Lowering My Protege5...
 

If I have 17x7 wheels with 205/45/17 tires with a 42mm offset will I be able to lower my car? If so, what would be best: Springs (1.5" drop max) or Coil-overs (so I can control the amount of drop)? Also, anyone know what Coil-overs will cost me?

Thanks!

Yeah you can probably drop that safely at least a little bit. Go with coilovers. That way you can drop it as much as you can.

Hey BlackMP5.....I went with the coilovers, didnt figure the 1.5 drop would be enough. On the other hand, I like to drive my P5 slammed, so I have left myself with riding on factory rims, can't find any I know will tuck for sure. My skunk2s' were $300 and I installed them myself, and I guess I will end up getting my factories chromed. Good luck, but with a +42 offset, it is going to be close with a couple inch drop. I put some 18s with 35's on my car this weekend with a +45 offset, and the fender lip sat down on the tire before the jack was even close to being down. Tough offset on these cars, but makes for fun surfing:) Later..

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/users/3cfde...TnW79A3FVTZxWZ

Shave the backpad on it. Depending on the thickness of the rim on it you might be able to shave off +3 or +4 offset.

Put couple of fat assed friends on the back seat-that will give you some indication of how much clearance you will have. If wheels clear fenders(nicely tuck in), then only your imagination is the limit:)
Alex