offer camber kits already?

I did come across some posts where some have said OEM shocks should last 50-60k with springs but they weren't specific as to which brand.

I'll find out for sure from the guy that'll be doing my spring install.

defconskylude

i asked Eric from Assaultech the same question and he responded with "Stechs are very likely to cause premature failure of OEM quality struts. I would recommend an aftermarket strut, such as tokico or Koni that is designed specifically to handle a lowered vehicle."

eggm0nster

Well, I believe this is true with all lowering springs, it's just a matter of when the struts will fail. Can anyone add their thoughts to this?

HeavyDuty

Any aftermarket lowering spring will prematurely age the strut. Typically the lower you go, the higher the spring rate and the quicker the strut will wear. Progressive rate springs with a reasonable drop won't be too harsh, specific rate springs will override the struts ability to dampen the oscillations of the spring which will cause premature failure more quickly.

eggm0nster

Decisions, decisions... Now I'm contemplating whether to put the springs on or wait for aftermarket struts... I've already put 12k miles on the car... wait until warranty is up then do it? Springs are coming in tomorrow.

bonjyng

iTrader: (1)

Put it on and post pics :-)

HeavyDuty

Even though it's more expense initially, you might want to consider getting struts, upper mounts and dust boots, having them assembled, then install them keeping the old assembly together as well for when you go to trade in or sell the car. Putting stock springs on OE or aftermarket struts *suck* because of the height of the OE springs it's real hard to put them together without a spring compressor.

When I get the urge to get Koni's for this car that's what I'm going to do with the Eibach's in my garage.

eggm0nster

Response from Tein Rep:

Thank you for your interest in TEIN High Performance Suspension products. Our S-Tech springs are designed to work with OE suspension components without causing any problems or accelerated wear. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to let us know.

Can anyone vouch for this or is this a typical response from a rep?

defconskylude

wow really? this doesn't sound right

try calling them or ask the 1G guys about using a 1.6 drop on OE shocks

eggm0nster

Alright, just called them to verify... Rep did confirm that these are customized to work with OE shocks/struts, he did mention about the possibility of modifying the bump stops. Can anyone elaborate more on this?

BOOSTED09TSX

+1

He said it just like out of a service manual.

I have had many lowered cars with both stock and performance struts. I thought the factory struts work well for everyday driving. They will got out faster but your own car is unique, they could last 25k to 30k or as far out as over 80k. I have blown factory shocks really fast on tracks but have had them last on my wife`s car for ever.

eggm0nster

Thanks for your input... makes me feel much more confident now knowing that I will never be taking my car to the track... If all goes according to plan, car will be dropped this Sunday, pics to come...

eggm0nster

Need some help from you guys... After taking a look at my wheels again last night, it seems like they're too flush with my fenders which might cause some rubbing after the drop. Let me know what you guys think? Will post pics soon...

18 x 7.5
offset: 42
225/40/18
to install (Tein S techs)

Not willing to roll fenders... Worst case scenario, opt for a milder drop?

eggm0nster

Pictures referring to post above... Sorry in advance if picture angles are too hard to determine, wasn't too sure how to take them.

HeavyDuty

Edit: The wheel/tire will pickup a little negative camber (tilt inwards towards the center of the car at the top of the wheel) when the car is lowered. I don't know your wheel on this car and couldn't tell you for sure about any interference.

Yeah, the bump stop is a high density spongy multi-segmented marshmallow looking thing that's on the strut piston. It's designed to absorb an impact and slow the compression of the damper to prevent the damper from bottoming out. (Full compression.) If the bump stops weren't there, and you did experience a full jounce the resulting crash would/could destroy the strut.

Their instructions will probably dictate that you cut off one or two of the segments of the bump stop when installing lowering springs. I cut off the smaller end (it may/may not be smaller at one end) it may not make a difference.

Oh, and yes, the reps response is typical. Perception and reality are two entirely different animals in this business.