What do ya think of this....
 

I'm starting the transformation of my 03ES and I would greatly appreciate the most awesome, expert advice from those who have gone before.....sooo here it is:

1. Motegi MR7 17x7 +42 in Hyper Black
2. 205/40/17 tires (open to suggestions for all season tire)
3. Illumina struts
4. H&R sport springs 1.3" drop

What I am most concerned about is the dreaded rub and some noted querks with the H&R springs.

Like I said above.....your insights and experience are wanted!!!

Thanks.

you're not interested in performance are you? If so, you're going to kill it with those wheels...Are you looking for something handle great for auto-x, something to just look good or what??

I'm looking for a little bling but leaning more towards performance. I've just kinda started planing what I want to do but since it's the wifes car as well.....let's just say it has to look good as well.

Now, why would it kill the performance of the car? I have lurked around long enough to know that you have a great vast of knowledge so I am very interested in what advice you have regarding my suspension/wheel /tire configuration.

However, my only stipulations are that the car gets lowered a little (not sold on the H&Rs yet) and the wheels go to 17"

I think the 17" wheels part is whats going to kill you.

The weight of our stock 16" wheels is not bad....17" wheels though are going to add a lot more rotating mass (unsprung weight) to the car and make it harder for the engine to turn them.

When I put my 17" wheels on and took it to the track I lost .2s through the 1/8th....I thought the wider tires would give me more grip....not the case. I would stick with a real nice lightweight 16" rim with a good low-profile tire. this will enhance the look of the car, remain lightweight, be a better performer overall and still add a classy touch.

Maybe Pro5 will post a pic of his car. Dave has some NICE rims on his P5 and they are only 16"s


As for ride height, a good set of springs like H&R or Eibach will be your best bet. I'd contact Ken at protegegarage and ask him for a set of Eibachs...I think they are 1.5: drop and they will snug up over the low profile 16"s nicely.




"Now, why would it kill the performance of the car? I have lurked around long enough to know that you have a great vast of knowledge so I am very interested in what advice you have regarding my suspension/wheel /tire configuration."

haha, butt-kissing always helps!!

"haha, butt-kissing always helps!!"

:D You know it!!!

As for the weight issue, this is what I was afraid the problem would be. I do not want to make the wheel/tire package any heavier than stock and actually wanted to go lighter, maybe SSR but those are cost prohibative right now.

I think I'll stick with my 16's or maybe check out some comp 16's so I can put snow tires on the stock set.

Also, just a quick side note: I've been reading your "preaching the gospel according to AEM" about their engine management system. When I start the engine upgrades would it be just a basicly good idea to get the AEM first? I've seen the dyno's you've posted and I am very impressed, but if I leave the engine stock after installing the AEM what gains could I expect.

Once again, thank you for your experience and knowledge, I really appreciate it.

Sorry Roddimus, but the wheels i've got on my P5 now are 17" Koing Holes, Gunmetal with polished lip. Weight wise, I think they are about the same as stock but don't know for sure. I was going for looks mainly right now.

To add to this discussion. I'm new but I do know few things about wheels.

Its important to consider the contact patch area. As your side wall increases, your contact patch will increase. Thus, better traction.

Lower profile will give better handling due to stiffer side wall and usually increase in width.

Far as 16 vs 17, its all depend on your wheel and tire size that will contribute to weight issue. Most cases I've seen, slight increase in weight will not make any difference that you could acturally see. Also Roddimus, how many runs did you make and did you change your wheels at the track?